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World Cup Preview: Colombia v Ivory Coast

By on June 19, 2014

Colombia and Ivory Coast will be looking to carry the momentum from their opening day victories into their meeting in Brasilia.

Colombia were hugely impressive in a 3-0 demolition of Greece, as they soon forgot about the loss of Radamel Falcao. Filling in for Falcao were Teofilo Gutierrez and Victor Ibarbo, both of whom complimented each other throughout the game. James Rodriguez and Juan Cudrado also proved to be as effective as anticipated, with Cudrado assisting the first goal for Pablo Armero and James Rodriguez rounding off the game with neat finish past Orestis Karnezis.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast were less than convincing in their win over the Ivory Coast. They trailed for much of the game until Didier Drogba came on after 62 minutes. The 36-year-old lifted the side as Serge Aurier put in two wonderful crosses for Wilfried Bony and Gervinho to turn the game 2-1 in Ivory Coast’s favour.

The game should pan out to be an end to end game; both sides were keen to get at the opposition in their first group game and it is likely both will keep up the same intensity for the game. It will be the first real test for Mario Yepes and Cristian Zapata, as neither was tested in their opener as they Greeks failed to muster anything of much danger to the Colombians. Ivory Coast do possess the players to get at 38-year-old Mario Yepes in particularly, and Gervinho should have some joy at trying to break through the Colombian backline.

Colombia coach, Jose Pekerman said this on Ivory Coast: “They know we’ll be keeping an eye on certain of their players and beating them will depend on our players’ inspiration and the collective strength of a team showing it is ready to fight for qualification to the last 16.”

Ivory Costa will have to put a stronger defensive display than they did against Japan. Colombia are much more of a direct side and they should get in behind the Elephants defence on regularly with James Rodriguez expected to be the main instigator behind it.

Team News

Colombia- Fredy Guarin is available following suspension but Pekerman is expected to name the same line-up as he did against Greece.

Ivory Coast- It seems likely Didier Drogba will be sat on the bench again with Sabri Lamouchi expected to opt for Wilfried Bony again.

About James Cartwright

Sports Journalism student - Long suffering Boro and Steelers fan.