Group C – Colombia v Greece Review
For the first time since 1998, Colombia announced their return to the world stage in emphatic fashion.
Los Cafeteros, as they’re better known were looking to make up for lost time and that they did as they got off to the best start possible. Mounting early pressure paid off as Pablo Emero struck in the fifth minute of play – so far the quickest goal this world cup.
The next 40 minutes at Estadio Mineirao Stadium resulted in a fairly even contest as Colombia went into the break with a 1-0 lead over Greece. Colombia came out firing after half time continuing to pressure the Greek defence through the likes of midfielder James Rodriguez and striker Gutierrez Teo.
Eventually the pressure would translate into another goal, and in the 58th minute, Rodriguez took the corner that was flicked on by Abel and finished strongly by Teo, doubling the lead and sending the Cafeteros faithful into raptures. This seemed to dent Greek morale and to further rub salt into the wound, Greek Theofanis Gekas missed one of the chances of the tournament.
Rodriguez still had more to offer and he scored a late goal to round off an enjoyable night for the Colombians and one for the Greeks to forget.
The final result: Colombia 3 – 0 Greece
- Colombia will next face other group C winners Côte d’Ivoire on Friday at 2am AEST.
- The winner of Colombia and Côte d’Ivoire will qualify for the round of 16.
- Greece will need to bounce back quick, though their task isn’t made any easier when they are set to face Japan at 8am AEST.
- Japan will rue the missed opportunity of clinching all three points as they let slip a one goal lead when the influential Didier Drogba came on to spur a Côte d’Ivoire fightback.
