Jun 4, 2014; Frisco, TX, USA; Ivory Coast forward Yao Kouassi (10) dribbles the ball against El Salvador during the game at Toyota Stadium. Kouassi has a goal and an assist. Ivory Coast defeats El Salvador 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Japan, the Asian version of Chile, possess telepathic cohesion and passing make up for their lack of height and strength. Having gone undefeated in their last four friendlies, Samurai Blue looks to carry that momentum into the tournament. Although there have been major concerns surrounding their defense, Japan seems undaunted going forward and hope their possession game will compensate for their fragile backline.
Unfortunately, Japan’s first match will be against the toughest opponent in their group, Cote d’Ivoire. Although their chemistry isn’t as synced as Japan’s, Les Elephantes are undaunted since they have the speed and physical strength to break the Japanese midfield apart. With Yaya Toure, the best two-way player in the world, and Didier Drogba, the aging yet still athletic forward, in the lineup, very few can keep up with Cote d’Ivoire’s physical power.
Jun 4, 2014; Frisco, TX, USA; Ivory Coast defender Aurier Serge (17) and forward Bony Wilfried (12) celebrate the win over El Salvador at Toyota Stadium. Ivory Coast defeats El Salvador 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Can Japan’s backline hold off such an athletic squad? Can Cote d’Ivoire muster up efficient combination passes to break past Japan? Is Didier Drogba flash glimpses of his prime years or show his age? This game is as close as they come in the World Cup.
"Projected Starting XIJapan: Kawashima, Nagatomo, Konno, Yoshida, Uchida, Endo, Honda, Kagawa, Hasebe, Okazaki, OsakoCote d’Ivoire: Barry, Boka, Kolo Toure, Zokora, Aurier, Tiote, Yaya Toure, Serey Die, Kalou, Drogba, Gervinho"
Keys for Japan
– Stick to their gameplan! Japan cannot be daunted by the likes of Yaya Toure and Tiote in the midfield and stick to their gameplan. Composure and patience will be key in beating out these athletic beasts.
– Jump to an early lead. An early lead will unsettle their opponents who seem to let their athleticism help them win games. If Japan can go up 1-0 or 2-0 by the half, Cote d’Ivoire will find themselves forcing bad shots and rushing through their decisions, thus playing into Japan’s hands.
Keys for Cote d’Ivoire
– They have a clear advantage in the set pieces. Either Yaya Toure can rocket a shot from distance or someone else can launch a pass to an open target. The Cote d’Ivoire players tower over the Japanese, so finding their heads shouldn’t be a problem.
– Disrupt the midfield. Cote d’Ivoire must disrupt Japan’s passing lanes and impose high pressure on them. A string of turnovers will be enough to unnerve them and render their midfield uneffective.
Key Battles
– Yaya Toure vs Hasebe – No doubt Hasebe is a quality defensive midfielder, but he’s going to be thrown in the line of fire as he matches up against the creative and physical monster known as Yaya Toure. Hasebe’s job is simple. Shut down Toure, you shut down Cote d’Ivoire. Sounds easier than it looks.
– Uchida vs Gervinho – It’s a battle between one of the most stable left-backs in the game and one of the fastest. Gervinho will play a crucial role in bringing the ball into the final third with his speed and technical abilities. Uchida cannot afford to blink on Gervinho or else he’ll suffer the consequences.
– Honda + Kagawa vs Tiote + Backline – The most creative duo against the veteran defense and an athletic Tiote. Either Honda and Kagawa will be in for the most physical battle of their lives or this will be a cakewalk. It’s really hard to tell.
"Predictions– In light of rumors surrounding Yaya Toure’s fitness, Young Kim thinks Japan will take this match 2-1. Drogba will get the opening goal, but Japan will kick into full gear and dance around the uncoordinated Cote d’Ivoire defense like the Harajuku district. Shinji Okazaki will earn a brace and my nomination for “YoungMoneySystem Player of the Match.”– Drew thinks Ivory Coast will role this out 3-2 over Japan. Ivory coast has the talent as well as the size and pace and they can literally steam role japan physically. “They have a weakness or two at the back, and I have no idea how japan will deal with defending set pieces,” says Drew.– “Oooh tough one. I think it will be 2-2. Didier Drogba should not be underestimated as he’s still a talented player after scoring 15 goals for his club team. Yaya Toure will threaten Japan’s line, but Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa can penetrate the midfield and score a piece. So I would predict a draw.” – Charles Kim"