0' All set here for the opening game of Group C. Both teams must fancy their chances of going through in a somewhat even group where there are no clear favorites, and what better start is there than three points off the bat. The Columbians without Falcao, and we'll see if that diminishes their scoring ability. Greece still looking for the kind of fame and fortune they realized in Euro 2004, but haven't been able to find it since. If either of these teams are a favorite it has to be the Columbians, who finished second in CONMEBOL qualifying. The Greek defense not easily cracked though, as they only conceded four goals in their qualifying campaign. However, goals were hard to come by as well, as they only netted 12.
5' An early goal for Columbia! A beautiful cross into the box is stepped over magnificently and left for Armero. His shot gets deflected and slowed down by a Greek defender who tries to sweep it away, but then trickles past the keeper, who might have saved it had it not been touched. Unfortunate for the Greeks. But a minute later Greece with a beautiful chance, and the ball sails just wide of the mark.
25' Greece steadily on the attack but missing that something special in midfield to create chances. Not without a few opportunities though, and Columbia forced to defend. Greece so far able to handle the Columbian counter-attack, but it certain has looked dangerous from the Columbians.
40' Both teams with a few good chances, but Greece still lacking that finishing touch, despite making some excellent runs in onto the Columbian defense. Columbia still looking dangerous on the counter-attack, but Greece trying hard to square things before the half.
45' Right before the half its a beautiful save from the Columbian keeper to keep things level as a stray ball comes to the feet of a Greek striker in with space inside the box. And that was nearly the equalizer. A phenomenal save.
58' Finally converting one of their opportunities, its Columbia who goes up 2-0. Its from a corner that takes two deflections from columbians en route to goal. A beautiful goal and Greece will need to dig deep and find something special to come back from this one.
63' Oh my its nearly a goal for Greece off of a beautiful header in from a beautiful cross. Gekas lays out but his header clammers off the crossbar. What a missed opportunity, and Greece has to convert if they want to have a chance at this one.
80' Greece still lacking that finishing touch, despite a lot of possession in the attacking half. Samaras nearly puts himself on the score sheet but the shot from just outside the box goes just wide of the upright. Luck just not on the greek side today. Two tackles in the box might have even been penalties from another ref, but not strong enough to merit a kick from the spot today.
92' Right at the end of stoppage time its Columbia sealing the game with a third goal. Greece just unable to find an answer either in mid-field or in the box, and Columbia strikes on the counterattack, but its a beautiful strike after a beautiful flick on a back pass seals the game.
Final' And the ref calls the match as soon as the celebrations are over. Its three points for Columbia and they looked strong today, defending well and strong on the counter attack. Greece will need to find a magical touch and find goals later on, defending well for the most part but perhaps giving up too much on defense in the desperate search for goals.
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