RECIFE, Brazil (AP) – Didier Drogba came off the bench to inspire Ivory Coast to a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan in a World Cup Group C match tonight.
Drogba, who had been carrying an injury, came on in the 62nd minute when they were trailing 1-0.
The talismanic striker’s arrival immediately lifted the Ivory Coast team and Wilfried Bony and Gervinho scored with headers two minutes apart. Both goals were set up by curling crosses from defender Serge Aurier.
Coach Sabri Lamouchi’s inspired substitution negated Keisuke Honda’s first half goal that had given Japan the lead in a group that also includes Colombia and Greece. Colombia beat Greece 3-0 earlier today.
Group C Standings
Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Points
Colombia 1 0 0 3 0 3
Côte d’Ivoire 1 0 0 2 1 3
Japan 0 1 0 1 2 0
Greece 0 0 1 0 3 0
Schedule & Results
Saturday, June 14
Colombia 3, Greece 0
Ivory Coast 2, Japan 1
Thursday, June 19
Noon: Colombia vs Ivory Coast at Estádio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia
6 p.m.: Japan vs Greece at Estadio das Dunas, Natal
Tuesday, June 24
4 p.m.: Japan vs Colombia at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá
4 p.m.: Greece vs Ivory Coast at Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
