Ivory Coast and North Korea take each other on at the final stages of Qualification in the world Cup 2010 - First Half Report
The second simultaneously running match in Group G which has been overshadowed by the big encounter between Brazil and Portugal probably had more action then the super match.
North Korea looked nervy as they took on the field after the 7 nil drubbing they got from Portugal. But they got better as the game went on, during the first phase of the first half they did not get anywhere near the opposition goal.
The first attack from Ivory Coast came when Gervinho got to the bye-line, down the left for Ivory Coast, but his cross rolled along the goalline without anyone being at the other end to recieve it.
Didier Drogba was furiously moments later, as he wagging his finger at the referee assistant after his header from Kader Keita's cross was ruled out, but replays showed that for a change the official was correct to raise his flag for offside.
It was all Ivory Coast during the first half, Gervinho collected a Didier Drogba pass, turned inside a defender, and from 16 yards away, forced Ri-Myong-Guk to save. this was either going to be an afternoon of frustration for Ivory Coast or a goal fest from the looks of things. Next to finally open the scoring, we saw Yaya Toure collect a ball on the edge of the North Korean box and rolled a right-foot shot into the far corner past Ri Myong-Guk. There is no doubt that the Africans deserved their lead.
North Korea were simply not able to match the physical presence of the Ivorains. And moments later, Romaric sent over a cross from the right and it went all the way through to the far post, and out after clipping the outside of the goal.
Finally the First effort on the goal came from North Korea in Nelspruit as Hong Yong-Jo smashed a free-kick just wide from about 40 yards. Considering the distance between him and the goal, this was quite a decent hit.
Ivory Coast kept on pressing though, and after Didier Drogba turned and slammed a ferocious volley against the underside of the bar, Romaric was ready to head the ball into an unguarded net. Signs were ominous and the Ivorians looked like they were going to try to make the insane amount of 8 goals that they need to succed.
Ivory Coast have had 64% possession in Nelspruit, and clearly most of the shots at the goal. A 2 nil score line is probably flattering for North Korea. Ivory Coast need a goal fest to go into next round, and lets hope Brazil will do the same against Portugal.
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