RIO DE JANEIRO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Uruguay and Greece advanced to the World Cup knockout stage both with late goals beating Italy and Cote d'Ivoire respectively on Tuesday.
Diego Godin scored a winner in the 81st minute with a pulsating 1-0 victory over 10-man Italy in Natal in Group D.
Costa Rica, which had already qualified, drew with England 0-0 in the other Group D clash.
Greece reached the last 16 for the first time thanks to Georgios Samaras's dramatic injury-time penalty as they grabbed a 2-1 win which sent Cote d'Ivoire packing.
Samaras was felled by Giovanni Sio in the 91st minute and stepped up to convert past Cote d'Ivoire goalie Boubacar Barry.
Greece had led following Andreas Samaris's strike near halftime, before Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony equalised.
A draw was enough for Cote d'Ivoire to get through but Samaras's penalty lifted Greece from bottom place to second.
Colombia defeated Japan 4-1 to top Group C.
Italy's chances suffered a crushing blow when midfielder Claudio Marchisio was shown a red card for his rash challenge on Egidio Arevalo just before the hour.
The dismissal handed Uruguay control and Godin drove the dagger into Italian hearts nine minutes from time after a corner kick deflected in off his shoulder.
Italy have now failed to make the second round in each of the past two World Cups after winning the tournament for a fourth time in 2006.
Colombia will face Uruguay in the last 16 while Greece play Group D leaders Costa Rica.