Neither team has made it past the group stage of the World Cup but both could still advance by the end of the final round of matches in their group. The Ivory Coast can still finish anywhere from first to third depending on how things play out while the best that Greece can hope for is qualification keeping in mind that they can also finish bottom of the pile. This means that either Greece or Ivory Coast could be playing their last match at this World Cup, potentially both of them.
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For Ivory Coast, the task at hand is a simple one; win and they’ll qualify for the Round of 16. The African country currently sit second on the table as they beat Japan 2-1 in their opening fixture before losing to Colombia by the same score line. A draw would be enough for them to advance provided that Japan do not beat Colombia. Sabri Lamouchi’s men were impressive for the greater part of the match against Colombia, but the quality of the South Americans’ attack eventually shined through. The Elephants have a dangerous attack of their own as AS Roma winger Gervinho has been in terrific form with two goals to his name so far. They also have a physical presence upfront with Swansea striker Wilfried Bony and veteran Didier Drogba who will give the Greek backline all sorts of things to worry about.
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If Greece manage to get a win here as well as Colombia defeating Japan in the other group match, they will advance. However, this is easier said than done. Alongside Cameroon, Greece are the only team yet to score a goal at the tournament. Their strike force which is already below par suffered another blow when Kostas Mitroglou had to be withdrawn in the first half against Japan with an injury. Fernando Santos who will be stepping down as coach after the World Cup will hope his charges can defy the odds and come out tops against the Africans.
TEAM NEWS
The Ivorian backline is expected to remain unchanged with Souleyman Bamba and Didier Zokora expected to be flanked by Arthur Boka and Serge Aurier. Manchester City powerhouse Yaya Toure could drop into a deeper midfield role with Salomon Kalou and Gervinho on the flanks. In attack, Didier Drogba will be pushing for a place in the starting XI but Swansea’s Wilfried Bony is expected to lead the line again.
Greece will be without Konstantinos Katsouranis who saw red against Japan and should be replaced by experienced midfielder Giorgios Karagounis. Kostas Mitroglou is struggling with an injury and could be replaced with Theofanis Gekas upfront.
Probable Lineups
Ivory Coast (4-2-3-1): Barry; Aurier, Bamba, Zokora, Boka; Tiote, Toure; Gervinho, Gradel, Kalou; Bony
Greece (4-3-3): Karzenis; Holebas, Torosidis, Papastathopoulos, Manolas; Karagounis, Kone, Maniatis; Samaras, Fetfatzidis, Gekas
PREDICTION
Whether Fernando Santos’ side will continue with their ultra defensive strategy for this match remains to be seen. Whether or not they do, I expect Ivory Coast to triumph here. Whether the Greeks attack or not will only determine the number of goals by which the Elephants win.
