0' Important game for both teams here in an absolutely wide open group. No Didier Drogba in the starting line-up for Ivory Coast, but they'll fancy their chances without him. Japan the clear underdogs, but certainly not pushovers, with a very industrious side and experience in Honda and Hasebe. 3 points will do well to helping each of these teams into the knockout phase.
16' And its Japan who score first. Both teams coming out somewhat haphazardly. Both with chances. Ivory Coast with the best of them, but Japan the first to convert. Its from a short corner and Honda gets the ball at the top of the box and just rifles the ball into the top near side corner. A Brilliant shot, and Japan have Ivory Coast in trouble.
21' Japan nearly take a second, and Ivory Coast in disarray. Japan finding lots of space in the attack, and controlling the bull-worth of possession.
34' Free kick opportunities for Ivory Coast, but unable to convert. They taken back some bit of control of the came from Japan, but Japan still playing strong and keeping up the pressure. Wonderful attacking game from both sides. Yaya Toure with two good free kicks, but both just missing their mark. A good shot as well by Boka and an excellent save by the Japanese keeper to keep things level. Both sides threatening to score, with good attempts.
47' Ivory Coast nearly giving up a goal. A bad turnover in their defending half but Japan cannot make them pay. Minute later on the opposite side they nearly draw even, its a header by Toure that goes wide. Ivory Coast have not come out well, and need to control the ball better. Japan not yet making them pay for their mistakes though.
58' Ivory Coast now with the majority of possession but unable to convert, and its a tale of missed opportunities for both teams here. Drogba warming up on the bench, and you wonder if he'll be able to interject some finishing on the end of these wonderful opportunities.
64' Its Ivory Coast who equalises and Drogba has an immediate impact. In the 4 minutes he's been in he's created 3 chances and the fourth attack converts. Its Bony who gets his head to a cross and sends it into the far side netting. Excellent header, and Ivory Coast are right back in this. Japan ruing their early chances, and not making Ivory Coast pay for their mistakes. All level now, and the edge has clearly shifted to the Africans.
66' Oh my a minute later its another one for Ivory Coast. Its Gervinho who connects his head with a cross this time, and this time sends it to the near post. Japan in total disarray, Gervinho with all kinds of space and the keeper in poor positioning. What a change of events here, and Japan now on their heels. A magical effect Drogba has had, and the African fans with new life and energy, as well as the players.
81' Ivory Coast maintaining good possessions and attacking well, and Japan certainly not controlling the game like a team down a goal would like to. Drogba nearly makes it three on a beautiful free kick 30 years out, but its a great save by the Japanese keeper to give his team a fighting chance.
Final' Well a beautiful comeback for Ivory Coast hands them three points and a good chance to escape the group. Japan playing well but just lacking the finishing touch needed to score goals. Big mistakes in defense as well, and they have a lot to fix if they want to make any kind of run in this tournament.
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