Drogba can change a match, says Lamouchi

Striker’s substitution surged Ivory Coast to 2-1 win over Japan.

RECIFE: Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi was satisfied with his team’s performance as two goals in two second-half minutes saw them come from behind and beat Japan 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup Group C encounter Sunday morning.

He later explained the importance of star player Didier Drogba in their lineup.

“We didn’t start the match very well and we switched off at the goal but then we started to create chances,” said Lamouchi.

“For us it was so important to start this World Cup positively. Having a player like Drogba can change a match. The players are delighted with the victory, but we are not through yet.”

Meanwhile, Japan face Greece in Natal next, knowing that they cannot afford another setback.

“The Ivory Coast stepped up the intensity as the game went on. Physically they are so strong, more than we are capable of being,” admitted Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni.



“They are stronger than us in the penalty box so we needed to prevent the crosses from coming in. I thought we could win the game but now our backs are against the wall.”

Colombia boss ‘delighted’ with Greece rout

James Rodriguez rounded off a convincing 3-0 win for Colombia over Greece as the South Americans made light of the absence of injured striker Radamel Falcao in their opening Group C match at the World Cup on Saturday.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman, who guided his native Argentina to the quarter-finals in 2006, said he was delighted with the performance.

“We were strong going forward, we had a nice style of play and we created several chances,” he said.

“The crucial thing was that everyone did the job they were tasked with and that allowed us to play calmly.

“I’m delighted with the result it sets us up well for the rest of the group stage.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2014.

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