PREVIEW | Colombia v Côte d’Ivoire
Kick-off: 2:00AM (AEDT) Friday 20 June, Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília. #COLCIV
Colombia and Côte d’Ivoire both come into this match with wins notched firmly into their belts. A win this game will secure qualification to the next round, so both teams will need to settle their nerves early and bring their A-game to guarantee progression. Both teams will enter the stadium in heightened confidence, Colombia following its absolute domination over Greece and Côte d’Ivoire following its muscled determination over Japan.
This will be the first meeting between these teams, but both have a prolific history in terms of goal scoring ability and attack is what these sides do best. Colombia will move to a more attacking structure in this game, likely 4-3-1-1. Côte d’Ivoire will shape up much the same as against Japan, although will be aiming to be more effective around the box this time around and get more shots on target. There are still tickets available for this match, so if you are in the area it might be worth snatching up a seat as this will be a sizzling and powerful match to witness. Otherwise, set your alarm clocks and don’t hit snooze!
Colombia will be missing attacker Carlos Bacca who copped a knock in training resulting in a muscle injury sidelining him for the rest of the group stage, but fans can take some measure of comfort with Fredy Gaurin returning to the squad from his suspension. The Elephants however have a fully fit squad available for game day.
Guarin’s return is a timely one for Colombia. He will be out to cement his place in the national side with this game. His silky touch is going to be essential to getting the ball through the midfield and up to the feet of Gutiérrez and Rodriguez. A quick transition and precise placement into space from the boot of Gaurin will certainly create havoc in the already shaky defence of the Elephants.
Didier Drogba’s role of starting or playing the impact role will be a tough one for the Elephants manager, Sabri Lamouchi, to make. His one clear option will be to ensure youngster, Serge Aurier, gets on the ball as much as possible. He showed tremendous skill and maturity in the game against Japan, controlling much of the right flank and also blitzing lofty and precise deliveries into his strikers.
On paper, Colombia looks to have the form and match conditions will certainly lean in their favour. The Elephants will present a tougher opponent for Colombia than their experience with in the opener against Greece. But I’m not sure it’d be wise to write off the Elephants determination and passion at this point. The result in this match will be close, perhaps too close to call.
I’m going to hedge my bets on a draw; 2-2.
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