Ivory Coast would have to wait for their last Group C encounter with Greece before they can be sure of a place in the next round of the World Cup after they succumb to Colombia in a pulsating 2-1 encounter at Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília.

Gervinho's late strike turned out to be a consolation for the Africans who were down by two goals with only half an hour to go.

James Rodriguez put the South American side ahead with a superb header from a corner in the 63rd minute before Juan Quintero increased the tally with a cool finish from a great build up.

It was a game of missed chances but it was the South Americans who made it count in the second half converting two glorious chances that came their way.

There was little to choose from the two sides as the pendulum swung from one end to another.

And after fluffing many half opportunities, it was the Colombian striker Gutierrez who will contend for the best miss of the tournament when he criminally shot wide from the box in the 35th minute.

He had only the goal keeper to beat and had all the time in the world to control a clever pass from Rodriguez but he chose the wrong option of a one-touch strike and wasted the opportunity in the process.

With all to play for in the second half, the Colombians turned the heat on the West African side pounding the goal area in search for the opener.

A well struck shot by Quintero in the 58th minute was partly parried by Barry before bouncing off the cross bar. The attacker had beaten his marker with some step-overs before unleashing the cracker.

The Colombians would later make amends and it was Rodriguez who soared above his markers to head home a corner in the 63rd minute.

Six minutes later, Colombia deepened the woes of the Africans when they cut open the defence with a breathtaking pass to Quintero who finished off the business with cheeky ease.

The Ivorians lifted up their game but were still suspect in front of goal. Drogba who had been resigned to a substitute position came on with zeal and in desperate search for a winner.

But it was Gervinho who pulled a goal back with a superb solo effort in the 73rd minute.

In a last gasp effort at goal, Drogba nearly punished a horrendous mistake by a Colombian defender but Mondragon with quicker feet was able to clear his lines and protect a hard fought victory against a difficult West African side.

While Colombia have qualified, Ivory Coast would now have to beat Greece in the last round of matches to book a place.

 

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