Read a preview and watch a live stream of Japan vs Cote d’Ivoire in Group C of the 2014 FIFA World Cup from Arena Pernambuco, Recife.
Where: Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
When: 23:00 BST
Watch live: Click here to watch online with ITV Football!
Japan take on Cote d’Ivoire in their opening game of Group C of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Both sides will begin the game well aware of the importance of securing points early in the tournament, particularly given that they will both know the result between group rivals Greece and Colombia.
Japan’s strengths lie in the team’s technique, with few sides able to match the proficiency of Yashuito Endo and Makoto Hasebe at the base of the midfield, and Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda ahead of them.
Two from Hiroshi Kiyotake, Shinji Okazaki, Yuya Osako and Yoichiro Kakitani will fill in the remaining attacking positions, with manager Alberto Zaccheroni still not totally sure of his best side.
This is perhaps the last chance for this generation of Ivory Coast players to make a major impact on the world stage, with star striker Didier Drogba now 36 years of age, veteran goalkeeper Boubacar Barry 34 and midfield general Yaya Toure 31.
Drogba captains the side, and will be flanked by his old Chelsea club colleague Salomon Kalou and former Arsenal winger Gervinho, who starred at AS Roma last season after a difficult spell in north London.
With Cheick Tiote, Didier Zokora and Yaya Toure behind them, les Elephants have a fine front six, while the defence too possesses plenty of experience.
Sabri Lamouchi will hope his side’s physical approach outmuscles Zaccheroni’s men.
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