Wilfried Bony and Gervinho both scored within two minutes as Ivory Coast assembled a remarkable second-half turnaround to top Japan.
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| “The Drogba Effect” came into action two minutes after he entered the game THE GUARDIAN |
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Ivory Coast kept Japan on their toes to start the game, prompting a corner off Kalou’s shot just three minutes in. Despite the Africans firing on all cylinders in a bid to grasp the game early, they would be taken off course by a bullet strike from Keisuke Honda.
Nagatoma played through Honda with a simple pass, before he adjusted himself and blasted it to the top corner leaving the keeper Barry a spectator as the shot blazed into goal. All of a sudden, Ivory Coast had been broken open.
Yaya Toure’s free-kick attempt fizzled over, and the Africans got into the box at times, but they would finish the first phase of play trailing.
Ivory Coast had many more chances than their Asian counterparts but simply were not productive enough in the final third to convert a goal.
Just two minutes into the second half, Wilfried Bony squandered a golden chance to head home the equaliser. After Kalou’s shot was parried following some great build-up play, the Swansea breakthrough failed to head it or direct it towards goal.
Japan would also have chances in close proximity, but were too hesitant in front of goal and missed the mark.
Didier Drogba, whose reactions to Japan’s goal were clear for all to see, was introduced just after the hour mark and had a clear impact on the game. Suddenly, players seemed revitalized and amped up with his presence. Drogba’s first run on the ball saw him explode down the left and offload it to Gervinho, but he couldn’t convert.
Toulose full-back Serge Aurier would deliver two goal-assisting crosses within 100 seconds of each other to swing the game completely.
First, Willfried Bony glanced his head onto the diagonal cross to send it past Japan keeper Kawashima. The Ivory Coast supporters, already loud enough with some instruments livening up the game, were euphoric.
That would only further increase when Gervinho got his head onto Aurier’s cross less thasn two minutes after. The cross crept in towards the far post and Gervinho ensured that Ivory Coast would take the lead.
From then on in, Ivory Coast had plenty more time on the attack but couldn’t add another. As rain poured heavily and the final whistle neared, Japan looked a threat on the counter, although their threats were cut down.
By stoppage time, Japan had attacked but left vulnerabilities to a reckoning force on the counter.
Over that time, the game would draw out and Ivory Coast would reach a huge victory.
Match Breakdown
Man of the Match: Serge Aurier
Flop of the Match: Boubacar Barry
Possession: Ivory Coast 60%, Japan 40%
Shots: Ivory Coast 15, Japan 6
The Drogba Effect
Drogba’s presence just empowered the team. On he comes and four minutes later Ivory Coast are leading in the game.
Japan’s Gas Tank Runs Low
Japan had an excellent first half. With that being said, they ran low late in the second, as Ivory Coast looked fierce and spacious on the break.
Personal Verdict: “Top quality game. All opened up after the one hour mark. It’s great to see Ivory Coast doing well and for Drogba to have such a good impact. Cote d’Ivoire have a good shot at getting through.”
Ivory Coast have set their sights on progression but a clash with Colombia beckons.
Two minutes shape the game, it’s a thrilling encounter as Ivory Coast prevail.
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