Greece goes through in a dramatic finish

It was yet another late goal that sealed the fate of the two teams in Group c in the world cup 2014. Greece got the favours this time as they scored with virtually the final kick at the ball to clinch the tie against Ivory Coast by a scoreline of 2-1.

The Greeks were leading for the most part of the game since scoring the first goal of the match in the 41^st minute. It was more a gift from Ivory Coast than an earned one as Tiote’s mistake turned out to be a deadly one. His short feeble back pass was easily intercepted by Samaris who then played a nice one-two with Samaras before placing it past the keeper to put his team into the lead just before the lemon break. Having taken a lead just before the break the Greeks came out with confidence and looked forward to qualification into the next round. They defended well and kept Ivory Coast at bay till the 81^st minute. Ivory Coast who was playing a chasing all through finally got the reward as Wilfred Bony leveled with less than 10 minutes remaining. It seemed that the Greeks were going out despite a brave fight as a draw would ensure Ivory Coast a place in the next round.

However the ultimate drama was yet to unfold. In the first minute of the added time Greece got the penalty. Lazaros broke down the left and sent in the ball for Samaras to shoot. Sio brought him down and the ref never hesitated to point to the spot. Samaris stepped up and put it over the line with great calmness and Greece was through.

Once again a late goal turned the table on its head as the Greeks found themselves in the knockout stage. But it was sheer heartbreak for Ivory Coast. They did everything, still they failed to qualify. May be four years from now they will find them in the knock outs. Till then it’s good-bye to the Africans.

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About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.