In the Columbia vs. Ivory Coast match today, the second half was super exciting with both teams scoring. Les Elephant’s forward, Gervinho scored in the 73rd minute, but it wasn’t enough to beat Columbia. Both teams advance to the round of 16 though. More after the click.
A tense first half ended goalless before the game sprang into life in the 64th minute as James Rodriguez headed home from a corner.
Cue Colombia’s rhythmic celebrations.
Five minutes later they were at it again when Rodriguez turned provider for Juan Quintero after Ivory Coast’s defense gave the ball away in their own half.
Rodriguez, ever alert, pounced on the mistake before slotting the ball through for Quintero to run onto before firing a low shot past goalkeeper Boubacar Barry.
The 21-year-old’s first international goal looked to have put Jose Pekerman’s men out of sight but Gervinho put Ivory Coast back in the game with a superb individual effort in the 73rd minute.
After picking the ball up down the left, the Roma striker skipped past three challenges before unleashing a right foot drive which goalkeeper David Ospina could only parry into the roof of his net.
Despite the best efforts of Didier Drogba — who replaced Wilfried Bony after an hour — and inspirational midfielder Yaya Toure, the Elephants couldn’t find an equalizer.
Sad Ivory Coast couldn’t get the win, but it was an exciting game nonethless. Hopefully Saturday is just as good, with the Blackstars playing at 3pm EST and the Super Eagles playing at 6pm. #TeamAfrica #EaglesDon’tEmbarrassUsO!
