Brazil 2014: Cote D’ivoire fights Back to Get 2-1 win over Japan
By Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Didier Drogba came off the bench to inspire Cote d’Ivoire to a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan in a World Cup Group C match on Saturday.
Drogba, who had been left out of the line-up due to an injury, came on in the 62nd minute when the elephants were a goal down after Keisuke Honda’s first half goal had given Japan the lead.
Just two minutes after Drogba’s entrance, Wilfried Bony and Gervinho scored with headers two minutes apart. Both goals were set up by curling crosses from defender Serge Aurier.
“It’s true that after (Drogba) came in, they had more confidence, It changed the match.” said Japan goalkeeper, Eiji Kawashima.
“I didn’t think we were able to play as quickly as we normally play and needed to do,” Japan coach, Alberto Zaccheroni also said. “We really have to take stock of the situation rather quickly.”
The 36-year-old former Chelsea star started for Cote d’Ivoire in the last two World Cups, but neither of those sides made it out of the group stage.
“It’s a beautiful victory. We are happy with the result. It’s important to start well,” Drogba said. “One can only be disappointed not to start a World Cup match, but I must respect those who did start. If we can say I had an impact on the match, that much better. It’s important for me to add an advantage to the team.”
Coach, Sabri Lamouchi said it wasn’t easy for him to leave Drogba on the bench from the start, but credited Drogba for the way he handled the decision.
“To see the joy he experienced at the end of the match … I am convinced he’s a champion and we need him,” Lamouchi said.
The game marked the World Cup debut for 42-year-old Lamouchi, a Frenchman of Moroccan descent who was widely seen as a surprise hire in an unpopular move among fans, who favoured a more experienced coach for the team. He was appointed in 2012.
Cote d’Ivoire will play Group C leader, Colombia, on Thursday, the same day Japan faces Greece.