Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Greece vs Ivory Coast | Tuesday 24 June | Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza | 22:00
With Colombia looking as competent as they have, both of these sides know that victory here should see them through to the next round of the competition. Neither one have ever made it through to the Round of 16, with both sides being dumped out early in their two respective appearances at the event. Greece have looked typically stoic, if unremarkable, in the tournament thus far, while Ivory Coast lost to an impressive Colombia last time out. This group, which on the surface seemed to lack some of the panache of the others, has actually developed into something of a slow-burning gem. Africa will be crossing their collective continental fingers as the Cote d’Ivoire attempt to finally fulfil the potential of their golden generation of players.
To Win (90mins)
Greece 26/10
Draw 24/10
Ivory Coast 21/20
Greece
Greece will know that victory against the Mighty Elephants will more than likely guarantee them a place in the Round of 16, which almost seems absurd considering how poor they have been thus far. Konstantinos Katsouranis’ red card will see a slight selection headache for the Greek side, as coach Fernando Santos wrestles with bringing in either the experience of Georgios Karagounis – the only remnant of their miraculous Euro 2004 success – or someone like Andreas Samaris. The Greek way usually tends towards the conservative, which should see Karagounis offer his experience to the midfield.
Kostas Mitroglou looks unlikely to start following a leg injury, which will probably see Theofanis Gekas drafted in to assist Celtic’s Georgios Samaras. Maniatis will look to prevent Yaya Toure’s foraging runs, while their back line should remain relatively steady. Greece will look to keep the game placid for as long as possible and perhaps sneak a win in the second half. But they are going to have their work seriously cut out for them against a highly motivated and talented Ivorian side.
Ivory Coast
Sabri Lamouchi will be sweating on the fitness of the ‘other Didier’ – Didier Ya Konan – who missed the second match against Colombia with a knee injury. He has various options in attack, however, as the belle of the ball, Drogba, will likely only come on from the bench if need be. Bony will likely start the match, with Gervinho, Gradel and Kalou potentially playing as the three-man support team. This may see the talismanic Yaya Toure withdraw into a deeper lying midfield position.
The Toure family were rocked by the death of their younger brother Ibrahim – also a professional footballer – and this will be the first game since that traumatic revelation. One wonders how news like that can affect the psychological makeup of the side, but the Ivorians have always had a cohesive team character and should be able to navigate the events and perhaps use it as a further means of galvanisation. I firmly believe that all the hard work put in by these Ivorian players will finally come to fruition against a lacklustre Greek side.
VERDICT: Ivory Coast 21/20
The Ivorians will be looking to eradicate an era of disappointment for this talented squad of players at the FIFA World Cup. They know that a draw could be enough but should have too much talent for a Greek side seemingly bereft of ideas in front of goal. I expect Gervinho to be the catalyst for a historic win for the Cote d’Ivoire.
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