Group C Match Preview: Cote d’Ivoire v Japan

 

Kick-off: 11:00am (AEDT) Sunday 15 June

Arena Peranmbuco, Recife. #CIVJAP

Coming from the coast of the fourth largest metropolis in Brazil, there is much at stake for the Group C opener. Probably the toughest game of the round for the Elephants and The Blue Samurai, the winner of this game will be most likely end the round on top of the entire group, so a win will be of great importance to each side.

Head to head these teams have only faced each other three times, with Japan coming out on top 2:1 but the number of goals scored equal at 2 each.

Both sides are quick and powerful in attack and you can expect strong, flowing and attacking football from these teams. The Blue Samurai will be keen to stick to their quick pace and precision style of play, but the Elephants will be looking to dominate with their strength on the ball.

The experience, power and passion of the captain, Didier Drogba will set the tone for the style of play for the Elephants. The team will surely rise to the occasion under his leadership, in a united desire to end their golden era of football on a high.

Shinji Kagawa’s play making skill and technical finesse will give the Blue Samauri plenty of options off the ball for quick play, particularly if he can link up with Keisuke Honda. With quick feet and a cool head, Kagawa will play a central role to strong attacking options for Japan.

Japan has a full strength squad available for selection. Crucially for the Elephants there is some doubt on Yaya Toure’s fitness following a slight hamstring injury earlier in the week.

I have some doubts about the strength of either sides defence, both likely to line up with 4 across the back in order to withstand the expected barrages on goal. Japan has only been able to maintain a clean sheet on the World Cup stage once out of its previous nice appearances. I think the skill in the midfield of the Elephants may just give them the edge.

Prediction: With goals a plenty already in this tournament, I’m predicting a close and entertaining win to Côte d’Ivoire, 3-1.

As an aside, the odds are pretty good for a few hat tricks this tournament, particularly with the talent of Luis Suarez (Uruguay) and Christiano Ronaldo (Portugal), but we may just be fortunate to see that magic from the boot of Yaya Toure, if he is fit, at some point during the group stage.

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