0' An excellent matchup for the spoils of Group C today. Colombia coming off of a strong win against Greece, where they looked very strong on the counter attack and defended well. Ivory Coast with second half heroics to come from behind and steal three points from Japan. Didier Drogba having a massive effect on their attack efficiency, but starting again on the bench. Colombia with the stronger opening performance, but this should prove to be an excellent match. Another three points at stake, and with it a virtual guarantee of going through to the next round, and both teams looking to make good on their talent and reverse their recent histories of squalor in world cups. Colombian fans out in strength today, and that will go a long way to making the team feel at home.
6' Nearly an early goal for Colombia as a long ball finds its way to Gutierrez in space but he is unable to get a shot on goal. A very open match so far, and neither team looks very settled. No strong midfield play either, with both teams playing long ball for the moment. Colombia making the better runs in attack though, but just lacking that magical finishing touch so far.
16' Colombia starting to exert dominance, and they have control of the match. Excellent running into space, and some excellent crosses that just cant seem to find anyone on the end as of yet. Ivory Coast with a few opportunities on the counter, but being forced to defend here. You just wonder how long they can hold out before the inevitable Drogba substitution helps them in the attack.
40' Ivory Coast defending well, but a few shaky possessions in defense that almost looked as if they were about to give the ball away. Colombia still maintaining pressure, and defending the counter well when required. They'll want to find their finishing touch to get ahead. Luckily for them, Ivory Coast still haven't found their attacking touch either.
45' And right before the half Ivory Coast turn it own and create some excellent opportunities for themselves, but unable to convert. The ball floating across goal more than once yet no one on the end of them. A very exciting scoreless half, but the story more missed chances than excellent defending or goal keeping. Both sides will look for inspiration at the half as they both feel like a goal and the win is only inches away.
55' Both sides come out of the half strong on the attack, and trade dangerous free kicks. Still lacking that final touch, but both defenses looking shaky, and giving up plenty of space for the opposing attack. Dangerous minutes we're seeing, and it almost feels that as soon as one goal comes it will be a barrage that follow.
59' Well Cameroon coming the closest thus far, its a shot from a steep angle that the keeper gets a hand to but the ball proceeds to rattles off the post. Absolute chaos at both ends of the field. And Drogba finally comes on for Bony, and that might be the little bit of magic the Ivory Coast need.
64' Its Colombia who finally break the scoring. Its a beautiful header off of a corner kick. And they finally break through. It's been a long time coming and the fans in the stadium erupt. Rodriguez comes near side, and slips Drogba who is marking him. The goal keeper gets a hand to it but its not enough as its headed with good pace. A fantastic goal, and the pressure squarely on Ivory Coast now to come up with one themselves. Still plenty of time left.
70' Ivory Coast threatening with plenty of good chances and a few free kicks and corners as well, but unable to convert, and its Colombia who comes back across the pitch, stealing the ball in defense, and in a 4 on 3 a beautiful pass in to Quintero to beat the central defender, and its easily sent past the keeper for the second goal and some security for Colombia. A horrible mistake in defense by Ivory Coast and Colombia makes them pay. They'll have to find some magic now, not unlike their two quick goals in succession against Japan.
73' A piece of inspired football from Gervinho brings the Ivory Coast back within one. He makes an excellent run through and around three Colombian defenders to find space in front of goal and sends a powerful shot near post past the keeper. What a goal, and sheer will from Gervinho to put Ivory Coast on the score sheet. They're not out of it yet.
81' Ivory Coast so close to equalising, with several good opportunities. They're attacking very well, and the Colombian defense looks less than secure. That being said, Colombia still looking dangerous on the occasional counter, but no risk no reward here for Ivory Coast. The Colombians also milking the clock every opportunity they can get, and thats something weve seen from all of the Central and South American countries so far, an amazing inclination to kill time in a frankly unsportsmanlike manner.
Final' Well Colombia on the doorstep of advancing to the knockout round for the first time ever. A good came against the Ivory Coast. The Ivory Coast should have had more goals, but just lacking that little bit of finishing touch. You have to wonder what difference Drogba might have made if he was in the entire match. Some holes to fix on defense for the Ivory Coast, as well as Colombia, if they want to make it far in the knock out round.
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