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World cup news: Drogba may have to be content with super-sub role

Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba reacts as he comes on as a substitute during the group C World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Saturday, June 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Didier Drogba may have to get used to playing the role of super-sub for Ivory Coast at the World Cup.

Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba reacts as he comes on as a substitute during the group C World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Saturday, June 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

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.

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