The matchup is crucial for Group C. With uncertainty in the standings, both Greece and Ivory Coast still remain very much alive to advance to the Round of 16. Neither team is willing to settle for a draw with three points being the main goal. While Columbia is a lock to move on, Ivory Coast will be favored to advance past Greece.
Greece will be without captain Konstantinos Katsouranis after he was suspended in the last match. He will be replaced by veteran Giorgios Karagounis. Greece is also dealing with uncertainty with Kostas Mitroglou who has been dealing with fitness issues all World Cup. The team is not expected to make any drastic lineup changes, hoping that what has been working will continue to do so.
Didier Drogba is playing in his final World Cup of his career and making his time count. He will be featured in a key matchup against Wilfried Bony who is helping bring in a new era of Greece soccer. Drogba continues to be the x-factor for Ivory Coast and needs to be in top form if they are going to advance.
Ivory Coast needs three points to secure themselves a spot in the knockout stages. They cannot afford a draw at this point. If Japan manages to upset Columbia, the team could be in trouble so this is a must-win against Greece. Thankfully the team has no injury concerns to note, but they are expected to make some lineup changes. Yaya Toure and Kolo Toure are expected to function more as midfield attackers. The two are dealing with a personal loss. Their brother passed away from cancer earlier in the week. Coach Sabri Lamouchi told media that both players will be starting and playing for much more than just a win. If the move is true, Toure will be battling Panagoitis all game. It will be up to him to shut down any kind of attacking threat.
All four teams are very much alive in Group C. With the competition very even in the grouping, Ivory Coast and Greece have a lot to play for in their Tuesday matchup. Japan and Columbia will also be going head-to-head leaving everyone uncertain of their fate with the Round of 16 not far away. With Columbia all-but guaranteed to move on, Ivory Coast and Greece both look to be the next team moving on.
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