Colombia v Greece: Group C preview

Sokratis Papasthopoulos will be Greece’s talisman in their World Cup opener against Columbia at Belo Horizonte.

Greece recorded a win and two draws in three World Cup warm-up games [AFP]

Colombia are without their star player Radamel Falcao, who scored nine goals in 13 qualifying matches, who is ruled out of contention with a knee injury.

In the absence of Falcao the likes of James Rodriguez, Juan Fernando Quintero and Juan Cuadrado are likely to shoulder the burdon of driving their team forward in a match that they will be favourites to win.

Greece recorded a win and two draws in three World Cup warm-up games and will look to play with a focus on defence and frustrating their opponents.

Greece will look to Kostas ‘Pistolero’ Mitroglou, who has and has eight international goals and is a firm fan-favourite at home.

Young Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papasthopoulos will be expected to lead the Greek defence.

Match Facts

Colombia have lost eight of their 13 World Cup matches (W3, D2)
However, Los Cafeteros had more shots on target (99) than any other team in South American qualifying
Greece have lost both previous World Cup encounters with sides from South America, conceding six in the process

Venue: Estadio Mineirao

Kick-off: 19:00

Possible teams:

Colombia (Possible, 4-4-2): Ospina; Zuniga, Yepes, Zapata, Armero; Cuadrado, Aguilar, Rodriguez, Sanchez; Gutierez, Martinez.

Greece (Possible, 4-4-2): Karnezis; Torosidis, Papasthathopoulos, Manolas, Holebas; Salpingidis, Katsouranis, Maniatis, Kone; Samaras, Mitroglou.

Referee: Mark Geiger (USA).

Source: Al Jazeera