World Cup Match Report: Ivory Coast come from behind to beat Japan 2-1

Instant Analysis

The Ivory Coast started off disjointed and out of sorts, but their wealth of talent in attack eventually came through to beat Japan 2-1. The Blue Samurai opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a powerful shot into the top of the net from Keisuke Honda. But as the match wore on, the Ivory Coast fixed their defensive problems and began to mount a consistent attack. As soon as Didier Drogba came off the bench, Serge Aurier set up a goal from Wilfried Bony in the 64th minute and Gervinho two minutes later. For the brief time the trio of Drogba, Bony and Gervinho shared the pitch, the Ivory Coast looked like a side that could win this group.

Man of the Match

Yaya Toure, Ivory Coast  — Perhaps this award will make up for Man City not giving him a birthday cake to his liking?

Best Tweet

Best Photo

OK then.

What's Next

The Ivory Coast will next face Colombia in perhaps the best fixture of this group, while Japan and Greece will fight over who is the bluest.

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