Ivory Coast on Thursday lost 2-1 to Colombia in their second match at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The Africans were impressive throughout the game but succumbed to the superior firepower of the South Americans.
The match started with a frenetic pace as both teams sought an early lead but no clear chances were created. Going into the match, the Ivory Coast have lost their two previous meetings with South American opposition and were desperately determined to prevent a reoccurrence.
A swift counter attack move by Colombia gifted the best chance of the match to Gutierrez in the 29th minute, but the whole stadium could not believe their eyes has he scuffed from less than 5 yards out. A contender for miss of the tournament.
The Elephants continued to shade possession with Colombia looking dangerous on the counter. Gervinho was enterprising, creating pockets of space with nimble control and dribbles but the Colombian defense stood firm as both teams ended the half goalless.
Ivory Coast started the second half brightly and dominated possession like they did in the first. Yaya Toure created a good chance for Ivory Coast in the 51st minute but Bony tried the spectacular and scuffed the chance.
Colombia replied with an attack of their own and could have taken the lead two minutes later but were denied by a fingertip save by Barry.
They eventually broke the deadlock in the 64th minute via a thunderous header by James Rodriguez. Ivory Coast streamed forward and forced string of saves and blocks from the Colombian defense.
Colombia doubled their lead in the 70th minute when a share loss of concentration by Serey Daye gifted them a great opportunity which was calmly dispatched by Juan Quintero.
The Elephants picked themselves up and got a great lift through the ever enterprising Gervinho. The Roma man left three Colombian defenders in their wake before rifling home to half the deficit in the 73rd minute.
The Elephants sensed blood and bombarded the Colombian defense with waves of attacks as the South Americans became obviously nervous.
Yepes almost gifted the Elephant an equalizer but the Colombian goalkeeper rushed out to secure the first back-back victory for Colombia in their World Cup history.
