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After Colombia destroyed Greece 3-0 earlier in the day, Japan and Ivory Coast will feel they stand a great chance of getting that 2nd place ahead of the European side. Massive clash tonight in Recife.
Ivory Coast is looking decent at the moment, but the African team badly needs to improve its defense, as the Elephants allowed at least one goal in 11 of their last 12 matches. Ivory Coast has good quality in the side, there`s little doubt about that, but their results recently have been mediocre: just two wins in the last 7 games, they looked competitive at times but also played some poor matches. It`s no secret that Ivory Coast’s shortcomings are their defense, inconsistency and chemistry between the star players.
Japan is a really nice team to watch, I expect them to be one of the most entertaining sides in the World Cup. They have excellent pace up front and can bang in the goals at any times, especially on counterattacks. Japan does not have the same quality in the squad as Ivory Coast, but they are very well organized and disciplined, making up for the slight lack of talent. The team has played excellent football over the last 2 years, easily winning their qualifying group over Australia and winning the last 5 friendly matches they played. Similar to Ivory Coast, Japan’s main issue is their defense. Over the last 5 games (all wins), Japan posted a 15-8 goal difference.
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Team news & lineups.
Ivory Coast might miss Yaya Toure tonight, it`s a 50-50 chance that he will play. Japan has no injuries or suspensions.
Ivory Coast: Barry – Aurier, K Touré, Zokora, Boka – Tioté, Y Touré, Serey Die – Kalou, Drogba, Gervinho.
Japan: Kawashima – Uchida, Yoshida, Konno, Nagatomo – Hasebe, Endo – Okazaki, Honda, Kagawa – Kakitani.
I don`t like Ivory Coast’s chances too much in this one, as I feel the matchup is very bad for them. The Elephants will try to hold possession and put pressure on Japan, but their poor defense will be heavily exposed to one of the best counterattacking teams in the competition. I was initially thinking of a draw here, and I still reckon it`s a good option, but the safer and better bet is the over 2,5 goals, also at very good odds. Japan`s defense will probably crumble under pressure a couple of times and allow chances to the versatile Africans, but Japan is sure to create havoc on counters with Okazaki, Kagawa and Honda. My tip is over 2,5 goals, if this was a friendly and not a World Cup match the odds would have probably been around 1.55. Prediction: Ivory Coast – Japan 2-2.
Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 2.04 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.32
Event date: 15 June
