Colombia vs Ivory Coast - What we can expect - Preview and Prediction
It’s a clash at the top of Group C as Colombia take on Ivory Coast. Both sides will enter into this with high hopes of getting all three points, as a win would guarantee qualification to the last 16. Granted, a point apiece wouldn’t be the most satisfying result, but it wouldn’t be the most disastrous either as both Japan and Greece have still yet to get any points on the board – something that’s certain to change when they meet six hours after this match kicks off.
Reflecting back on just how Sabri Lamouchi’s team did against the Japanese last Sunday reveals a side who took some time to get going, but once they had found their groove, looked very good value for the win. As for Colombia, they swept the 2004 European Champions aside pretty handily in a 3-0 victory. This is, perhaps, the most evenly-balanced group of them all – something that’s sure to make for a tense and dramatic finale. and with everything so very much up in the air, we’ll have a much clearer picture after both full-time whistles go.
Venue
The Estádio Nacional de Brasilia will host this highly-anticipated Group C clash as spectators hope that it rivals some of the other smashing contests we’ve already borne witness to so far. Staging its second big game, having already welcomed Switzerland and Ecuador just four days prior, it’s already had its World Cup baptism. With a capacity of around 70,000, and one of the most eye-catching designs you’re ever likely to see, it has all the hallmarks of a ground worthy enough to grace a World Cup finals. But for all its architectural grace, hopefully, the football on display is a lot more attractive than it, otherwise we might be getting more than our fair share of gratuitous shots of its exterior – it’s up to the stars on show to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Kick-off Time
June 19 – 10:00 pm – Indian Standard Time (IST)
June 19 – 1:00 pm – Local Time
Possible Starting Line-Ups
Colombia (4-4-2): David Ospina; Juan Zuniga, Cristian Zapata, Mario Yepes, Pablo Armero; Juan Cuadrado, Abel Aguilar, Carlos Sanchez, Victor Ibarbo; James Rodriguez, Teofilo Gutierrez.
Ivory Coast (4-3-3): Boubacar Barry; Arthur Boka, Sol Bamba, Kolo Toure, Serge Aurier; Serey Die, Yaya Toure, Cheick Tiote; Salomon Kalou, Gervinho; Bony.
Key Facts and Stats
- According to the Daily Mail this will be the first-ever meeting between Colombia and Ivory Coast.
- Mario Yepes will earn his 100th cap in this match; he’s the third most-capped player in their history.
- A win for either side would guarantee a place in the second-round, a stage the Ivory Coast have never reached before.
- Colombia have only ever reached the last-16 once, in 1990. They didn’t qualify for the last three World Cups.
- Alongside France, Germany and Croatia, Colombia are in a select group of teams who have not conceded when scoring three or more goals at this World Cup.
Key Battles
Mario Yepes v. Gervinho/Bony
Solid as a rock at the back for so long, 38-year-old Mario Yepes has bided his time for this tournament and he’s not about to be beaten easily. Los Cafeteros kept seven clean sheets in qualifying and deemed themselves more than capable of shutting out teams – Yepes was a constant at the heart of their defence throughout that time and now that he has the time in the spotlight, his senses will be more razor-sharp than ever, his tackles will be fierce and his determination, though rivalled by that of Gervinho and Bony, should prove enough to ensure he comes out on top.
Pablo Armero v. Serge Aurier
Serge Aurier was an absolute sensation against Alberto Zaccheroni’s men a few days ago, and he’ll be out to cause some damage yet again with his fantastic delivery. Moving with pace down the right flank, he looked to attack with an uninhibited energy, and it worked well for him as he grabbed himself two memorable assists. But Colombia’s left-back Pablo Armero will be expecting his surging runs and early crosses, and so he’ll likely have a plan at the ready to arrest him. Add to this, the fact he’s already grabbed himself a goal, and Aurier might need to check his runs before he leaves the space behind him exposed.
Prediction
After such a magnificent beginning to their campaign against a rather tricky opponent, Colombia are likely to enter into this game without any fear. Having lost their star striker and key talisman Radamel Falcao on the cusp of the tournament, they’ve exhibited tremendous courage already. Having not tasted the delights of the globe’s most prestigious contest for so long, their appetite is, no doubt, rather insatiable right now, and although Sabri Lamouchi’s troops are no pushovers, they’re not untouchable either. This has all the ingredients to be yet another memorable match in what’s been a feast of skill, passion and desire – let’s hope it continues. A slim victory for Jose Pekerman’s team.
Predicted Score-line: Colombia 2-1 Ivory Coast
Match Officials
On-field Referee: Howard Webb (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Michael Mullarkey (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Darren Cann (ENG)
Fourth Official: Victor Carrillo (PER)