FIFA World Cup 2014: Colombia out to curb Ivory Coast

Brasïlia: Colombia are planning to rely on a possession game to combat the speed and power of Ivory Coast when the two sides meet in Brasilia on Thursday. It is a Group C match in which there is everything to gain for two sides who began their World Cup campaigns with victories. Colombia top the group after a dominant 3-0 victory over Greece while Ivory Coast hit back from a goal down to beat Japan 2-1.

The Japanese struggled to make their high-tempo, high-energy gameplan work against the Africans but Colombia midfielder Fredy Guarin says the South Americans will look to bypass the physical advantages of the Elephants by making the ball do the work.The Inter Milan player said Colombia were “ready” and “looking forward” to the match against opponents who are “powerful and very fast”.

A victory for either side would potentially secure their passage into the last 16, depending on the result between Japan and Greece.The physical approach Ivory Coast are likely to bring could include the presence of Didier Drogba up front after his game-changing entry off the substitutes’ bench against Japan. Wilfried Bony had a disappointing game on his own up front and after the game Elephants coach Sabri Lamouchi, the former France midfielder, paid tribute to his veteran forward for his impact.