REVIEW: Japan vs Ivory Coast

Japan started wondering when the Ivory Coast will come out to play after taking the lead in the first half. Les Elephantes were holding themselves back until the 62nd minute when Didier Drogba came in on the pitch and came back from a 1-0 deficit to grab a 2-1 victory.

The Samurai Blue took the lead 16 minutes into the first half after Keisuke Honda fired a shot in the box with his left foot thanks to a pass from Yugo Nagatomo. Ivory Coast found new life after Drogba came on the pitch as Wilfred Bony managed to sneak a header off a cross from Serge Aurier two minutes after Drogba’s introduction. Two minutes served to be Ivory Coast’s magic countdown as they took the lead within that time after their first goal thanks to a Gervinho header off Aurier’s cross.

Les Elephantes held onto the lead for the rest of the game as they looked for more opportunities to score, while the Japanese desperately looked for a chance to equalize. However, the Samurai Blue looked stifled on the offensive end due to their low stamina and their opponent’s physical strength. Japan failed to replicate the electric runs they had in the first half and saw their hopes of winning drift away.

The Japanese were in control throughout the first half, combining quick passes and sharp cuts to create perfect chances at goal, but they lacked a finishing product. The Ivory Coast were doing their best to hold off the Japanese and establish their tempo on the offensive end, which was gradually making gains in the match. The introduction of Didier Drogba served not only as a morale booster for Ivory Coast, but also a tactical advantage as his presence provided more space for his teammates. Knowing fully well that they can trump their opponents if they maximize their height and athleticism, Ivory Coast capitalized on the Japanese by winning the ball in the air and finishing off headers.

Ultimately the match was a battle between athleticism (Ivory Coast) and cohesion (Japan), and tonight athleticism won.

Tweets of the Match

Man Men of the Match

Gervinho and Serge Aurier have every right to be awarded the Men of the Match for tonight. In light of the sluggish performance by his teammates, Yaya Toure and Cheick Tiote, the two have stepped up big and made major contributions in the offensive end.

Gervinho was a constant menace and wasn’t fazed by his matchup against Yugo Nagatomo, sparking brilliant runs from the wing and cutting his way into the box to create dangerous shot opportunities for himself or his teammates. From the beginning of the match to the final whistle, Gervinho was consistently active and looked as if he could play another 90 minutes.

Aurier struggled to get in rhythm in the first half, but gradually found his footing as the match went on. He made several brilliant runs from the wing and ultimately created two beautiful crosses that converted into goals.

Player Ratings

Ivory Coast

Boubacar Barry 7.5 – Couldn’t do anything on Honda’s rocketing shot, but regardless he still put on a strong performance.

Arthur Boka 7.0 – He did take several shots that tested the keeper, but ultimately should have done better on his offensive possessions. Nevertheless, he did a great job in containing Shinji Okazaki throughout the match.

Serge Aurier 8.0 – Struggled in the first half, but gradually improved. Earned two assists which was enough to aid his team to victory.

Sol Bamba 7.0 – Solid performance overall in the backline in spite of yellow card.

Serey Die 6.0 – Was nearly invisible throughout the match. His main contribution was coming off the pitch to make way for Drogba.

Yaya Toure 6.5 – Lazy performance that may have ben attributed to lingering injury. He was responsible for Honda’s goal.

Didier Zokora 7.0 – Likewise as Bamba. His experience was vital in commanding the backline.

Cheick Tiote 6.0 – Was easily beaten by Honda on the run.

Wilfred Bony 7.5 – Nothing spectacular aside from his game-tying header. Did make good off-ball runs.

Gervinho 8.5 – electric from start to finish

Solomon Kalou 7.0 – Made some good plays, but still struggles with problem of being not good enough at winger or striker.

Bench

Djakpa 6.0 – Came in for Boka and did a decent job, but nothing impactful.

Ya Konan 6.5 – Kept the stability on the pitch.

Didier Drogba 7.0 – His presence changed the makeup of the team.

Japan

Kawashima 4.0 – He should have stopped the second goal. That will haunt him and the team as the Tournament progresses.

Nagatomo 5.0 – Despite the crisp assist to Honda, he turned invisible throughout the match. Had trouble against Gervinho

Morishige 6.0 – If he didn’t concede that goal to Bony, he would have earned a higher rating.

Maya Yoshida 5.0 – Careless challenges were wild enough to make his teammates cringe as his tackles could have won Ivory Coast a penalty.

Makoto Hasebe 6.0 – Cautious performance throughout the match as he looked entirely focused on marking Yaya Toure. Fans blame him for not helping out on offense, but when given a task to mark Toure, it’s understandable.

Yamaguchi 6.0 – A very one-dimensional performance. Kept Ivory Coast at bay on the defensive end, but couldn’t contribute on the offense. Sloppy passing.

Okazaki 6.0 – The Mainz 05 forward looked more occupied on helping out the defense rather than aiding Kagawa and Honda up top.

Honda 6.5 – Tried to do everything on the offensive end for Japan. Can’t blame him.

Kagawa 5.5 – Unusually unproductive showing by Kagawa. Tonight Kagawa was not play-a-making.

Yuya Osako 4.0 – I didn’t know he was playing.

Substitutes

Endo 5.5 – Unlike Drogba, this veteran provided nothing but an open door for Gervinho’s goal

Kakitani 5.0 – didn’t have time to show anything

Okubo 5.5 – Reminded us all why he remained in the J-League after looking like a promising player in 2006.