Colombia displayed in their 3-0 win over Greece the type of football that had so many soccer experts’ predictions in backing them as the eventual Group C winners. Los Cafeteros can just about secure that top spot by beating the Ivory Coast, who can do the same after a stirring comeback victory over Japan.
We had the Ivory Coast to win the group over Colombia in our own World Cup predictions. Can The Elephants prove us right by blowing away the Colombians? Prove yourself right by predicting the tournament winners in our $500 World Cup contest, and then read on for all about this crucial Group C clash.
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Colombia vs. Ivory Coast, World Cup 2014, Group Stage Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Estádio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia, Brazil
Any lingering doubts about Colombia’s ability to score without star striker Falcao have been ruthlessly put to bed after the team disposed of former European champions Greece, 3-0. Manager Jose Pekerman opted to play with just one up front, a formation that looks to suit their star-in-the-making, James Rodriguez.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Rodriguez was stationed just behind lone striker Teofilo Gutierrez, which meant he was able to have a much bigger influence on the game. He did just that against Greece as he had a hand in their first two goals and banged in the third himself. With Rodriguez pulling the strings, Colombia is a handful for any defense.
The two wingers either side of Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado and Victor Ibarbo, were also excellent as they constantly tormented the Greece defense. They could have another field day against the Ivory Coast and expose the space left by their attack-minded fullbacks.
Colombia’s central midfield duo of Carlos Sanchez and Abel Aguilar didn’t have the best of games against Greece’s less talented midfield. The Ivory Coast presents a step up in both quality and physicality in the middle of the park, a step those two must also take for Colombia to prevail.
The Ivory Coast didn’t start the game well against Japan and promptly fell behind 16 minutes into the game. But did they ever finish it strong, with two goals in lightning-quick succession to give them a crucial 2-1 win.
The catalyst of their revival was none other than their talisman, Didier Drogba. As if by mere force of personality, the Ivorians found another level once Drogba came on as a substitution in the second half – the Ivorians scored twice within ten minutes of his coming on.
It will be interesting to see whether manager Sabri Lamouchi opts to start Drogba in light of the impact he had against Japan. Until Drogba’s arrival, starting striker Wilfred Bony was wasteful in front of goal.
Drogba’s link-up play could also benefit Gervinho, who might prove quite useful against Colombia. Gervinho’s header scored the winning goal, and his speed may cause the slow, aging Colombia centerbacks more than a few problems.
Speaking of slow, Yaya Toure was noticeably slowed against Japan, most likely due to the hamstring injury he suffered at the end of Manchester City’s title-winning campaign. A hobbled Toure isn’t necessarily the end of the world, but it takes away one of the gears the Ivorians can reach, especially in attack.
Writer’s Prediction
Colombia carves up the Elephants’ defense, with James Rodriguez fanning the flames to his red-hot rise to stardom.
