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Match Report

World Cup - Brazil 2014

Saturday, 14 June 2014,

Colombia
3
-
Full Time
Live
-
0
Greece
  • Kickoff: 17:00 BST
  • Stadium: Estadio Mineirão
  • Referee: -
  • Stadium: Estadio Mineirão
  • Attendance: 57,174
  • 5' Pablo Armero
  • 58' Teófilo Gutiérrez
  • 91' James Rodríguez

    Colombia

    Half time

    Full time

    Greece

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    Colombia v Greece: 50-50 Challenge

    Our expert bloggers will give their thoughts ahead of each game so as Colombia take on Greece in Group C, Carl Worswick (Colombia) and Chris Paraskevas (Greece) are your guides.

    What's at stake?

    Carl Worswick: Colombia have waited 16 years for this game and on the back of an impressive qualifying campaign, hopes are high that they can fare better than in their last two finals appearances (group stage exits in 1994 and 1998). Injuries to key players and fitness concerns have besieged their World Cup preparations but the side is still packed full of exciting attacking talent that should -- for now -- cover up for the cracks at the back.

    With Colombian fans expected to vastly outnumber their Greek counterparts in the Estadio Minerao, the Group C curtain raiser should almost feel like a home game for the South Americans who will be strong favourites to kick their Brazil campaign off with a win. But the country has suffered under the intense strain of expectancy in the past and anything other than a victory here will only ramp up the pressure to insufferable levels.

    Chris Paraskevas: Greece's entire campaign rests on this game. If they don't at least get a point, they are virtually certain to be heading home at the end of the group stages. Beyond that, a first draw or victory against a South American side at a major tournament would be a huge psychological boost for this group of players.

    There's everything to lose and everything to gain on June 14, as far as Greece are concerned.

    X factor

    CW: One of Jose Pekerman's first tasks upon becoming Colombia manager two years ago was to hand then 20 year-old James Rodriguez the fabled No. 10 shirt once worn by Carlos "El Pibe" Valderrama. For a player who had only just made his senior team debut it was considered a bold gamble. But it paid off. Despite his tender years, Rodriguez thrived under the pressure as he finished the qualification round as one of Colombia's key players.

    Against Greece's stubborn backline there's every reason to believe that the Monaco frontman's guile, leadership and eye for a decisive pass could be the difference. Colombia expect a lot from their young star and the 2014 World Cup could be his big moment.

    CP: Ioannis Fetfatzidis. Much has been written about Kostas Mitroglou's form and fitness (or lack thereof) in the lead-up to this tournament. While the Fulham man is important to Greece, Fetfatzidis showed in the friendly matches that he's hungry and extremely talented.

    The 23-year-old is coming off a successful debut season in Italy and is unafraid to take on his marker. He offers something this Greek team conspicuously lack: unpredictability. It's likely he'll start off the bench against Colombia but he could be the man to make the difference in a tight contest.

    Fear factor

    CW: The clock. If time drags on and Colombia are unable to find a way past Greece's tight defence then mounting pressure could be their undoing. The big fear is a repeat of 20 years ago when the country's golden generation arrived at the USA finals as one of the favourites only to suffer a devastating blow in losing to Romania in their first game.

    Against Group C's weakest team everyone again expects three points, but if Greece are able to stifle and suffocate Colombia's creative forces, then nagging doubts from yesteryear may again resurface. An early goal will be crucial to extinguishing those nerves.

    CP: Carlos Bacca's natural ability to get on the end of crosses in the penalty box will be a big threat to Greece. The two centre-backs will really need to keep an eye on the Sevilla forward, who is coming off a sensational season in Spain. He starred in the Europa League and was excellent in La Liga and he combines athleticism with a natural instict for goal. His ability to play off the shoulder of the last man could be unsettling.

    Key battle

    CW: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado v Jose Holebas. The Fiorentina winger is on the top of his game and looks to have finally cut out the annoyingly wasteful elaboration he was once guilty of. Blessed with pace, skill and a sweet strike, the 26-year-old has the ability to effortlessly glide past his marker. As creator or marksman Cuadrado is deadly, and up against opposite number Holebas the stage is set for the wideman to wreak havoc. Holebas is the weak point in the Greek backline. Once a forward but now crowbarred into a wingback role, doubts over the German-born player's defensive input will surely be exploited by Cuadrado's quick feet.

