Photo: James Rodriguez celebrates his goal against Greece in the World Cup opener. Colombia defeated the former European champions 3-0. (Getty Images)
In a much more entertaining game than expected, Colombia and Greece opened their 2014 World Cup campaign in a game which saw both teans pushing forward providing some attacking threat. In the end it was Colombia who ran out 3-0 winners thanks to Pablo Armero, Teofilo Gutierrez and man of the match James Rodriguez.
It was Los Cafeteros who made a bright start with West Ham’s left back Pablo Armero finding the back of the net in the 6th minute. It was orchestrated by the trickery of Juan Cuadrado who made space for himself by getting the better of Jose Holebas and crossing for James Rodriguez. The Monaco youngster then ran over the ball giving Armero time and space to slot home.
Greece had a great chance for an instant response but Panagiotis Kone couldn’t get his shot on targer from 12 yards from a Giorgos Samaras cross. The Greeks then got a foot hold in the game but for all their possession they could not penetrate the Colombian defense.
However Colombia was looking dangerous on the break mainly due to the pace of Victor Ibarbo and Cuadrado. The Piratiko had a chance on 28 minutes but Vasilis Torosidis’ header went wide from Holebas’ free kick. Rodriguez then had a glorious chance on 39 minutes but he could not direct his shot on target from Ibarbo’s delightful cross.
The half ended with David Ospina making a top draw save from Kone’s curling effort. It was truly an excellent save from the man who is reported to be under the watchful eyes of Arsene Wenger.
The Piratiko started the second half very strong with Samaras going down in the penalty area under a rough challenge but no penalty on 47 minutes. The next big action of the half came on 58 minutes when Teofilo Gutierrez made it 2-0 to Colombia. Rodriguez’s corner was flicked on by Abel Aguilar giving the River Plate striker an easy tap-in.
Greece should have pulled one back on 63 minutes but Theofanis Gekas headed the ball onto the bar from Torosidis’ cross with a gaping open net. At this stage the Colombians were just retaining possession and using the pace of Rodriguez and Cuadrado to good effect. Greece was misplacing their passes as their heads dropped, looking down and out.
Samaras had a good effort on 85 minutes but his left-footed shot from outside the penalty area went wide of the right hand post. Santiago Arias who replaced Armero then had some chances to stretch his legs and looked great down the left side linking up well with Rodriguez.
Victory was sealed in added time by Rodriguez. Cuadrado made an excellent burst through midfield, linked up with Juan Zuniga before the ball fell to Rodriguez who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
A convincing performance from Colombia without Falcao and the suspended Fredy Guarin but there is still some work to be done for Jose Pekerman’s team. It is a great start for Los Cafeteros but the Greeks must improve massively if they are to advance from the group. Fernando Santos can take a few positives from this with his team getting some good chances at goal.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login