Ivory Coast Vs. Japan Results and Highlights: The Elephants Come Back From Behind To Take All Three Points [VIDEO]

The Ivory Coast and Japan faced off in Recife today in their World Cup Group C opening match. Two quick goals gave the Ivory Coast all three points after going behind in the first half. Didier Drogba wasn’t in the starting eleven for the Elephants but Yaya Toure was fit to make the start and captain his side.

The rain and 94% humidity in the Arena Pernambuco seemed to take its toll on the players early on in the match, with very little attacking in the first quarter hour. The first good chance of the game came in the 5^th minute in the form of a counter attack which began on the right flank with Gervinho playing in a good ball into forward Wilfried Bony who had his strike blocked for a corner kick.

On the 16-minute mark Keisuke Honda made no mistake from 15 yards and struck a wondrous shot powerfully into the top left corner giving Japan the early advantage. The Japanese maintained pressure and on 20 minutes Atsuto Uchida did very well to free himself in the box, but Ivorian goalkeeper Boubacar Barry blocked his shot.

The Ivorians looked most lethal on the break with Gervinho in the 34^th minute receiving a ball in from the midfield in a one on one situation, but his shot was well blocked. The ensuing corner was momentarily cleared by Japan but a thundering strike back in by Arthur Boka called Japanese keeper Kawashima back into action and he was up for the challenge, blocking the shot well. The Elephants created a few good chances before halftime but the Blue Samurai defense held strong and went into the break up 1-0.

The Elephants opened up the second half looking lively with Bony finding himself in front of goal after a few good passes near the Japanese box, but his header went wide of the target.

On 62 minutes Die Serey came off for Didier Drogba who had an immediate impact creating a wonderful chance with a clever back heel, and from that moment on the Ivory Coast looked a completely different side. Two minutes after Drogba’s arrival, Serge Aurioer played a wonderful cross into the box that was met by Wilfried Bony who made no mistake and headed his nation even.

Just two minutes after the equalizer another phenomenal cross by Aurier was turned in by Gervinho to give the Elephants the lead. The confidence that was lacking by the Ivorian side in the first half was rejuvinated with Drogba’s introduction and the African side never looked back. Overall, a comfortable three points for the Ivorians who face off against Colombia on Thursday, June 19. The Japanese will look to recover from the disappointing defeat when they face Greece on the same day.