Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba stressed the need to put the team ahead of his personal ambitions after helping the African nation kick off their World Cup campaign with victory over Japan.

Drogba did not start but came on in the second half and helped provide the inspiration for a 2-1 comefrom-behind win in Recife.

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

“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 had taken 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 the Ivory Coast had turned the match on its head to go 2-1 ahead.

Wilfried Bony drew the teams level in the 64th minute and then his fellow forward Gervinho netted what would prove to be the matchwinner just moments later.

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

Drogba, playing in his third World Cup, is hoping that Les Elephants can reach the knock-out stage of the competition for the first time in the country’s history.

The Ivory Coast take on Colombia on Thursday at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia.

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni was frustrated by the outcome but emphasised the need to look forward.

The Blue Samurai take on Greece on Thursday at the Estadio das Dunas in Natal.

“We gave Ivory Coast players too much space and didn’t play well defensively or offensively,” the Italian said. “We have two games left and now we have to improve our morale.

“We have to play better than we did tonight, and if we can do that then we know we’re capable of producing good results.

“The past is in the past, what’s important is what’s coming next.”