The Group C match between Ivory Coast and Japan should be one of the more intriguing games in the opening round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The game will be a test of Ivory Coast's strength and power and Japan's speed and teamwork. Both soccer teams are expected to likely vie for second place behind a dynamic Colombia team, according to the Bleacher Report.

CLICK HERE to watch the game online via WatchESPN. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, but coverage will begin at 8:30 p.m.

The two teams made their respective trips to Brazil, the host country for the soccer tournament, with talented squads.

Ivory Coast boasts several stars of the Premier League including Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, while Japan's secret weapon is the "underused Manchester United playmaker Shinji Kagawa."

Both teams have extraordinary attacking talent; the game should be an open one.

Group C is one of the more open groups, with each team having a good chance of snatching a top two spot and a place in the knockout rounds. The group consists of Ivory Coast, Japan, Colombia and Greece.

"I consider the group to be very balanced. We have all more or less the same chances of success," Japan's Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni has said, according to the Christian Post.

This is Ivory Coast's third World Cup. They were eliminated at the group stages in Germany in 2006 and South Africa in 2010.

This is Japan's fifth appearance at the World Cup, having played in every edition since France 1998. They also hosted the event alongside South Korea in 2002.

According to FIFA.com, the head referee will be Enrique Osses. Two fellow Chileans and one Cameroonian will serve as his three assistants.

According to Weather.com, the city of Recife should cool off to the mid-70s. It is expected to rain.