Ivory Coast 2-1 Japan - Five Things We Learnt

Although World Cup 2014 has been a high scoring affair so far, few would stil have the appetite for the game between Cote d’Ivoire and Japan, especially after the “big match” between England and Italy. However, those who summoned up the energy to watch the fourth game on the tot for the day certainly won’t regret it. A powerful left footed drive by Keisuke Honda left Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry stunned and he could only pick the ball out of the net. Ivory Coast fought back but couldn’t trouble the scorers until after the one hour mark. With the introduction of Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast got some much needed boost and scored two in quick succession- Bony and Gervinho among the scorers, holding on till the final whistle and ensuring a full three points. Here are five things we learnt from this enthralling, end to end encounter.

#5 Honda is way underrated

Keisuke Honda of Japan scores the opening goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group C match between Cote D'Ivoire and Japan at Arena Pernambuco

Keisuke Honda just like in 2010 is making the headlines with his play in the World Cup. Honda spent two quiet years at Eredivise club VVV-Venlo before joining Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow, where he spent four years before signing with Milan this January. Over the years, he has generated buzz from a few European top teams, for some strange reason none of the big powerhouses in Eurrope took a punt on him. His left footed strike, which generated a goal from nowhere and left Ivory Coast stunned just shows how skilled a player he is. Signing Honda on a free transfer must have been the best thing Massimiliano Allegri did as the Milan manager.

#4 Gervinho shows why Serie-A

Gervinho had huge potential when he signed for Arsenal back in 2011. However, after two years spent largely on the bench at Arsenal and many a dismal performances later, he seemed lost. Many believed he would never become the player the world once thought he would. The Ivorian however found his old self back again upon his switch to the Serie-A. After an outstanding season at Roma, he has come back to show the transformed Gervinho at the world stage. He was uber active on the pitch; shooting, dribbling and winning corners for his team. And what better way to announce yourself to the world than scoring the winner?

#3 The force is still with Drogba

With his fitness stil in doubt, Didier Drogba could only find a place on the bench for the game. As Ivory Coast failed to equalize after Honda’s wonder strike, Drogba was finally given a chance to make a mark fifteen minutes into the second half. He immediately created a chance out of nowhere with a sublime backheel, and there was a sudden flow of energy into Ivory Coast’s quest for goal. The move to introduce the country favourite son paid off immediately, with Bony netting a powerful header just a few minutes later. The equaliser was swiftly followed by a mistake by the Japanese goalkeeper which allowed Gervinho to make it 2-1. Just five minutes after Drogba’s introduction, Ivory Coast had taken the lead. To be fair we can say that the “power is still with him”.

#2 Bony needs to improve

Before being substituted, Wilfried Bony had done his job of scoring the equalizer. Although his goal was a powerful header which only few are capable of producing, with 4 shots on goal, he managed to have only 1 on target. The goal might have given him a starting XI place next match, but his dismal finishing in the first half leaves much to be desired. If he doesn’t sharpen up, Bony might well find his spot threatend especially with a certain Didier Drogba ready to replace him on the substitutes bench.

#1 2014 is the Year of Saffron

Its been all shades of saffron this year

This might finally be the year of the Orange. After Defending champions Spain got the thrashing of a lifetime from “the Oranje“ force of Netherlands (although they were wearing white), now Ivory Coast(wearing another shade of the colour) won their third match in World Cup finals.

The Dutch made a similar, albeit a more spectacular comeback as they took the defending champion for a ride, pumping 5 past the disastrous Casilas. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast were not too shabby either as it was only the second time that the Elephants have come back from a goal down.

Something tells me it’s the colour Saffron that did the trick. You just can’t fight fate, can you?