Greece

A nation renowned more for its feta cheese than its football travels to South Africa in a desperate attempt to restore some national stability in a country crippled by potential financial insolvency. If evidence was needed that international sporting events can have a positive global impact, reunification amongst the Greeks is surely the proof we want to see from 2010.

This is only the second time Greece have reached the World Cup. In USA 94 they failed to earn a point, or even score a goal, having been beaten comprehensively 4-0 by Argentina and Bulgaria, whilst Nigeria put 2 past them. I am sure the Greek’s are glad they won’t have to play those nations again...

Instead, Greece got drawn in Group B along with Argentina and Nigeria...(oh dear), however, the mighty Bulgaria – who did reach the semi-finals in 1994 with the likes of Stoichkov – have been replaced by South Korea. Greece will be hoping to overhaul some of the ghosts that gave them the worst record in World Cup history.

The Greece of yesteryear and the Greece of today are very different teams however. Sandwiched in between their World Cup appearances came a shock victory in Euro 2004, where they beat hosts Portugal in the final. This memorable achievement and their sturdy defence has enabled them to climb FIFA’s rankings, which meant they got drawn against a lower class side when they only managed to make the playoffs, having been beaten by Switzerland in the group stages of qualifying.

Greece were drawn against the Ukraine and having played a shutout in Athens they were up against it on the return trip to Donetsk. Once more though, the defence proved impossible to break down and one goal from Salpigidis proved to be enough to send the Europeans to Africa.

Greece are managed by Otto Rehhagel, a German with a wealth of experience in both playing and managerial roles. He is the only man to have participated in 1,000 Bundesliga games as a player and a coach, an outstanding achievement. The 4-3-3 formation is a favourite of his but expect the side to both attack, and more importantly, defend as a team.

In the team there are few recognisable names, although that may be due to some of them being called Sokratis Papastathopoulos. If Papastathopoulos is partnered at the back by Papadopoulos flick your screen onto Sky Sports News and let’s hope that Dean Windass is reporting on the game. However, this is an unlikely event with Liverpool’s Kyrgiakos being the first choice centre-back.

Karagounis will no doubt play a fundamental part in the midfield, with the captain very adept at keeping possession of the ball. A skill which is necessary if the attackers are caught further down the field defending as the manager requires.

Celtic’s Samaras will be playing as one of the front three. Leading the line will be Fanis Gekas. Gekas was the Europe’s top scorer in the World Cup qualifiers with 10 goals and so will be looked upon to grab the vital goal for the Greek defence to then manically protect. Charisteas makes the three complete, and if you are wondering why you recognise his name, it is because the Nurnberg striker scored the goal that crowned Greece European Champions in 2004.

Greece have a very organised team. Opponents will find them hard to break down, giving the Greeks an opportunity to galvanize their nation. Argentina should top the group, but under Maradona a shock exit may occur. This leaves a Nigeria side who has seen better days and South Korea who surely cannot do anything like what they did in 2002. One slightly nervous point though is that they came second in qualifying to a team who relies on Alex Frei, a great underachiever. If they cannot topple Switzerland, who can they beat?