Photo: Didier Drogba on the go for the Ivory Coast (Getty Images)
Didier Drogba is the real big man. He proved that once again yesterday, inspiring the Ivory Coast to a come from behind 2-1 win over Japan in their Group C opening encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2014. Cutting a very unhappy figure on the bench and having to watch his countrymen struggle against the slick passing Japanese, the largest “Elephant in the room” just could not wait to join the action.
The reasons for French coach Sabri Lamouchi, leaving the Galatasaray hit-man on the bench were not clear but his second half introduction seemed to cause the entire Japan team to quake in their collective boots. A mere three minutes after being on the field, the Ivory Coast was level and then promptly took the lead within another two minutes, even while the spectators were celebrating the first goal and being “1000% Elephant”.
Two inch perfect passes from right back Serge Aurier resulted in two headed goals from Wilfried Bony and Gervinho to allow the Ivorians snatch the victory, which up to that point seemed like being washed away the heavy rains the game was being played in at that time.
It is good when players are upset at being left on the bench, it means that they would rather be out on the pitch dying for the cause than sitting cozily on the bench while others run the risk of getting injured.
It’s good, if the behavior isn’t disruptive.
With three points safely in the bag, the Africans will now turn their attention to Columbia who destroyed Greece 3-0 to lead the group after the first set of games. That match will be played on Thursday at 11:00am local time.
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