Greece 2-1 win knocks Ivory Coast out of World Cup
FORTALEZA, Brazil — Georgios Samaras scored an injury-time penalty to put Greece into the second round of the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.
Samaras was adjudged to have been brought down by substitute Giovanni Sio and Samaras calmly slotted in the spot kick for the win that puts Greece through to the knockout stage.
However television replays showed that the penalty was awarded after Samaras stubbed his toe and fell in the area. Ivory Coast would have advanced with a draw.
Substitute Wilfried Bony had equalized for Ivory Coast in the 74th, beating goalkeeper Pangiotis Glykos from close range after being set up by Gervinho.
The Greeks had taken the lead just before halftime through substitute Andreas Samaris.
Veteran striker Didier Drogba started for Ivory Coast along with Yaya and Kolo Toure despite the recent death of their brother Ibrahim. The Ivorians wore black armbands as a sign of mourning.
Meanwhile substitute Jackson Martinez scored twice as Colombia beat Japan 4-1 to end World Cup Group C with three straight wins and send the Asian champions packing from the tournament with just a single point.
