BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Didier Drogba may have to get used to playing the role of super-sub for Ivory Coast at the World Cup.
The two-time African Player of the Year started on the bench against Japan in Ivory Coast’s opener but his introduction in the second half turned the match around, inspiring a comeback from 1-0 down to a 2-1 victory.
There have been calls for Drogba, the country’s most famous player, to be recalled for Thursday’s match against Colombia but coach Sabri Lamouchi wouldn’t say whether the 36-year-old striker had done enough to merit starting.
Lamouchi says if you’re talking to me about an idol like Didier, he knows how important he is to the team . obviously he might be disappointed not to start, but his investment in the group shows he is very dedicated.