    CP: I agree with Carl, it's Cuadrado v Holebas. Cuadrado is one of Colombia's main attacking weapons and Holebas is Greece's biggest weak link. The Greek left-back will face a stern test up against Colombia's right-winger, who is quick, direct and very skilful.

    Holebas has a tendency for getting caught out of position and giving up possession cheaply and you can be certain that Cuadrado will love running at the Olympiacos defender. This is Greece's Achilles' Heel.

    Prediction

    CW: Colombia 2-0 Greece. The South Americans simply have too many attacking options and will come out hungry looking for an early goal. Even if Greece are temporarily successful in frustrating Colombia, Jose Pekerman has players like Victor Ibarbo and Juan Fernando Quintero who are capable of changing the game from the bench.

    CP: 1-1. I really do think this will be a cagey affair, with the Greeks set to frustrate the Colombians, who might take a bit of time to hit their stride given Falcao's absence. If he was still playing, this prediction would be rather different.

    91'+3

    End Regular Time

    91'+3

    Second Half ends, Colombia 3, Greece 0.

    91'+2

    3 - 0

    Goal! Colombia 3, Greece 0. James Rodríguez (Colombia) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Juan Guillermo Cuadrado.

    91'+2

    Juan Cuadrado (Colombia) Assists Shot at 93'

    91'+2

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Free Kick at 93'

    91'+2

    Juan Zuñiga (Colombia) wins a free kick on the right wing.

    91'+1

    David Ospina (Colombia) Free Kick at 92'

    91'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    91'

    Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Greece) Throw In at 91'

    91'

    Santiago Arias (Colombia) Throw In at 91'

    90'

    Santiago Arias (Colombia) Throw In at 90'

    89'

    Alexander Mejía (Colombia) Blocked Pass at 89'

    88'

    Ioannis Maniatis (Greece) Blocked Pass at 88'

    88'

    Giorgos Samaras (Greece) Throw In at 88'

    87'

    Santiago Arias (Colombia) Throw In at 87'

    86'

    Victor Ibarbo (Colombia) Free Kick at 86'

    86'

    Jackson Martinez (Colombia) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    85'

    Attempt missed. Georgios Samaras (Greece) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.

    82'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Free Kick at 82'

    82'

    Giorgos Karagounis (Greece) wins a free kick on the left wing.

    81'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Free Kick at 81'

    81'

    Hand ball by Jackson Martinez (Colombia).

    81'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Throw In at 81'

    81'

    Giorgos Samaras (Greece) Throw In at 81'

    80'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Throw In at 80'

    79'

    Ioannis Maniatis (Greece) Free Kick at 79'

    79'

    Giorgos Karagounis (Greece) wins a free kick on the right wing.

    79'

    Carlos Sánchez (Colombia) Free Kick at 79'

    78'

    Substitution, Greece. Giorgos Karagounis replaces Panagiotis Kone.

    78'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    78'

    Kostas Katsouranis (Greece) Free Kick at 78'

    77'

    Giannis Maniatis (Greece) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    77'

    Attempt saved. Santiago Arias (Colombia) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Jackson Martinez.

    77'

    Jackson Martínez (Colombia) Assists Shot at 77'

    77'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Throw In at 77'

    76'

    Substitution, Colombia. Jackson Martinez replaces Teófilo Gutiérrez.

    75'

    Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Greece) Free Kick at 75'

    75'

    Attempt blocked. Giannis Maniatis (Greece) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Konstantinos Katsouranis.

    75'

    Kostas Katsouranis (Greece) Assists Shot at 75'

    74'

    Santiago Arias (Colombia) Throw In at 74'

    74'

    Substitution, Colombia. Santiago Arias replaces Pablo Armero.

    73'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Throw In at 73'

    72'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) Free Kick at 72'

    72'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    70'

    Kostas Mitroglou (Greece) Corner Kick at 70'

    70'

    Corner, Greece. Conceded by Mario Yepes.

    70'

    Attempt blocked. Kostas Mitroglou (Greece) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Georgios Samaras.

