Serbia 2-4 Cote d'Ivoire
In the most free-scoring match of the tournament so far, the Côte d'Ivoire beat Serbia in a six-goal thriller in Shanghai...
The Elephants took a massive step towards the next round after overcoming the luckless Serbs.
Within three minutes Sekou Cissé had put the Africans in front with a simple finish after some fine build-up play from the excellent Gervinho.
Just ten minutes later, though, Miljan Mrdaković made it 1-1 after seizing on a tremendous ball from Živković, who plies his club trade for Chinese outfit SHangdong Luneng.
Rajković restored the Ivorians' lead as he put through his own net from a corner soon afterwards, though, and the Elephants went on to dominate the remainder of the half.
Salomon Kalou, who had impressed heading into the interval, managed to extend his side's advantage with a neat finish after more excellent play from Gervinho 20 minutes from time.
Đorđe Rakić of Red Bull Salzburg pulled one back right at the death, but Gervinho deservedly got his name on the scoresheet to prevent a nervy finish for Gérard Gili's men.
The Ivory Coast now need to win against Australia to guarantee their passage to the next round. The White Eagles, meanwhile, must overcome Argentina while hoping that the Elephants lose or draw: in the latter case, Serbia must improve their goal difference.
SERBIA 2-4 COTE D'IVOIRE
0-1 Cissé 3'
1-1 Mrdaković 16'
1-2 Rajković (o.g.) 24'
1-3 Kalou 70'
2-3 Rakić 90'
2-4 Gervinho 90'
Serbia: Stojkovic - Jovanovic, Rajković, Kacar, Tosic - Smiljanic, Zivkovic (Gulan 82), Fejsa (Tadic 61), Tomovic - Tosic - Mrdaković (Rakić 76).
Ivory Coast: Angban - Wawa, Angoua, Bagayoko, Diarrassouba - Ngossan (Dja Djedje 38), Koné, Coulibaly, Kalou (Kambou 87); Gervinho, Cissé (Moura-Komenan 82).
Within three minutes Sekou Cissé had put the Africans in front with a simple finish after some fine build-up play from the excellent Gervinho.
Just ten minutes later, though, Miljan Mrdaković made it 1-1 after seizing on a tremendous ball from Živković, who plies his club trade for Chinese outfit SHangdong Luneng.
Rajković restored the Ivorians' lead as he put through his own net from a corner soon afterwards, though, and the Elephants went on to dominate the remainder of the half.
Salomon Kalou, who had impressed heading into the interval, managed to extend his side's advantage with a neat finish after more excellent play from Gervinho 20 minutes from time.
Đorđe Rakić of Red Bull Salzburg pulled one back right at the death, but Gervinho deservedly got his name on the scoresheet to prevent a nervy finish for Gérard Gili's men.
The Ivory Coast now need to win against Australia to guarantee their passage to the next round. The White Eagles, meanwhile, must overcome Argentina while hoping that the Elephants lose or draw: in the latter case, Serbia must improve their goal difference.
SERBIA 2-4 COTE D'IVOIRE
0-1 Cissé 3'
1-1 Mrdaković 16'
1-2 Rajković (o.g.) 24'
1-3 Kalou 70'
2-3 Rakić 90'
2-4 Gervinho 90'
Serbia: Stojkovic - Jovanovic, Rajković, Kacar, Tosic - Smiljanic, Zivkovic (Gulan 82), Fejsa (Tadic 61), Tomovic - Tosic - Mrdaković (Rakić 76).
Ivory Coast: Angban - Wawa, Angoua, Bagayoko, Diarrassouba - Ngossan (Dja Djedje 38), Koné, Coulibaly, Kalou (Kambou 87); Gervinho, Cissé (Moura-Komenan 82).
An exciting game with the 1st half that saw three goals which include a own-goal from Serbia.
Serbia
15′ Miljan Mrdakovic
89′ Rakic
Ivory Coast
3′ Sekou Cisse
24′ Slobodan Rajkovic - own goal
70′ Solomon Kalou
90′ Gervinho
3′ Sekou Cisse
15′ Miljan Mrdakovic
