Ivory Coast has become something of a choker in the world cup stage. In the last two world cups, they had been labeled as potential dark horses prior to the tournaments. But the Elephants could not cross the group stage in both the tournaments. To be fair to them, they were in tough groups in both occasions. This time though, the Lady Luck seemed to have smiled on them. They are in a supposedly easy group, along with Columbia, Greece and Japan. If they fail this time too, that will be the confirmation to their choker’s tag.

Ivory Coast-Japan Preview

Japan, on the other hand, has always punched above their weight. In many ways they are antithesis to Ivory Coast. They come virtually unnoticed to world cups, people take notice only when they score some unexpected wins to qualify for the next stage.

The Japanese side boasts of some well-known footballers who have proved their mettle in the European leagues. They play speedy football, with short passes and quick dribbling. More than anything else, the briskness of their counter-attack startles the opponents many a time.

The Ivory Coast players will be vary of that threat. They will be looking to use high balls and crosses against the short-statured Japanese defenders. The aerial prowess of the strikers could be a blessing against Japan.

Players

Yaya Toure is fast recovering from injury that he suffered during the final stages of English Premier League. He is expected to play against Japan. That will give a formidable look to the Columbian team already brimming with established stars such Didier Drogba, Wilfried Bony and Gervinho.

The veteran duo of Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda remain the lynchpins of the Japanese attack. Along with a host of young and upcoming stars, they look forward to slip into the second round unnoticed one more time.

Ivory Coast-Japan Prediction

A 1-1 or 2-2 draw will be a realistic result

Draw 3.30 @ Bet365

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