    70'

    Giorgos Samaras (Greece) Assists Shot at 70'

    70'

    Ioannis Fetfatzidis (Greece) Blocked Pass at 70'

    69'

    David Ospina (Colombia) Free Kick at 69'

    69'

    Offside, Greece. Panagiotis Kone tries a through ball, but Kostas Mitroglou is caught offside.

    69'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Free Kick at 69'

    69'

    Substitution, Colombia. Alexander Mejía replaces Abel Aguilar.

    68'

    Konstantinos Katsouranis (Greece) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    68'

    Juan Cuadrado (Colombia) Blocked Pass at 68'

    68'

    Kostas Katsouranis (Greece) Free Kick at 68'

    67'

    Hand ball by Teófilo Gutiérrez (Colombia).

    67'

    Pablo Armero (Colombia) Throw In at 67'

    67'

    Attempt blocked. James Rodríguez (Colombia) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Teófilo Gutiérrez.

    67'

    Teófilo Gutiérrez (Colombia) Assists Shot at 67'

    66'

    Corner, Colombia. Conceded by José Holebas.

    66'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) Corner Kick at 66'

    65'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Free Kick at 65'

    65'

    Vasilis Torosidis (Greece) wins a free kick on the right wing.

    64'

    Pablo Armero (Colombia) Throw In at 64'

    64'

    Substitution, Greece. Kostas Mitroglou replaces Theofanis Gekas.

    64'

    Pablo Armero (Colombia) Throw In at 64'

    63'

    Kostas Manolas (Greece) Blocked Pass at 63'

    63'

    Theofanis Gekas (Greece) hits the bar with a header from very close range. Assisted by Vasilis Torosidis.

    63'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Assists Shot at 63'

    63'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Throw In at 63'

    62'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Throw In at 62'

    62'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Throw In at 62'

    62'

    Kostas Katsouranis (Greece) Free Kick at 62'

    62'

    Georgios Samaras (Greece) wins a free kick on the left wing.

    61'

    Kostas Katsouranis (Greece) Free Kick at 61'

    60'

    Panagiotis Kone (Greece) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    60'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Throw In at 60'

    58'

    2 - 0

    Goal! Colombia 2, Greece 0. Teófilo Gutiérrez (Colombia) left footed shot from very close range to the top left corner. Assisted by Abel Aguilar following a corner.

    58'

    Abel Aguilar (Colombia) Assists Shot at 58'

    58'

    Ioannis Maniatis (Greece) Corner Kick at 58'

    58'

    Juan Cuadrado (Colombia) Free Kick at 58'

    57'

    Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Colombia) wins a free kick on the right wing.

    57'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Free Kick at 57'

    57'

    Substitution, Greece. Ioannis Fetfatzidis replaces Dimitrios Salpingidis.

    56'

    Sokratis (Greece) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    55'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) Free Kick at 55'

    55'

    Dimitris Salpigidis

    55'

    Pablo Armero (Colombia) wins a free kick on the left wing.

    54'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Free Kick at 54'

    54'

    Foul by Mario Yepes (Colombia).

    54'

    Attempt missed. Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Colombia) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left following a set piece situation.

    53'

    Attempt blocked. James Rodríguez (Colombia) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

    52'

    Sokratis Papastathopoulos

    52'

    Víctor Ibarbo (Colombia) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    52'

    Victor Ibarbo (Colombia) Throw In at 52'

    52'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) Blocked Pass at 52'

    51'

    Kostas Katsouranis (Greece) Free Kick at 51'

    51'

    Georgios Samaras (Greece) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    51'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Throw In at 51'

    49'

    Attempt saved. James Rodríguez (Colombia) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Carlos Sánchez.

    49'

    Carlos Sánchez (Colombia) Assists Shot at 49'

    49'

    Juan Cuadrado (Colombia) Free Kick at 49'

    49'

    Víctor Ibarbo (Colombia) wins a free kick on the right wing.

    49'

    Attempt blocked. Dimitrios Salpingidis (Greece) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.

    47'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) Free Kick at 47'

    46'

    Juan Zuñiga (Colombia) wins a free kick on the right wing.

    46'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Throw In at 46'

    46'

    Start 2nd Half

    46'+1

    Halftime

    46'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Throw In at 46'

    46'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Throw In at 46'

    45'

    Corner, Greece. Conceded by David Ospina.

