The wait will be over for Colombia and Greece when the two sides meet in their opening Group C game on Saturday in Belo Horizonte.

In a group which also includes Japan and Ivory Coast, all four teams will genuinely believe that they have enough quality to qualify for the knockout stages.

Colombia reached the tournament in comfortable style as they finished only behind Argentina in the South American standings, but their bid to make an impact in Brazil has been dealt a blow due to the injury of Radamel Falcao.

Jose Pekerman's side are expected to play three at the back, with wingbacks being deployed to give them extra numbers going forward, but they will be missing influential midfielder Fredy Guarin, who is suspended.

Greece qualified in similar fashion, with only Bosnia and Herzegovina beating them to top spot in their group, but they face a tough task to avoid the first-stage exit they suffered four years ago.

However, with no injury problems disrupting the Greek squad, they head into their opening match full of confidence as they attempt to upset one of the dark horses of the tournament.

Recent form

Colombia: WWDDDW

Greece: WDLDDW

Possible starting lineups

Colombia: Ospina; Balanta, Yepes, Zapata; Armero, Sanchez, Aguilar, Zuniga; Gutierrez, Rodriguez, Bacca

Greece: Karnezis; Torosidis, Sokratis, Manolas, Holebas; Salpingidis, Karagounis, Maniatis, Tziolis, Samaras, Mitroglou

Sports Mole says: 3-0

Written by
Callum Mulvihill

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