GREECE 2-1 NIGERIA

17.06.2010 [22:35]
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Baku, June 17 (AZERTAC). Greece scored their first goals and secured their first victory in a World Cup finals, coming from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 in their Group B match in Bloemfontein.

Kalu Uche opened the scoring for Nigeria but they were reduced to 10 men 11 minutes before the break when Sani Kaita was sent off. Greece took advantage to draw level a minute before half-time through Dimitris Salpigidis.

Vasilis Torosidis, the man fouled by Kaita leading to his dismissal, was then on hand to poke the ball home from close range after Vincent Enyeama failed to hold a swerving shot from Georgios Karagounis in the 71st minute.

Nigeria took the lead after 16 minutes following a defensive howler by their opponents. Greece failed to cut out an inswinging free-kick from Uche and, as a series of players missed the ball, it nestled in the net.

The match took a dramatic twist in the 34th minute when Nigeria were reduced to 10 men. Kaita was handed a straight red card by the referee, Oscar Ruiz, following a tussle with Torosidis. Kaita caught the defender with his studs after needlessly raising his foot.

Then came the mistake by the goalkeeper, although he did do well to beat away Tziolis`s effort in stoppage time to prevent Greece extending their lead.

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GREECE 2-1 NIGERIA

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