Fortaleza: The biting controversy involving Luis Suarez overshadowed Uruguay's passage into the World Cup second round at the expense of Italy, while Greece converted a penalty in added time to pull off a sensational win over Ivory Coast to reach the tournament's round of 16 for the first time.
Greece came back from the dead through Georgios Samaras, who scored from the penalty spot in the 91st minute to give his team a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. Greece, who were at the bottom of Group C before the game began, finished second in the pool behind Colombia.
Colombia defeated Japan 4-1 in Cuiaba to progress as group toppers.
Uruguay advanced from Group D after knocking Italy out of the competition with a 1-0 victory. The game had its fair share of controversies and on top of the list was Luis Suarez allegedly biting Italian Giorgio Chiellini minutes before the South Americans scored the winning goal. FIFA has already said that it will investigate the incident.
Costa Rica topped Group D after a goalless draw against England.
It was sudden joy for Greece and heartbreak for Ivory Coast, who would have qualified with a 1-1 outcome.
There was dramatic last-minute twist in store as the referee decided to award a spot-kick to Greece. Samaras struck a clean shot to the right for a memorable win.
Young Andreas Samaris put Greece in the lead just before half-time by pouncing on a defensive error to slot it home. Wilfried Bony equalised for Ivory Coast in the 74th minute with the help of Gervinho.
Earlier in Natal, Uruguay captain Diego Godin's late strike against 10-man Italy sent his team into the last 16 and knocked their opponents out of the tournament in the opening stages for the second time running.
Godin's goal off a corner in the 81st minute was enough for the 2010 semifinalist to progress in the competition after a fiercely fought battle against the Italians in a match witnessing flared tempers, rough tackles and a moment when Chiellini accused Luis Suarez of biting him.