Greece advance in late drama

Surprise results and late drama continued on Tuesday as Greece emerged victorious against Ivory Coast in Fortaleza. The Elephants looked destined to reach their first-ever World Cup Round of 16, but Greece were awarded a controversial penalty that turned the game on its head.

Things got off to a very grim start for Greece after injures forced Panagiotis Kone and later goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis off in the first half.

Defensively minded Hellas scored their first goal of the tournament minutes before halftime. Chiek Tiote's mistake in midfield led to a break that was expertly finished off by early substitute Andreas Samaris.

The second half belonged almost entirely to Ivory Coast. After threatening for nearly half an hour, Wilfried Bony equalized in the 74th minute. The Elephants' star man of the evening, Gervinho, played provider with a smart ball from the left side of the box.

The goal looked like it had sealed Ivory Coast's spot in the knock-out phase until Georgios Samaras went down in the box in extra time. Greece were awarded a penalty, but the replay showed Samaras had actually tripped himself. The lucky forward converted the penalty, sending Greece into the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.

Colombia seal top spot

Advancing out of Group C along with Greece are Colombia, who sealed a 100 percent record in the opening phase of the competition with a 4-1 win over Japan.

Juan Cuadrado got the Colombians on the board just 17 minutes into the match after firing home a penalty.

Shinji Okazaki's snap header just before the break gave the Japanese a lifeline, but their hopes were dashed in the second half.

A pair of goals by Jackson Martinez and one by Colombia's star performer of the tournament, James Rodriguez, saw the South Americans capture the first place in their group.

Colombia will now face Uruguay on June 28 in the Round of 16. Group runners-up Greece, meanwhile, will take on World Cup surprise-side Costa Rica one day later.