FIFA World Cup: Colombia Beat Greece 3-0 in Group C Opener

Colombia started its first World Cup campaign in 16 years in dazzling fashion, beating Greece 3-0 with goals from Pablo Armero, Teofilo Gutierrez and James Rodriguez in the Group C opener on Saturday.

© AFP

Left back Armero opened the scoring in the fifth minute when his deflected shot rolled past Greece goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis. Striker Teofilo Gutierrez poked in Colombia's second goal from a deflected corner in the 58th that confused Karnezis and two defenders covering the near post.

Greece had a chance to pull a goal back after Gutierrez's goal, but an unmarked Georgios Samaras rattled the crossbar from close range.

James Rodriguez scored with a low shot in stoppage time after a slick backheel flick from Juan Cuadrado.