The Only Late Match

This match in Recife is the only match in this World Cup that starts later than 7:00 PM local time.

Absolutely ridiculous.

But I've already covered my thoughts about start times at the 2014 World Cup here, so I won't insist any more for now.

Regarding the match, Japan had a surprisingly excellent first half, which saw them take the lead through Keisuke Honda, in only the 16th minute. And it was a very good, powerful shot by the A.C. Milan player.

Ivory Coast woke up only after the introduction of their talismanic ex-Chelsea (currently Galatasaray) striker Didier Drogba, after the hour mark.
It was Bony and Gervinho, however, in minutes 64 and 66, respectively, who turned the tide in favour of the African team.

So, The Elephants will feel pretty good about their chances of advancing from this group now, having beaten one team already and seeing their likely opponent for second spot, Greece, fall to a three-goal deficit which may prove huge in a tournament where the main tiebreaker (for teams tied on points in the group stage) is overall goal difference.

Highlights:

Ivory Coast 2-1 Japan All goal's &Full...