Ivory Coast’s football team qualified for the quarterfinals of the men’s Olympic tournament thanks to their draw against Germany on Wednesday, July 28 in Rifu (1-1). “Also qualified by beating Australia 2-0.
You did not have to lose to Germany to be sure to validate your ticket to the quarterfinals of the Olympic tournament. Despite some fears, the Ivory Coast won their bet by getting a draw at the end of a meeting and indecisive at Miyagi Stadium, 400 kilometers from Tokyo (1-1).
In the obligation to win second place in Group D from the Ivorians, the Germans push in the first period but fall on an impeccable Eliezer Ira Tape on their line. And when it’s not the goalkeeper, it’s the crossbar that saves the Elephants on a nod from Frankfurt striker Ragnar Ache (26th).
Dominated in the first period, the Ivorians were much more enterprising after returning from the locker room and opening the scoring at one of their first opportunities. After a touch, Youssouf Dao tackles the ball within six meters and drives Benjamin Henrichs to score against his side (1-0, 67th).
But their joy will be short-lived as the Germans once again doubt the Ivorians by equalizing shortly after a free kick from Eduard Lowen, 20 meters (1-1, 73rd).
The match is led with it. Germany is discovered and offers the opportunity for the captain of the Elephants Max-Alain Gradel to try his luck at the entrance to the surface: his volley on the kick is deflected by Stuttgart goalkeeper Florian Muller (77).
Second quarter final in two matches
During the last quarter, Soualiho Haidara’s men hold this point in the draw and cheer at the final whistle.
For its second participation, the Ivory Coast remains undefeated and returns to the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games, as in 2008.
Second place in pool D after Brazil, Ivory Coast will face the first in Group C on Saturday 31 July.
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