FINAL - Greece 2, Ivory Coast 1: Controversial penalty propels Greece to the knockout stage

Greece are off to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time after scoring a penalty kick in stoppage time to bury the Ivory Coast 2-1 in their Group C finale at the Estádio Castelão in Fortaleza.

But it didn't come without controversy as it appeared Greek striker Giorgos Samaras tripped over his own feet, but referee Carlos Vera pointed to the spot and Samaras converted to send supporters into a state of hysteria.

Greece will now play Costa Rica in their round of 16 match.

Giovanni Sio was the defender charged with fouling Samaras as the African nation fails to advance past the group stage for the third World Cup in a row, likely bringing the Golden Generation of Ivory Coast football to a bitterly disappointing end.

The three points propel Greece from last in Group C into the second spot after Colombia thumped Japan 4-1 in the group's other match.

Making the loss even more disappointing for Ivory Coast was the joy they experienced minutes earlier when substitute Wilfried Bony came on to score an equalizer that would have sent them through. It was the scoreline they were hoping for as a point would have been just enough for them to advance past the group stage.

But it wasn't meant to be as Greece's conversion from the spot lifted them to victory, and broke the hearts of Ivory Coast followers.

Greece scored the first goal in a forgettable first half of the match when midfielder Cheick Tioté's giveaway in the Ivory Coast end allowed the Greeks to break, with Andreas Samaris finding himself in on net for the smooth finish past Boubacar Barry.

Instead of playing the predictable defensive style Greece is famous for, they came out of the break and looked to double their lead with their best chance coming from a Georgios Karagounis boot from outside the box that hit the crossbar.

Ivory Coast identified this attacking tactic and introduced Bony into the game for Tioté, which provided a boost to their attacking scheme. Bony buried his effort 13 minutes later and left Ivory Coast fans dreaming about the round of 16.

The end of the Golden Generation will likely coincide with the end of Didier Drogba's international career as the 36-year-old looked upset with the decision to be taken off as a substitute in the 78th minute.