World Cup Opta Stats: Quiet exits for Greece and Japan

Greece fans haven't had a goal to celebrate at this World Cup

Michael Lintorn has studied the Opta stats and sees Greece and Japan failing to score in their Group C deciders...

Greece v Ivory Coast
Tuesday, 21:00
Live on BBC One

Match Odds: Greece 4.216/5, Ivory Coast 2.01/1, The Draw 3.65n/a

Greece have failed to score in seven of their eight World Cup games

There have been 108 goals at this World Cup, but Greece haven't contributed any in keeping with their tournament strategy of testing how far they can go without scoring. Only Nigeria, their second opponents in 2010, allowed them a moment of glory. This writer chooses to believe that they have a carefully choreographed celebration capable of shaming Pablo Armero and Asamoah Gyan lined up, yet never get a chance to perform it.

Recommended Bet: Back Ivory Coast to keep a clean sheet @ 2.6813/8

Gervinho is the first Ivory Coast player to score in consecutive World Cup matches

Though plenty of critics remain, some Gervinho doubters are gradually coming round to the idea that Arsenal rather than the electric Ivorian were the problem during his underwhelming two-year stay at the Emirates. The 27-year was excellent at last World Cup, worshipped by Eden Hazard at Lille and has been a huge hit since leaving the Gunners for Roma, and has carried that form to Brazil.

Recommended Bet: Back Gervinho to score @ 3.45n/a

Japan v Colombia
Tuesday, 21:00
Live on BBC Three

Match Odds: Japan 3.814/5, Colombia 2.0811/10, The Draw 3.8514/5

Japan have scored only one goal in their last three World Cup games

Greece's goalscoring output is obviously open to ridicule - and that is an opportunity that very few pundits pass up - but Japan are worthy of even more derision after firing a blank against the Euro 2004 winners despite facing ten men for 52 minutes. Japan have also never netted against Colombia in two prior attempts (a loss and a draw), while Colombia have shut out four of their last seven foes.

Recommended Bet: Back Colombia to keep a clean sheet @ 3.185/40

James Rodriguez has scored in each of his last four appearances for Colombia

Sixteen players have already grabbed two or more goals at this World Cup, with Rodriguez one of the list's standout performers, applying gloss to Colombia's 3-0 victory over Greece then breaking the deadlock against Ivory Coast. The 22-year-old has been made the focal point of their attack in Radamel Falcao's absence, scheming behind Teofilo Gutierrez, and is thriving on the enhanced responsibility.

Recommended Bet: Back Rodriguez to score @ 4.216/5