Battle of the styles will defensive or attacking football win

In Columbia's first World Cup since 1998, the South American's will be looking for a strong start in a tough Group with a victory over Greece. Greece will also be eager to make up for their poor 2010 performance, which saw them bow out in the group stage after losing to South Korea and Argentina. A win for either team in this match will set the winner up for progression, in what is an extremely tight group, with Japan and Ivory Coast facing off in the other fixture for Group C.

Columbia look to have the edge for this one, and should progress through to the next round, though Ivory Coast and Japan will be a handful for the slick South Americans, and Greece can always cause an upset with their physical presence and strong defensive displays.

Nevertheless, the Colombians look to be more superior on paper, with every position on the park filled by a quality player playing regularly for European of South American first team football. Columbia have lost just one of their past ten internationals, and go into the World Cup in good form and favourites to get out of Group C. Alternatively, Greece doesn't boast the amount of first class players that Columbia does, but can spoil other teams' ability to play, with their strong, hard midfield and defence.

DECISIVE FACTOR

Columbia will need to out muscle Greece in most parts of the game, and find a way around their strong defence for a Round 1 victory. Key to breaking down this defence will be Monaco attacking duo Rodriguez and Falcao. The two have combined well in previous matches for their nation, and will be looking to combine in the attacking third to get past Greece's strong defence.

If Coach Jose Peckerman opts for 38 year old Mario Yepes at central defence, Columbia may be caught by Greece's quick counter attack. Yepes is still a quality defender, but no doubt lacks the speed that he once boasted. With strong performances for Atalanta in the Serie A, Yepes is a certain for the 23 man squad, but whether or not he plays is another thing. Selection will also be key for Columbia.

Greece only need to play their usual game, with reliance on strong defence and their quality counter-attack, to win against Columbia. If Yepes captains the Columbians, Celtic's Samaras and Fulham's Mitroglou could find themselves with some good scoring chances on the counter, and both players are lethal in front of goal, so a strong defence is required of the South Americans.

Final Score Prediction: Will be a tight game, and the final score will only be by 1 goal. Whoever wins depends on tactics, selection and form on the night. Too close to pick.

KEY PLAYER

Columbia: Zapata in defence will be crucial to breaking down Greece's lethal attack. The AC Milan defender has a wealth of experience with 50 international caps, and over 200 appearances in the Serie A. His speed should match Mitroglou's; and his organisation at the back will be important.

Greece: Papastathopolous, at just 25 years of age, has a good mixture of experience and youth, and will go into the match as one of Greece's more experienced players. This season he has established himself as a first choice defender at German giants Borussia Dortmund, and will be looking to bring this productive season to national team.

DANGER MAN

Columbia: Falcao has scored 20 goals for his country, and managed to net 9 goals in just 17 appearances at Monaco this season. He was named in the FIFA XI for 2012 and is still considered one of the most lethal strikers in the world.

Greece: Mitroglou has had one of the best seasons in his career, scoring 17 goals in 19 appearances for Olympiacos, before moving to Fulham half way through the year. He will be a constant threat for the Columbian defence.