Former Liverpool and Scotland defender Alan Hansen
MOTD analyst

"Traditionally Colombia have been defensive but the way they have attacked in this tournament is great to see."

Former France striker Thierry Henry
MOTD analyst

"James Rodriguez is a good player but what I like about him is that Radamel Falcao was the focal point but, since Falcao was ruled out with injury, Rodriguez has responded. It is his team now."

Former England and Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy
MOTD analyst

"Yaya Toure has been the pivotal man for Manchester City but he needs to replicate that for the Ivory Coast today.

"So many of these Ivory Coast players have come through together and that should help them. They have underperformed in a few tournaments though."

Image source, Reuters

Image source, AFP

BBC World's Alex South reporting in Brasilia: "The spirit of Carlos Valderrama (pictured) lives on. The Colombian was the captain the last time they were at a World Cup in France 1998 and is still adored. The man selling wigs outside the stadium is making an absolute fortune."

Valderrama played more than 100 times for Colombia between 1985 and 1998.

And here is the great man himself now, on the right of much travelled goalkeeper and BBC expert Lutz Pfannenstiel in the picture below. That tache and hair have withstood everything fashion has thrown at them in the meantime.

Gareth Vaughan on text: Didier Drogba ranks only second to George Weah as the greatest ever African player with Samuel Eto'o in bronze place.

Image source, Getty Images

This is Colombia's first World Cup since 1998 and Argentina-born manager Jose Pekerman has been hailed a hero for securing a place in Brazil.

So much so that the 64-year-old got over 400,000 votes in Colombia's presidential election over the weekend after his team's 3-0 win over Greece - despite not standing for office.

Thousands spoiled their votes to show support for the national coach after Los Cafeteros coasted to victory in Belo Horizonte.

According to the Daily Mirror,, external over 100,000 Colombians crossed the border and travelled to the eastern city to paint the town yellow as the drinking of alcohol is prohibited in the country over election weekend.

BBC World's John Bennett in Brasilia: "Incredible noise inside the ground as the Colombia players walked out of the tunnel for their warm-up.

"This is effectively a home game for the South American side. Officially they have the fifth highest amount of fans here in Brazil but that doesn't count the hundreds, possibly thousands, who haven't been able to get tickets.

"Colombia fans have almost taken over Brasilia. The Ivory Coast fans are dancing and singing but it's going to be impossible to be heard in this Colombia dominated stadium."

BBC World's Alex South in Brasilia: "It took around 30 minutes of walking around the stadium but I finally found some Orange in this sea of yellow. Massive day for the Ivorians who could take a massive step towards qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time at a World Cup.

"Last chance for the Drogba generation?"

BBC Love Football on Twitter:, external Anyone left in Colombia or did they all come to Brasilia for the match against Ivory Coast?

If Colombia win they will be on the brink of confirming their passage into the last-16 and lining up a tie with a team from Group D, which could, of course, be England.

Los Cafeteros might be without injured forward Radamel Falcao but Monaco's James Rodriguez could be one of the players of the tournament judging by his performance in the 3-0 win against Greece.

The 22-year-old set up the first goal before scoring his team's brilliant third from the edge of the area.

"He's ready to go to a major club," says Colombia manager Jose Pekerman. "He doesn't need the World Cup. He's been proving what a player he is with Monaco. He will improve more at a club like Barcelona."

Gary Lineker
MOTD presenter

"This is a huge game. I can't wait. Really pumped for Colombia v Ivory Coast."

Live coverage of this match is starting now on BBC One, with Gary Lineker presenting from Brazil. The commentator inside Estadio Nacional is Steve Wilson with Mark Lawrenson.

BBC World Service reporter John Bennett in Brasilia: "Colombian fans have taken over this city. It's yellow everywhere you look. The Ivory Coast fans proved on Saturday in Recife that they can create an atmosphere even in small numbers, but they'll struggle to be heard here.

"The fans tell me it feels like a home game for Colombia. Plenty of Carlos Valderrama lookalikes here too."

BBC Radio 5 live

The build-up to Thursday's matches are under way on BBC Radio 5 live, with Mark Chapman presenting the top stories from Brazil.

You can listen to Colombia v Ivory Coast live at 17:00 BST with commentary from Conor McNamara and former Everton winger Kevin Kilbane at Estadio Nacional. Click on the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page to listen via the website.

Why not follow the live text commentary on this page while listening to BBC Radio 5's commentary?

If you are out and about, don't forget you can sign up to the push alert option on the BBC Sport app, providing you team news, goal alerts and half-time and full-time scores for every World Cup team.

Image source, Getty Images

It's been a tough day or so for Colombian singer Shakira.

The 37-year-old 'Hips Don't Lie' star has had to comfort footballer boyfriend Gerard Pique in the wake of the surprising exit of defending champions Spain from the World Cup. Pique was an unused substitute in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat by Chile.

But Shakira, a big football fan, is hoping Los Cafeteros can put a smile back on her face by defeating Ivory Coast.

Also famous for 'Whenever, Whatever', Shakira released a 2014 World Cup song entitled 'La La La (Brazil 2014)', and recruited Pique and fellow Barcelona players Lionel Messi and Neymar for the video.

John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

"We are looking here, in all probability, at England's next opponents if they make it through the group. It is a fascinating game, I wouldn't know where to put my money. The Ivory Coast have this doubt about the centre of defence and they seem to think Wilfried Bony is the man, not Didier Drogba."

Image source, Getty Images

He might not be starting but we still want to know: Where does Didier Drogba rank on the all-time list of best African players?

The continent has struggled to make a big impression at World Cups yet the likes of Cameroon and Nigeria have been blessed with some world-class talent.

Liberia's George Weah, Cameroon's Roger Milla and Nigeria's Jay-Jay Okocha are right up there as are Samuel Eto'o and Michael Essien.

But where does Champions League and three-time Premier League winner Drogba rank on the list? Text your views to 81111 (UK Only) or tweet us at #bbcworldcup., external

BBC World Service reporter John Bennett: "Another brave call by Ivory Coast head coach Sabri Lamouchi to leave Didier Drogba on the bench. When the 36-year-old came on against Japan he changed the game and of course he's an icon back home and in the dressing room.

"It's a big vote of confidence in Wilfried Bony. Wednesday's pre-match news conference was dominated by Drogba questions, which clearly irritated Lamouchi.

"Meanwhile I'm surprised to see that Salomon Kalou has been dropped. He was their top scorer in qualifying but it's a big opportunity for Max Gradel, who Leeds United and Leicester City fans will remember fondly."

One Champions League triumph.

Image source, Getty Images

Three Premier League titles.

Image source, Getty Images

100 Premier League goals.

Image source, Getty Images

And a whole heap of international heartache. . . . .

Image source, Getty Images

When will Didier Drogba start a game at this World Cup? Drogba has been receiving treatment for a thigh injury and is still not deemed fit to start by Ivory Coast manager Sabri Lamouchi.

Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst

"Colombia were very impressive in their opening win over Greece, and they set a great tempo against potentially awkward opposition. Their preparation for this tournament must have been spot on.

"These are the best two teams in the group and this has the feel of a game they might both be thinking it is important not to lose."