Preview: Colombia vs Ivory Coast

This game will probably be the one of the most interesting matches ever happening at this World Cup. Both Ivory Coast and Columbia won their first games  and are looking forward to crush each other for this upcoming match. They both have to win this game in order to have a safe path to the 16th round.

Jun 4, 2014; Frisco, TX, USA; Ivory Coast forward Yao Kouassi (10) during the game against El Salvador at Toyota Stadium. Ivory Coast defeats El Salvador 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Tricolor boasts its team with overflowing talent despite lack of international experience that they bring. Also, their star, Radamel Falcao (indisputably the best striker in Columbia and the world) was ruled out of World Cup after tearing his ligament during his club game.  However, by crushing Greece 3-0 with fast counterattacks and easy penetration through Greek defense, Columbia showed the world that they don’t always have to depend on Falcao.

For Colombia, James Rodriguez has successfully filled Falcao’s void and led much of Columbia’s offense throughout the past match against Greece. He  is expected again to do the same role for second match against Ivory Coast. Columbia is especially known for incorporating clever passes and fast pace inside the penalty box. Also, Teofilo Gutierrez should not be underestimated as he shined out in the match against Greece through scoring a second goal during set pieces. This young and energetic team has everything that it takes in order to challenge Les Elephants and win it.

On the other hand, Ivory Coast boasts veterans such as Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba who had created attacks for the team. Although Yaya Toure struggled during the match against Japan because of Hasebe’s defense, Toure’s plays drastically improved as Drogba came in as a sub. Drogba’s presence made Japanese defenders commit multiple fouls against him and forced Japan to deal counterattacks from Ivory Coast’s set pieces. Also, when Japanese players became more focused on Drogba, their defense was open for Gervinho and Bony to score. Gervinho will be another player that Colombia should watch out since he has a good pace and can cause trouble in the defense. Since Colombia’s defense was rarely tested against Greece, perhaps this is a good time to see if Gervinho can tear down Colombia’s back line with help from Drogba and Toure.

But question for Ivory Coast is that will their shots be more accurate this time? Out of 21 shots they took against Japan, only five were aimed at the goal. Ivory Coast’s athleticism and height overwhelmed Japan’s cohesion but can their plan work against Colombia? But for Colombia, will their shaky defense be finally tested? The game against Greece was so obvious that their defense really didn’t do much. Colombia must be aware that Ivory Coast emphasizes more on speed and counterattack than Greece who is more on defensive side. It’s even more difficult for me to decide who will be a clear victor out of this game. But here’s the preview for both teams.

Projected Starting XI’s

• Colombia (possibly 4-5-1): Ospina; Zapata, Yepes, Sanchez, Armero; Zuniga, Aguilar, Rodriguez, Cuadrado Ibarbo; Gutierrez.
• Ivory Coast (possibly 4-3-3): Barry; Boka, Aurier, Serey, Bamba; Zokora, Tiote, Toure; Gervinho, Kalou, Drogba.

Keys for Colombia

• Focus more on defending against Les Elephants. Tricolor’s defense had a comfortable time throughout the game against Greece because the game was so pinpointed on Colombia constantly attacking. Ivory Coast’s attack is much sharper as they have Gervinho and Drogba who will love to tear down Colombia’s inconsistent defense. In order to stop Elephants from attacking, use Jackson Martinez card early in the game instead of using him late.
• Rodriguez’s leadership in the midfield will be questioned as Ivory Coast’s midfield is more aggressive. Especially mark Yaya Toure from making effective passes. With Drogba playing along, Toure will be very dangerous and he will be able to give deadly passes to Gervinho and Kalou who have so much energy coming out from themselves.
• Watch out for long range shots from Ivory Coast. One out of four goals conceded in Colombia’s previous matches resulted from long range shots. Be more attentive on Ivory Coast’s plan.

Keys for Ivory Coast

• Make sure presence of Drogba doesn’t diminish throughout the game. The previous game against Japan clearly proved how many players are afraid of Drogba. Drogba’s presence will open up spaces for other players like Gervinho to take shots at the goal. But also make sure that players don’t get dependent on Drogba too much because they played very poorly on the first half when Drogba was warming up at the bench.
• Need to focus on defensive measures. Honda’s goal could have been stopped if Les Elephants’ defense wasn’t slow. Half of goals they gave up came from last quarter of the second half. In order to beat Colombia, make sure they are more careful with defensive mistakes on second half.
• Use wings more often. Ivory Coast tends to not to use their wings often and by allowing Aurier and Kalou to move around, Ivory Coast will have many chances to counterattack more efficiently.

Key battles

• James Rodriguez vs Serey Die: James Rodriguez was the perfect player who was able to fill in the void for Falcao. He was a driving force for 3-0 win against Greece. While setting up the first goal for Colombia, Rodriguez later scored the third goal himself, establishing himself as a threatening player. He will again lead the midfield on this game. Serey Die will be responsible for James Rodriguez as he marked down Honda on last game. Although Honda proved to be a difficult player, Die was able to prove his worth as a defender through his athleticism. Although Die sometimes has problems in concentration, he made sure that Honda was shadowed over the victory.
• Carlos Sanchez vs Yaya Toure: Sanchez has proved himself to be well-disciplined and able defender over past league games. Sanchez’s duty is to mark down Toure. Toure successfully connected the midfield and attack during the previous game. Even though he wasn’t at his best, it was still enough for Japanese defensive midfielders to get hold on him.
• Victor Ibarbo vs Serge Aurier: Ibarbo is physically strong and extremely quick. He impressed others with his speed and strength during the game against Greece. But can he get around Aurier? Aurier is always watchful for counterattacks and he was able to intercept passes from Japan. Plus, Aurier was responsible for providing assists for both goals with his crosses. He has enough energy and balance for this next match to shut down Ibarbo.

Staff’s predictions

• Drew: 2-2. Both sides are going forward, but both have questions at the back in a few areas. The midfield battle will end up as a stalemate but chances will still be created from both teams having such quality on flanks.
• Charles: 2-2. I agree with Drew’s opinion. Both countries’ defenses are questionable but their midfield and attackers are fantastic. They all boast athleticism and height throughout the team. Gervinho and Drogba will be able to score while Rodriguez will be able to score one and assist one for others.
• Young: 2-1 Colombia. Unlike Japan, Colombia has height and athleticism to go along with their cohesion. This team can give Ivory Coast problems all day long.