Japan - Greece

Having watched Colombia beat Ivory Coast earlier in the day, both teams knew that a draw would hand the South Americans qualification bar a miracle. This billed for an exciting an exciting end-to-end thriller with both teams desperate for the win following their opening game defeat.

The pattern of the game was set early on. Japan moved the ball around diligently but without any great sense of urgency. Japan dominated possession.  Japanese star Kagawa watched on as Honda and co were unable to find a break through.

Greece were rarely able to attack, then Katsouranis’s was dismissed for a tackle on Makoto Hasebe that warranted a second yellow card just before half time. Despite being reduced to 10 men Greece fashioned a few chances but were unable to nick a goal.

Katsouranis sees red

There were more chances at either ends. Japan were wasteful and could have taken the lead on numerous occasion but were unable to beat the Greece goalkeeper. The biggest cheer of the evening was the introduction of little Shinji Kagawa. These teams could have played all week and there wouldn't have been a goal, so after 90 minutes the referee gratefully blew for full time.

 Japan 0 – 0 Greece 

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Colombia - Ivory Coast

Colombia met Africans Ivory Coast in an exciting encounter for the fight for first place as both these teams were expected to progress from Group C. Colombia beat Greece convincingly in their first game, while Ivory Coast came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in their opening game. Colombia-Ivory Coast was a highly anticipated game, with a lot of goals expected.

Colombia started brightest, and controlled the game. Ivory Coast struggled to get a foothold and could have found themselves a goal down after a quick flowing counter attack from the South Americans but Gutiérrez was unable to convert the cross from close range.

It wasn’t until the second half when the deadlock was broken by Monaco and Colombia superstar James Rodriguez. He got on the end of a corner to head into the Ivorian goal. It was his second goal of the tournament.

Rodriguez celebrates his opener. 

Soon Colombia doubled their lead. Ivorian midfielder Die, who had broken into tears during the national anthems, was caught in possession by Gutierrez with few defenders ahead of him. His perfect ball drew Zokora out of position and found substitute Quintero who finished was sublime.

Ivory Coast pulled one back just three minutes later. Gervinho’s magnificent jinking run saw him dance past three tackles before smashing home for The Elephants to set up a nervy finish. A stunning piece of individual skill; one of the best to have graced Brazil so far. Ivory Coast nearly got the equaliser but Drogba was unable to capitalise on veteran Mario Yepes’ mistake and David Ospina was on fine form to keep the ex-Chelsea forward at bay to give Colombia the victory.

Colombia have all but qualified while Ivory Coast probably need to beat Greece to progress past the group stages for the first time.

 Colombia 2 – 1 Ivory Coast 

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Ivory Coast - Japan

The Elephants faced The Samurai’s late on Saturday night (GMT). The Elephants boasted a strong team filled with familiar premier league faces including Manchester City’s Yaya Toure who captained the side as Drogba didn't make the starting line-up.

It was Japan who started off the brightest. Japanese superstars Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda pulled the strings in midfield. It was the AC Milan midfielder who made the biggest impact early in the first half thumping home a left footed drive from inside the area past the helpless Ivorian in goal.

The Ivory Coast beast was awakened and the boys in orange continued to stomp forward looking for an equaliser only to see chance after chance fail to bring them level. Stars such as Gervinho, Yaya Toure, Bony and Solomon Kalou all looked on despairingly as each miss threatened their world cup progression.

The introduction of national heartthrob, Didier Drogba, coincided with the breakthrough. Although the experienced forward did not get on the score sheet himself he distracted the Japanese enough for his team-mates to score. Swansea’s Wilfried Bony glanced his header from Arsenal target Aurier’s cross past the flailing Japanese goalkeeper to open the Africans World Cup account.

Ivorian goalscorers, Bony and Gervinho celebrate their second.

Aurier was again the architect just 90 seconds later as the Japanese saw their lead to into a deficit in the blink of an eye. Aurier's cross this time found the fivehead of ex-Arsenal winger Gervinho. His header sneaked in at the front post to put the Elephants ahead. Gervinho wheeled off to celebrate closely followed by Ivorian stalwart Drogba.

Japan were unable to find a way back into the game but gave a good account of themselves. Their coach still believes they have a chance of qualifying for the latter stages of the competition but it’s clear they are going to need a bit of luck if they are to progress ahead of Ivory Coast or group leaders Colombia.

Ivory Coast 2 - 1 Japan 

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