The top two in group C went head to head in a game where a win would be a huge step toward qualification for both teams.
The Ivory Coast came back from behind against Japan in their opener while Colombia comfortably dispatched of the Greeks to take their first points of the tournament.
Former Chelsea men Didier Drogba and Soloman Kalou both started on the bench, despite the former very much changing the game when he came on against Japan in his sides first match as they came back from 1-0 down to win 1-2.
There was a recognisable face in the shape of the referee as Howard Webb took charge for the first time in the tournament, The Englishman refereed the highly controversial 2010 final between Spain and The Netherlands.
The game started in a lively manner, with both sides looking like they wanted to win and get that vital step towards progression from the group stage. Ivory Coast got the majority of their chances through set pieces while their opponents often broke from those chances and created their best openings from the African sides chances.
The best of which fell to Teófilo Gutiérrez around the six yard box after great wing play from Monaco’s James Rodriguez who continued to be the South American sides main threat going forward. However, Gutierrez stumbled as the ball arrived and suffered what turned out to be a rather embarassing miss.
There was a lack of clear-cut chances for the rest of the half as Ivory Coast sturggled to get Manchester City’s Yaya Toure on the ball in the positions where he so often affects the play in the Premier League. Goalless at the break.
The beginning of the second half swayed in the African team’s favour as they looked to create for chances, notably one for Wilfried Bony after an inventive cross from Yaya Toure. However, Colombia came the closest to an opener so far after Cuadrado saw his effort from a tight angle saved onto the bar after some tricky footwork.
Chelsea fans could finally take notice as Stamford Bridge favourite Didier Drogba came on for the Ivory Coast as they looked to take one of the chances that were coming their way. The striker is also a fantastic defensive header of the ball, and he would be busy straight away, clearing a Colombian corner with his first touch.
In contrast, however, the game’s opener came from a corner just minutes later. One of the smallest men on the pitch in James Rodriguez beat his marker to the ball after a brilliantly whipeed corner and the header was too powerful for the goalkeeper as his hand was not enough to stop Colombia taking the lead. 1-0 on 64 minutes.
Soloman Kalou replaced Gradel on 67 minutes but the game appeared to be all but over just 2 minutes later after James Rodriguez robbed the Colombian defence of the ball and the South Americans used their array of pace to break and set Quintero through who stayed calm under pressure to make it 2-0.
The African side pulled one back after a mazy run from former Arsenal man Gervinho who’s goal completely changed the complexion of the game as he beat Ospina at his near post. 2-1 on 72 minutes.
Drogba’s side pushed Colombia back for the remainder of the 20 minutes but the South Americans held firm to deny any clear goal scoring opportunities and got the win that all but confirms their place in the next round with them now on 6 points.
Full time: Colombia 2-1 Ivory Coast
