Colombia qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 24 years after Japan and 10-man Greece played out a dire 0-0 draw in Natal on Thursday.

Japan failed to take advantage of the Greeks being reduced to 10 men from the 38th minute when captain Konstantinos Katsouranis was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Both sides picked up their first point and can still qualify from Group C, although they must win their final matches to do so.

Greece play Ivory Coast, who are on three points, in their final match while Japan tackle Colombia, who have a perfect six points.

afp