    45'

    Panagiotis Kone (Greece) Corner Kick at 45'

    45'

    Attempt saved. Panagiotis Kone (Greece) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Georgios Samaras.

    45'

    Giorgos Samaras (Greece) Assists Shot at 45'

    44'

    Panagiotis Kone (Greece) Throw In at 44'

    44'

    Attempt missed. Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Colombia) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Víctor Ibarbo.

    44'

    Victor Ibarbo (Colombia) Assists Shot at 44'

    43'

    David Ospina (Colombia) Free Kick at 43'

    42'

    Offside, Greece. Giannis Maniatis tries a through ball, but Dimitrios Salpingidis is caught offside.

    42'

    Attempt missed. Mario Yepes (Colombia) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by James Rodríguez with a cross following a corner.

    42'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) Assists Shot at 42'

    41'

    Corner, Colombia. Conceded by José Holebas.

    41'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Throw In at 41'

    41'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Blocked Pass at 41'

    40'

    David Ospina (Colombia) Free Kick at 40'

    40'

    Offside, Greece. José Holebas tries a through ball, but Theofanis Gekas is caught offside.

    40'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Throw In at 40'

    39'

    Ioannis Maniatis (Greece) Throw In at 39'

    38'

    Panagiotis Kone (Greece) Corner Kick at 38'

    37'

    Attempt missed. James Rodríguez (Colombia) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is too high. Assisted by Víctor Ibarbo with a cross following a corner.

    37'

    Victor Ibarbo (Colombia) Assists Shot at 37'

    37'

    Corner, Colombia. Conceded by Sokratis.

    37'

    Teófilo Gutiérrez (Colombia) Corner Kick at 37'

    36'

    Pablo Armero (Colombia) Blocked Pass at 36'

    36'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Throw In at 36'

    34'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Corner Kick at 34'

    33'

    Attempt missed. Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Colombia) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Abel Aguilar.

    33'

    Abel Aguilar (Colombia) Assists Shot at 33'

    32'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Throw In at 32'

    31'

    Giorgos Samaras (Greece) Blocked Pass at 31'

    30'

    Attempt missed. Panagiotis Kone (Greece) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.

    30'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Throw In at 30'

    29'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Throw In at 29'

    28'

    Attempt missed. Vasilis Torosidis (Greece) with an attempt from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by José Holebas with a cross following a set piece situation.

    28'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Assists Shot at 28'

    28'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Free Kick at 28'

    27'

    Georgios Samaras (Greece) wins a free kick on the left wing.

    27'

    Kostas Katsouranis (Greece) Free Kick at 27'

    26'

    Carlos Sánchez

    26'

    Georgios Samaras (Greece) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    24'

    Kostas Katsouranis (Greece) Blocked Pass at 24'

    23'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Throw In at 23'

    22'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) Blocked Pass at 22'

    22'

    Teófilo Gutiérrez (Colombia) Blocked Pass at 22'

    20'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Free Kick at 20'

    20'

    Giannis Maniatis (Greece) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    20'

    Ioannis Maniatis (Greece) Blocked Pass at 20'

    19'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Blocked Pass at 19'

    19'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Throw In at 19'

    18'

    Attempt saved. James Rodríguez (Colombia) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Abel Aguilar.

    18'

    Abel Aguilar (Colombia) Assists Shot at 18'

    17'

    Pablo Armero (Colombia) Throw In at 17'

    17'

    Pablo Armero (Colombia) Throw In at 17'

    16'

    Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Greece) Free Kick at 16'

    16'

    Offside, Colombia. Juan Zuñiga tries a through ball, but Teófilo Gutiérrez is caught offside.

    15'

    Pablo Armero (Colombia) Throw In at 15'

    15'

    Pablo Armero (Colombia) Throw In at 15'

    15'

    David Ospina (Colombia) Free Kick at 15'

    14'

    Mario Yepes (Colombia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    13'

    Kostas Manolas (Greece) Free Kick at 13'

    13'

    Kostas Manolas (Greece) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    13'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) Free Kick at 13'

    13'

    Víctor Ibarbo (Colombia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    13'

    Pablo Armero (Colombia) Throw In at 13'

    12'

    David Ospina (Colombia) Free Kick at 12'

    12'

    Juan Zuñiga (Colombia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    11'

    Attempt blocked. José Holebas (Greece) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

    10'

    Vasilis Torosidis (Greece) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

    10'

    Theofanis Gekas (Greece) Throw In at 10'

    9'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Throw In at 9'

    9'

    Abel Aguilar (Colombia) Free Kick at 9'

    8'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) wins a free kick on the right wing.

