Ivory Coast will see this as a must-win game if they are to remain in contention for a place in the Last 16 stage and progress from the group stage at the World Cup for the first time in history.

Meanwhile, Japan are making their fifth successive appearance at the tournament finals, and they hope to make it three out of five in reaching the knockout stages.

This is almost certainly going to be the final World Cup for the likes of Didier Drogba, Didier Zokora, Kolo Toure and Arthur Boka, so they will definitely want to sign off in style.

And having failed to progress from the group stage at their only two appearances, the Elephants will have to show an improvement if they are to make things right this time out.

The entire country will be hoping Yaya Toure can replicate his Premier League form at the 2014 World Cup, although a hamstring injury means he will not be at 100 percent.

Even so, Ivory Coast have reason for optimism ahead of the Japan clash, with Sabri Lamouchi’s men 2.75 (7/4) favourites to win their opening fixture.

According to the latest reports, Yaya Toure is doubtful for the match against the Blue Samurai, but Didier Drogba is likely to be preferred to Wilfried Bony.

Salomon Kalou and Gervinho will partner Drogba up front, but Didier Zokora looks set to start from the bench.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Barry – Aurier, K. Toure, Bamba, Boka – Y. Toure, Tiote, Serey Die – Kalou, Drogba, Gervinho.

Japan needed 44 years to qualify for their first World Cup, but after making it to the 1998 tournament they never looked back.

The Blue Samurai are now set to take part at their fifth straight World Cup finals, and they boast a decent record having twice made it to the knockout stages in four attempts.

Alberto Zaccheroni’s charges were far from impressive at the 2013 Confederations Cup, losing to Brazil, Italy and Mexico, but they have been in very good form of late.

Japan won their last five friendly fixtures, defeating Belgium, New Zealand, Cyprus, Costa Rica and Zambia, although the boss was disappointed to see his side concede four goals in their last two fixtures.

Nevertheless, with their attack in full working order, both teams to score bet should be considered at 2.05 (21/20) offered at Sportingbet.

Alberto Zaccheroni will be tempted to start captain Makoto Hasebe after he recovered from a knee injury, but chances are the Nurnberg star will be left on the bench after all.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Kawashima – Uchida, Konno, Yoshida, Nagatomo – Yamaguchi, Endo – Kakitami, Honda, Kagawa – Okazaki.