Greece

Greece has qualified once more for an international tournament in typical resilient fashion. The 2004 winners have never escaped the group stages of any tournament before or after this achievement and even in Portugal they mustered a mere 7 goals in 6 games. On route to qualifying the Greeks had four games where they scored twice and one match at home to Malta where they notched an unprecedented 3. It took a 92nd minute goal to break the deadlock when the teams met 3 months earlier in Ta’ Qali. It isn’t a surprise therefore that three players topped the national list of goalscorers in the qualifying phase. Giannis Fetfatzidis (midfielder), Kyriakos Papadopoulos (defender) and Vassilis Torossidis (defender) all reached the dizzy heights of 2. Out of all the teams competing in the Euros only Poland and Ukraine qualified with fewer goals. Still, at least we know what we are getting from Fernando Santos’ men. A hard working, disciplined side will compete in Group A, whereupon they will meet Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic. In March and November last year Greece faced Poland and Russia in friendlies, drawing both 0-0 and 1-1 respectively. This exemplifies how tight Group A could be. Greece is led by the aging Giorgos Karagounis. The 35year old midfielder will look to control games and use his dead ball skills to provide chances from set pieces. He scored the first goal for Greece in Euro 2004 against Portugal and will look to inspire the side once again in Poland. At the heart of the Greek defence is the rising star of Greek football. 20 year old Schalke central defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos has gone from strength to strength this season. Anybody who has watched the Europa League will know of his exploits. Tall, physical, commanding and great heading ability make him a strong asset to any team. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been interested in the potential. This summer could be an important one for this international inexperienced player. Leading the quest for goals could be Celtic’s Giorgos Samaras. His debut came back in 2006 yet despite his skill on the ball he has never managed to impose himself effectively on the international scene. His selfless, hard working nature means he fits in with the Greek ethos, but it will still be set pieces rather than from open play where the goals will come from. One player who may be able to spark some life into the Greek fight could be Ioannis Fetfatzidis. Only 21, “Fetfa” is an attacking winger who plays for Olympiacos. In 12 matches for the national team he has netted twice and will look to use his close control and quick feet to get the Greek fans cheering. He loves a flick and a quick revolving circle around opponents so hopefully we shall see some magic from Fetfa this summer. Greece have a physical squad who will look to defend their way through the group stages. Fernando Santos’ men remained unbeaten in qualifying and by fortunately landing in Group A, could progress through the group stages for only the second time in their history. A lot will rely on the two youngsters Papadopoulos and Fetfa. A good campaign from both could see Greece worry more competitive nations in the quarters. But unfortunately this won’t be the fairytale that 2004 was for them.