Two Quick Goals Lift Ivory Coast Over Japan

Recife, Brazil - After giving up a goal early in the first half, the Ivory Coast managed to score two goals in quick succession to win the match.

Japan strove to set the pace early in Saturday's match between the Group C opponents.  An early goal by Japan's Keisuke Honda gave Japan what seemed to possibly be a definitive lead.

The Japanese side played very tactically as they held their 1-0 lead.  However, after a second half substitution by the Ivory Coast, the tides quickly shifted.

The Ivory Coast chose to sub on former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba for Die Serey in the 62nd minute.  Though Drogba did not score he provided a much needed spark to his side.

From his first moment on the field, it was clear that Drogba was proving to be an attacking threat.  Good attacking position by the 36 year old forward put pressure on the Japanese defense.

Only two minutes after Drogba came into the match, the Ivory Coast scored their first goal off the head of striker Wilfried Bony.  However, this did not end the Ivory Coast's quick onslaught.

Moments later in the 66th minute, they managed to score again to give themselves the lead.  This time the goal scorer was Gervinho.

The veteran gain beat the Japanese keeper with a header to give Ivory Coast the lead 2-1.  Japan were never able to recover from this lead, giving Ivory Coast the three points.

The Ivory Coast will play their next match on June 19 at noon against Colombia, while Japan take on Greece six hours later at 6 PM ET.