Did you miss highlights from the World Cup this weekend? Sure, you probably watched England take on Italy, but we're guessing there's a few matches you missed. Here at The18, we want to make sure you stay up-to-date on all things World Cup. Here's our recap of the action from Group C over the weekend.
Ivory Coast and Japan: 2-1 Ivory Coast
From the kickoff, Ivory Coast seemed nervous in their first game of the World Cup, with a few mishandled passes and touches. Japan's desire to take advantage of these mistakes in the early minutes led to an attack straight into the heart of the Ivory Coast defense. In the 16th minute, Keisuke Honda received a pass from defender, Yuto Nagatomo, completely alone near the top of the 18. With one touch, the AC Milan star blasted it past Ivory Coast goalkeeper, Boubacar Barry. It was an unbelievable goal.
Keisuke Honda struck first in the Japan vs Ivory Coast match. (Photo: @FOXSoccer | Twitter)
Ivory Coast didn't let up, but they had had no luck whatsoever with 16 shots on goal and nothing to show for it in the first half. Then, around the 64th minute, an attack led by right back Serge Aurier changed the momentum of the match. This goal demonstrated the true beauty of soccer. With a near-perfect, near-post run by Wilfried Bony, Aurier was able to lob it right onto his forehead. At the perfect moment Bony flicked across the far post for the equalizer.
However, Ivory Coast was not done there. Two minutes later, Aurier again led the attack from the right back side and sent in another beautiful cross to Gervinho who was there to flick it in near-post. Japan goalkeeper, Eiji Kawashim, was able to get his fingertips on the ball, but the rain allowed it to slip right through his palms.
With that, Ivory Coast took a 2-1 lead and never looked back. An impressive win for the African team and a well deserved 3 points as Ivory Coast plans to take on fellow leader, Colombia, Thursday. Japan will look to regain composure Thursday with their upcoming match against Greece. (P.S.: Despite the loss, Japan may have the best fans of the World Cup.)
Greece and Colombia: 3-0 Colombia
Many Colombians and, indeed, soccer fans around the world were curious how Colombia would play in Brazil without star forward, Radamel Falcao. However, Colombia proved themselves decisively after a dominant 3-0 win over Greece on Saturday.
Columbia could not have started off the match any better with an early goal from Pablo Armero. With a great pass across the box and some dummy action, Armero was able to strike it into the lower-left corner of the goal. The ball ricocheted off a Greek defender and slowly rolled its way in. It may have not been the prettiest goal seen in Brazil, but it allowed Colombia to get off on the right foot.
Pablo Armero and teammates show off their dance moves after his goal. (Photo: @Futbol_Analysis | Twitter)
Greece had their chances throughout the game, with a few shots missing just wide or hitting the post, but they did not seem to have an answer to the Colombian team. Around the 58th minute, a corner kick from the right was flicked onto the middle of the penalty box where Gutierrez was able to meet it with his leg to put up the Colombian team by 2.
James Rodriguez finished the rout with an easy goal in stoppage time. The goal came from a little touch by midfielder, Juan Cadrado, who set up Rodriguez to slam the ball home for the third goal of the game. Colombia, one of the favorites to come out of Group C, will have to continue to prove themselves next Thursday against Ivory Coast, while Greece will also have to fight to stay alive against Japan.
