Greece (Ethniki) in Brazil……..
If they had been a bit more clinical in the attacking third of the pitch, they would have been able to attain a direct qualification into the 2014 World Cup.
With a 8-1-1 record in their qualification group matches, Greece finished at second with an identical record and points as the group leaders. They booked their 2014 tickets by beating Romania in the play-off round.
This is their 3rd appearance in the Fifa World Cup. They have suffered elimination at the group stage, in their first two attempts. In continental competitions however, they have pulled some surprise victories. The Euro 2004 is an example. With he exception of 1980, Greece had been absent from the UEFA European Championship. They showed up again in 2004, and won the competition. They have appeared in the competition, ever since.
Ethniki will be going into the 2014 World Cup with some great hopes of advancing into the knock-out stages for the first time. In a group with Colombia, Ivory Coast and Japan, it is fair to say Ethniki has fallen into a ‘better’ group.
The Venom
An attacking team that will include the likes of Georgios Samaras. From the start of the match, Samaras will be in disguise by looking tired, light and frail. He is a major treat at anytime in the match to the opposition. His control on the ball is right on the shelves with the best in this business. Opposing teams should not allow him the space to work.
Georgios Samaras
Theofanis Gekas is another of their Ethniki’s deadly forwards. He is 5 goals away from being the all time highest goal scorer for the Ethniki, and this might be the competition to make the difference.
Also be on the look out for the pace of Dimitris Salpingidis.
The Control and Support
The captain, Giorgos Karagounis is still the main man in the middle. He is a tough midfielder and controls his area of the pitch. He will ignite the attacking play from the midfield by playing as fulcrum to the team.
Kostas Katsouranis
Next to the captain in sharing the midfield work will possibly be Kostas Katsouranis. Just like Karagounis, Katsouranis is a veteran in the team and has given his nation a fine service over the years.
Be on the look out for the youngster, Ioannis Fetfatzidis.
The Bouncers
There is a collective defensive work done by the Greek team. There are standout defenders like Vasilis Torosidis, who will be on the flanks helping both defense and offence. There is also Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Loukas Vyntra
So what is it for Ethniki? How will they fare?
It is sane to believe that Greece will escape their group. All analysis will claim they have competition within abilities of their strength. They are in a an unpredictable group, that can send any team out into the knockout stage.
There is a 1/2 chance of the knock-out stage qualification for the team, but as futbol fans know, there will be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if Greece will make their advantage count.
