Didier Drogba stressed the need to put Ivory Coast’s ambitions for the World Cup ahead of his after he came off the bench to help the Elephants defeat Japan 2-1.

The 36-year-old, who seems destined to join Juventus, started Saturday’s match from the bench but came on in the second half to help play a crucial role in turning their deficit around.

“I was disappointed (not to start),” the 36-year-old Drogba said. “But I have to show my respect to those that started.

Gervinho of the Ivory Coast (L) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Didier Drogba during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group C match between the Ivory Coast and Japan at Arena Pernambuco on June 14, 2014 in Recife, Brazil. (Photo FIFA)

“When I went in, I just wanted to help the team to win the match and I did not need this disappointment in order to be motivated. I don’t know how long I played but I knew it was important to give something extra to the team.”

Japan took a first-half lead against the run of play through a goal from Keisuke Honda, but within four minutes of Drogba’s introduction in the 62nd minute, Côte d’Ivoire had turned the match on its head to go 2-1 ahead.

Wilfried Bony and Gervinho struck in headed goals 98 seconds apart from each other to see the West Africans go equal on points with Colombia in Group C.

Japan weren’t very dangerous but we trailed and had to come from behind to win,” Drogba said.

“It is a beautiful victory and we are happy with the result. We’ve prepared for many weeks for this game and it was important to start the competition on the right foot. This result will be very important especially if we play a good game against Colombia.”

Another player who shone on the field for Sabri Lamouchi’s men was Toulouse full-back Serge Aurier.

The 21-year-old’s future has been under a constant cloud of speculation as rumours of a switch to Arsenal have started to increase, and the former Chelsea man feels his compatriot will do well in the English Premier League.

“He’s the best right-back in all of France,” said the striker while adding fuel to the flames. “I think he’ll do well at the next level too, in the Premier League.”