Heading into their last Group C match in Fortaleza, both Greece and Ivory Coast know that they can create history and qualify for the Round of 16. The two sides hope to come out on top in what is a first ever meeting between the nations.
For the Ethniki, they must win and hope that Japan do not. If the Blue Samurai do get a draw, then the Greeks must win by at least two goals to have a chance of advancing.
The Elephants on the other hand can get a draw and advance if the Japanese do not win by more than two goals. If the Ivory Coast win, then they could even win the group, but would have to have a goal difference swing of five between them and Colombia (they win and Colombia lose by a combined 5 goals.) If the Elephants win, they are at least assured of finishing in second place and moving on.
Both sides will also be at less than full strength. The Greeks will be missing midfielder Kostas Katsouranis, who was sent off in the first half of the match against Japan. While the Elephants will be missing Didier Zokora who has gotten a yellow card in each of the previous group matches.
One can certainly expect a tense match and a late goal could decide it. The Greeks have yet to find the back of the net in Brazil while Ivory Coast has scored all three of their goals later than the 60th minute after falling behind to both Japan and Colombia.
Moving onto the Round of 16, the two sides will face teams from Group D. Costa Rica has already qualified out of the group. Italy and Uruguay still have a chance to advance as well.
