Ivory Coast 2-1 Japan - Five Things We Learnt
Although World Cup 2014 has been a high scoring affair so far, few would stil have the appetite for the game between Cote d’Ivoire and Japan, especially after the “big match” between England and Italy. However, those who summoned up the energy to watch the fourth game on the tot for the day certainly won’t regret it. A powerful left footed drive by Keisuke Honda left Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry stunned and he could only pick the ball out of the net. Ivory Coast fought back but couldn’t trouble the scorers until after the one hour mark. With the introduction of Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast got some much needed boost and scored two in quick succession- Bony and Gervinho among the scorers, holding on till the final whistle and ensuring a full three points. Here are five things we learnt from this enthralling, end to end encounter.
#5 Honda is way underrated
Keisuke Honda just like in 2010 is making the headlines with his play in the World Cup. Honda spent two quiet years at Eredivise club VVV-Venlo before joining Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow, where he spent four years before signing with Milan this January. Over the years, he has generated buzz from a few European top teams, for some strange reason none of the big powerhouses in Eurrope took a punt on him. His left footed strike, which generated a goal from nowhere and left Ivory Coast stunned just shows how skilled a player he is. Signing Honda on a free transfer must have been the best thing Massimiliano Allegri did as the Milan manager.