Fresh from the impressive 3-0 triumph over Greece, Colombia aim to extend the excellent run of results and virtually secure the first place in the standings with a win over Ivory Coast. Buoyed by the great comeback against Japan, the Elephants will attempt to win this match as well, but that is likely to prove a very difficult task.

Who needs Falcao?

Colombia arrived at the 2014 tournament having only once progressed past the group stage at the World Cup, but los Cafeteros quickly proved they mean business. Los Cafeteros dominated the Greece match from start to finish, running out 3-0 winners, and let us remind you that their opponents had only conceded 3 goals in previous 12 fixtures. This is enough to suggest Jose Pekerman’s side produced a stunning performance that nominated them as favourites to win the first place in the group. The boss seems to have found the perfect balance between attack and defence, with holding midfielders Sanchez and Aguilar allowing the likes of James Rodriguez, Cuadrado and Ibarbo to support lone striker Theofilo Gutierrez. Colombia now have a perfect chance to secure the first place in the group and they are unlikely to pass up on such a good opportunity, although the back line boasting attack-minded full-backs might get caught up on the break with both Gervinho and Salomon Kalou in a very good form at the moment. Nevertheless, los Cafeteros can be trusted to outscore the opposition.

Fredy Guarin returns from suspension, but it remains to be seen if he will be in the starting line-up, while back-up striker Carlos Bacca is out injured.

Giant step towards next stage

Ivory Coast needed 32 years to qualify for the World Cup finals, but since they finally did it in 2002, they have managed to appear at the next two tournaments as well. The Elephants have yet to reach the knockout stages, but they seem close to ending the barren run having enjoyed a 2-1 victory over Japan in their opening fixture. Sabri Lamouchi’s side were far from impressive throughout, scoring two headers to come back from a goal behind and record a very important triumph. However, with the Elephants yet to face Colombia and Greece, I am not so sure they are in a great position to qualify. The problem is that key midfielder Yaya Toure does not appear to be in perfect shape having failed to properly recover from injury, whilst national team icon Didier Drogba is suffering from the lack of match fitness. And even though the Galatasaray star could be recalled to the starting line-up following a good cameo role against Japan, I believe that would be a mistake since Wilfried Bony is in much better form at the moment. And with Ivory Coast not exactly playing to their potential at the moment, I seriously doubt they can surprise in-form Colombia side.

Didier Drogba could be recalled to the starting line-up, whilst Yaya Toure should keep his place in the side despite struggling for fitness.

Verdict

Having scored three goals against one of Europe’s strongest defences, Colombia can be trusted to continue the rich vein of form against Ivory Coast, a team that did not really impress in their opening fixture. The Elephants seem to have problems carving out chances, while their back line does not appear to be good enough for this level of football.

Top pick: Home win   2.10 (11/10) @ SkyBet

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   1.87 (20/23) @ Unibet

Alternative pick 2: Home win + both teams to score   4.75 (15/4) @ Coral