International Friendly betting - Japan vs Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast are favourites to beat Japan today as both sides look to finalise their starting elevens ahead of this summer`s World Cup. The African side are priced at evens (bet £10 to win £10 profit), leaving Japan as underdogs at 3/1, with the draw at 12/5 with Bet365.

Japan lost 2-1 to England last time out but will be happy with their overall performance, losing only thanks to two own goals. The Ivory Coast, however, will want to improve on their recent form, with back-to-back  defeats of  Togo their only wins in their last five games, most recently drawing 2-2 with Paraguay.

The bookmakers believe today`s game could be close and have made a 1-1 draw the favourite score at 11/, followed by 1-0 to the Ivory Coast at 6/1. Both 0-0 and 1-0 to Japan are available at 17/2 and, while Betinternet offer 18/1 on a convincing 3-0 win for Didier Drogba and co.

The Chelsea man is clear favourite to open the scoring tonight at 7/2, with Aruna Dindane and Gervinho next at 6/1 and Saloman Kalou at 13/2. Jeiji Tamada is seen as Japan`s biggest threat, priced at 8/1. Bet365 are the only firm to offer a first goalscorer market.

The Ivory Coast are 11/5 to lead tonight at both half-time and full-time and 7/2 to win the match after drawing at half-time. Draw/draw is generally 4/1 and Totesport are best price, offering 7/1, the Japan are in front at both the interval and the final whistle.

Japan are given no chance of making any impression at the World Cup this summer, with Sportingbet pricing them at 600/1. Their opponents today, however, could enjoy a good run in the competition, priced at 40/1.

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