A last minute penalty by Georgios Samaras gave Greece a 2-1 win over Cote D’Ivoire and a place in the last 16 of the World Cup behind Colombia that finished top of Group C after a 4-1 crushing of Japan.
A draw would have been enough for the Ivorians to qualify, given that Japan did not defeat Colombia by a margin of at least two goals in the other match.
Cote D’Ivoire’s situation was helped by a Juan Cuadrado penalty in the 17th minute that put Colombia ahead, although the Greeks looked more likely to score against Cote D’Ivoire with Georgios Karagousnis hitting the post midway through the first half.
Greece’s subtle dominance was rewarded three minutes before half-time when Samaras set up Andreas Samaris to give the Europeans a deserved lead.
Shinji Okazaki then equalised for Japan on the stroke of half-time against Colombia to leave Greece in position to progress to the second round at the time.
A well taken brace from FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez out Colombia 3-1 up against Japan while substitute Wilfred Bony finished off a return pass from Gervinho to level for Cote D’Ivoire against Greece and give the second round initiative to the Africans.
James Rodriguez, who had provided two of Colombia’s opening three goals, sealed a comprehensive win against Japan with the fourth and his third goal in the World Cup.
Cote D’Ivoire on their part had the woodwork to thank a long range Karagounis effort crashed off the crossbar before a near post cross shot from Vassilis Torosidis came off the outside of the post.
But with time, Greece launched a counterattack after thwarting an Ivorian threat, which ended with Samaras converting the last minute spot-kick after getting fouled in the area by substitute Giovanni Sio.
The results mean Colombia will now face Uruguay in the last 16, ensuring two South American nations will appear in the quarterfinals as Brazil will also meet fellow South Americans Chile in another second round match.
For Greece, Samaras’ last gasp heroics earned them an unlikely second round tie against surprise team of the World Cup Costa Rica.