In preparation for their upcoming match against Belgium in a FIFA friendly, Ivory Coast closely monitored Japan’s victory over New Zealand in a Brazil 2014 World Cup warm-up match. Alberto Zaccheroni’s team displayed a dominant performance, securing a 4-2 win.
The Asians swiftly took the lead, with Shinji Okazaki opening the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by Shinji Kagawa’s goal just four minutes later. Keisuke Honda added to Japan’s lead with a goal in the 11th minute, while Kagawa netted his second of the game in the 17th minute.
Although Chris Wood managed to score twice for New Zealand, reducing the deficit before halftime and later in the match, Japan held on to secure the victory.
Ivory Coast is set to face Japan on June 14 in Recife as part of the Brazil 2014 World Cup tournament.
