Group C is probably the most modest of the groups in Brazil with no genuine contender for the crown. As such, all four teams will believe they have a genuine chance of reaching the round of 16. The African side have never progressed past the group stage and will want to boost their chances of advancing with a win over the Blue Samurai. Both teams are hard to separate on paper and the game itself will be a battle of wits between both managers; one reliant on power and individual brilliance, the other on disciplined teamwork.

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The Ivory Coast golden generation have reached the last two World Cups and this is their last chance to make an impact at the tournament with Didier Drogba already 36, while Didier Zokora and Manchester City powerhouse Yaya Toure are 33 and 31 respectively. The Elephants are the highest ranked African team and would keep the faith in their plethora of European stars to take them into the next round.

Japan, on the other hand, have qualified for every World Cup since 1998 but have kept only one clean sheet in their last nine matches. The talented Japan side have won all of their last five matches including a 3-2 win over a much fancied Belgium side. With the likes of AC Milan’s Keisuke Honda, Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa and proven goal scorer Shinji Okazaki, this is one of the most gifted Japan sides in recent times.

TEAM NEWS

Yaya Toure is an injury worry for Ivory Coast manager Sabri Lamouchi and will leave the decision whether to play him or not as late as possible. Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is expected to lead the attack and he will be flanked by Salomom Kalou and AS Roma winger Gervinho.

Japan manager Alberto Zaccheroni has a starting eleven that almost picks itself. His usual 4-2-3-1 formation will feature Shinji Okazaki and Shinji Kagawa on the wings with Keisuke Honda playing in the hole behind Yoichiro Kakitani.

Odds Comparison:

Columbia	2.70	2.70	2.65	2.70	2.70	2.60
Draw	3.10	3.30	3.15	3.30	3.10	3.00
Greece	2.87	2.75	2.75	2.75	2.87	2.75

All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update

Possible line ups

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Ivory Coast (4-3-3) : Barry; Aurier, K. Toure, Zokora, Boka; Tiote, Serey Die, Y. Toure; Kalou, Gervinho, Drogba

Japan (4-3-3) : Kawashima; Nagamoto, Yoshida, Konno, Uchida; Endo, Hasebe; Kagawa, Okazaki, Honda; Kakitani

KEY BATTLE

Midfield lynchpin Yaya Toure is crucial to the Elephants’ chances of progression. Whether Japan’s midfield pivot will be capable of checking his marauding runs remain to be seen. The big midfielder is capable of carrying his team and is adept at both long range screamers as well as threaded through balls to the strikers.

ONE TO WATCH

AS Roma forward Gervinho is coming to the World Cup on the back of a hugely successful season with the Italian team and will relish the prospect of terrorizing the Blue Samurai backline.

PREDICTION

This is match is almost too close to call as both teams are almost inseparable on paper. More so, they both know how crucial the three points will be in their quest for advancement. I think I’ll just stick my neck out and predict a narrow win for the Asians.

Prediction: Ivory Coast 1 – 2 Japan at $10 with Bet365 – Join Now for a $200 FREE BET – Limited Offer