World Cup 2014: Colombia looking to seal place in last 16 after 3-0 win over Greece

Colombia are targeting a place in the last 16 of the World Cup after they made a winning return to the finals with a 3-0 victory over Greece.

The South Americans have not made it out of the continent's qualifiers since 1998, and their only experience of the knock-out stages at a tournament came in 1990, but their confident performance in Belo Horizonte means a win over the Ivory Coast next Thursday will put them close to getting beyond Group C.

"We're really happy. It's a good start. It was a good debut with players who had never played a World Cup. It's a big satisfaction," said coach Jose Pekerman.

"This is how we planned this match. Some things turned out the way we wanted, some things didn't, but we were very concentrated and showed that we're here to play a good World Cup."

James Rodriguez, who scored the third goal following earlier efforts from Pablo Armero and Teofilo Gutierrez, was happy to be on the scoresheet, but is not getting carried away.

"It's a good start, but we have to be calm for what's ahead, which will be even more difficult," said the 22-year-old Monaco midfielder. 

"It's a dream come true. I really wanted a goal. We hope to be able to go far."