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Friday, June 18, 2010

Greece 2-1 Nigeria

Greece came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in a pulsating match that kept alive Greek hopes of qualifying from Group B.

It was the first victory for Greece at a World Cup and came after a contest that was completely transformed by the dismissal of Nigeria's Sani Kaita after 33 minutes.

Nigeria had taken an early lead after Kalu Uche's free-kick from a wide area eluded everybody and slipped past keeper Tzorvas.

And the Super Eagles had a firm grip on the game until Kaita foolishly kicked out at Vasileios Torosidis after both players had briefly tangled as they tried to win the ball.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel quickly grasped the opportunity by adopting a more attacking formation and was rewarded with a crucial victory.

A deflected strike from Dimitrios Salpingidis drew his side level before Torosidis struck the winner after the break to severely dent Nigeria's hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.

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