    6'

    Attempt missed. Panagiotis Kone (Greece) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Georgios Samaras.

    6'

    Giorgos Samaras (Greece) Assists Shot at 6'

    5'

    1 - 0

    Goal! Colombia 1, Greece 0. Pablo Armero (Colombia) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Juan Guillermo Cuadrado.

    5'

    Juan Cuadrado (Colombia) Assists Shot at 5'

    5'

    Attempt saved. Giannis Maniatis (Greece) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Panagiotis Kone.

    5'

    Panagiotis Kone (Greece) Assists Shot at 5'

    5'

    Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Greece) Free Kick at 5'

    4'

    Georgios Samaras (Greece) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    3'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Throw In at 3'

    3'

    James Rodríguez (Colombia) Blocked Pass at 3'

    3'

    José Cholevas (Greece) Throw In at 2'

    2'

    Juan Zúñiga (Colombia) Throw In at 2'

    1'

    Vasileios Torosidis (Greece) Throw In at 1'

    1'

    Kickoff

    Show all commentary

    Possession

    48%
    52%
    • Colombia
    • Greece

    Shots

    13
    11

    Shots on target

    6
    2

    Fouls

    19
    14

    Corners

    4
    4

    Yellow Cards

    1
    2

    Red Cards

    0
    0

    Head to Head

    Colombia3 - 0Greece

    Colombia

    • 1David Ospina
    • 3Mario Yepes
    • 18Juan Zúñiga
    • 7Pablo Armero
    • -> Santiago Arias
    • 2Cristián Zapata
    • 14Victor Ibarbo
    • 10James Rodríguez
    • 8Abel Aguilar
    • -> Alexander Mejía
    • 11Juan Cuadrado
    • 6Carlos Sánchez
    • 9Teófilo Gutiérrez
    • -> Jackson Martínez
    • Subs
    • 12Camilo Vargas
    • 17Carlos Bacca
    • 23Carlos Valdés
    • 16Éder Balanta
    • 19Adrián Ramos
    • 20Juan Quintero
    • 22Faryd Mondragón
    • 5Carlos Carbonero

    Greece

    • 1Orestis Karnezis
    • 15Vasileios Torosidis
    • 19Sokratis Papastathopoulos
    • 4Kostas Manolas
    • 20José Cholevas
    • 2Ioannis Maniatis
    • 7Giorgos Samaras
    • 14Dimitris Salpigidis
    • -> Ioannis Fetfatzidis
    • 17Theofanis Gekas
    • -> Kostas Mitroglou
    • 8Panagiotis Kone
    • -> Georgios Karagounis
    • 21Kostas Katsouranis
    • Subs
    • 22Andreas Samaris
    • 5Vangelis Moras
    • 12Panagiotis Glikos
    • 23Panagiotis Tachtsidis
    • 16Lazaros Christodoulopoulos
    • 11Loukas Vyntra
    • 6Alexandros Tziolis
    • 3Giorgos Tzavelas
    • 13Stefanos Kapino

    Colombia cruise to win over Greece

    Colombia got their 2014 World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Greece in Group C at Estadio Mineirao.

    Goals from Pablo Armero, Teofilo Gutierrez and James Rodriguez secured the three points for the Colombians, who will also play Japan and Ivory Coast in the group.

    Armero's shot crept over the line in the fifth minute after he struck goalwards from Juan Cuadrado's cross from the right, with goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis unable to keep out the effort that deflected off Kostas Manolas' boot.

    Colombia's lead was doubled in the 58th minute when Abel Aguilar helped on a corner into the path of Gutierrez, who tapped into an empty net from inside the six-yard box.

    And the success was sealed by Rodriguez in injury time as he fired low into the corner following a smart flick by Cuadrado.

    More to follow...




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