Colombia received some of the best support at the World Cup so far and repaid their fans with one of the best performances to date.
With the Belo Horizonte stadium bathed in sunshine, highlighting the yellow glow of the brightly dressed and vociferous Colombia supporters, it made for a great World Cup spectacle.
Colombia 3-0 Greece
2014 FIFA World Cup
Group C
Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte
Saturday 14 June 2014
The naturally attacking South Americans got off to a flying start with a fifth-minute goal from former West Ham man Pablo Armero, added a second after the break through Teo Gutierrez and then rounded off an impressive display with James Rodriguez's goal at the end of stoppage time.
Napoli defender Armero, loaned to West Ham last season, rolled in Juan Cuadrado's fifth-minute cutback and then launched the team into a great dancing celebration that sent the crowd into even further heights of elation.
Gutierrez, leading Colombia's attack in the absence of the injured Radamel Falcao, scored from close range after a Rodriguez corner was touched on at the post in the 58th minute.
Greece struggled to make an impact in this opening Group C clash, but did have a few chances and Theofanis Gekas headed their best opportunity against the bar, before Rodriguez steered in a late third.
Elsewhere, two quick-fire second-half goals from Wilfried Bony and Gervinho ensured Ivory Coast started their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Japan in Recife.
Japan took the lead on 16 minutes through an excellent strike by Keisuke Honda but the Elephants commanded more possession throughout and were guilty of missing several clear cut chances to get back into the game.
Chelsea supporters and the Premier League became accustomed to seeing Didier Drogba produce something special when it was needed most over the years and the substitute changed the game when he was introduced for the Ivorians on the hour mark.
He caused havoc in the Japan defence, creating room for Swansea striker Bony to equalise after Serge Aurier's cross on 64 minutes and then just 98 seconds later, former Arsenal forward Gervinho headed the winning goal, with Aurier providing the assist again.
Victory for the Ivory Coast boosted their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages along with Colombia.
