That's a wrap, folks. It's late, very late. But that game was worth staying up for. We're back later for live text commentary on three more games - Switzerland v Ecuador, France v Honduras and Argentina against Bosnia-Hercegovina. Until then. . .

BBC World Service reporter John Bennett in Recife: "Ivory Coast win their opening match at a World Cup for the first time in their history. They've never reached the knockout phase but a place in the last 16 is now within their grasp. He may not have had a hand in the goals, but Didier Drogba's entrance into the game seemed to inspire his team mates and intimidate Japan.

"Head coach Sabri Lamouchi will be under huge pressure to pick the 36-year-old in the starting eleven in their next match against Colombia. But can he really drop Wilfried Bony, who scored the equaliser?

"Serge Aurier had a slow start but set up both goals from right-back and looks a star in the making. Japan qualified for this World Cup with ease but a poor second half performance means they're in serious trouble. They surely have to beat Greece to stand any chance of making it to through the group."

Martin:, external Yaya Toure very quiet in this game, could easily see Ivory Coast progress from the group, especially if he shows up.

That was a great game. Don't believe me? Then why not judge for yourself. Highlights are now available to watch. Go to the 'Live Coverage' tab at the top of this page and click. Trust me, it's worth it.

Celebrations break out on the pitch and in the stands as Ivory Coast seal a deserved comeback victory.

Ivory Coast will certainly feel they should have scored more goals but they seem content to run down the clock now. Didier Ya Konan wants treatment after crashing to the ground following a challenge. There's a lengthy stoppage as he is carried off the pitch on a stretcher.

Four minutes of added time. It's now or never for Japan.

They have never advanced past the group stages in the World Cup, but Ivory Coast are moments away from a win that will leave them well positioned to reach the knockout phase in Brazil. Japan started brightly but have faded badly in the rain in Recife.

If anything it is Ivory Coast who look the more likely to score as the game enters the closing stages. Another chance for Drogba whose low, powerful, goal-bound attempt is deflected wide by Masato Morishige.

BBC World Service reporter John Bennett in Recife: "Serge Aurier's transfer fee may just have increased during this game. The Toulouse right-back has impressed with two assists. Arsene Wenger will be wishing he'd got his cheque book out before the World Cup. I'm sure other clubs - apart from Arsenal - will be interested in the 21 year-old."

Drogba is eager to make a goalscoring impact. The Ivory Coast substitute curls a free-kick from 20 yards around the Japan wall but Eiji Kawashima is equal to his effort.

Andy, Cannock: Brilliant from Ivory Coast but Japan are still in this. Didier Drogba's impact as a sub is astounding. He's lifted the whole team.

Ivory Coast's noisy fans rise to their feet as Wilfried Bony makes way for Didier Ya Konan. Japan are beginning to run out of time. They need something special. Is this Shinji Kagawa's moment?

Abdul:, external Those two crosses from Serge Aurier tells you exactly why Arsene Wenger has chosen him as a Bacary Sagna replacement.

Ricky:, external Feel sorry for Japan, clearly the better side. Ivory Coast only ahead through their physical attributes.

What a cracking match. Didier Drogba's introduction has clearly lifted his team-mates and Japan, having looked so comfortable, now have it all to do. The Africans have lost Arthur Boka to injury. Can Japan take advantage in the final 15 minutes?

BBC World Service reporter John Bennett in Recife: "What a comeback by Ivory Coast and is it a coincidence that it happened straight after Didier Drogba came on? Head coach Sabri Lamouchi has been criticised but his decision to keep Wilfried Bony on, when he brought Drogba on to the pitch, looks inspired. Gervinho has been a different player since he signed for Roma and was inspirational in Ivory Coast's qualifiers. He could be the hero. Ivory Coast have never won their opening match at a World Cup."

Amazing. Absolutely amazing. They have been trailing for most of the match but Ivory Coast are suddenly in front after another fine delivery by Serge Aurier allows former Arsenal forward Gervinho to head past Eiji Kawashima. The Japan goalkeeper will feel he should have done better after a fumbled attempt at a save. But the Africans don't care. They're delirious.

Wilfried Bony can count himself fortunate to still be on the pitch after a string of misses but the Swansea man finally delivers his side's equaliser, a glancing header from Serge Aurier's excellent cross. Ivory Coast are right back in this.

Image source, AFP

Tom:, external With Didier Zokora and Salomon Kalou in the Ivorian team, the Elephants will be heading home soon.

Shane:, external Japan are a fine team and they are showing up all these people who wrote them off. Defensively solid, with great creativity.

Joey:, external What I want to know is why some of the Japanese players have odd boots?

A huge roar goes up as Didier Drogba finally enters the action. Can the former Chelsea man rescue his country? Off goes Serey Die.

Image source, AFP/GETTY