For a country that has just one match victory in the World Cup, the tag of European Champions seems a bit rich. But Greece comes with such baggage – of historic highs and contrasting lows.
It has in fact entered the finals on only two occasions – 1994, when it sank without a trace and 2010, when it recorded its solitary win. In between, Otto Rehhagel’s defensive, but impeccably organised, side won the Euro 2004 and as European Champions failed to qualify for Germany 2006.
Under Fernando Santos the side is still tough to breach but can be termed a tad more expansive. The likes of Sokratis Papastathopoulos offer solidity at the back but it might not be the only weapon for Kostas Mitroglou can fetch goals, his wretched season at Fulham and the resulting last minute selection notwithstanding.
Yet, Greece required a playoff to reach the World Cup. Eight wins in 10 games would have been enough in most groups, but Greece could only finish level on points with group winners Bosnia-Herzegovina, and fell behind on goal difference.
Its opponents in Brazil are Japan, Columbia and Ivory Coast, sides largely accustomed to playing speedy football. On the other hand, Greece, in its last friendly at home in March against South Korea, looked lethargic and was for most parts outpaced and hustled.
In this context, Santos’ selection seems interesting. Veterans including Euro winners Kostas Katsouranis and the captain Giorgos Karagounis have made it. Youngsters in defender Dimitris Siovas and midfielder Sotiris Ninis do not feature.
“I was sorry not to include players that helped us in qualification, like Sotiris and Siovas,” Santos said after the selection. “But the national team is above players and above the coach. We must use the safest choices.”
How much this return to ‘safety first’ approach after briefly flirting with marginally more open football affects Greece remains to be seen. But nonetheless, it is an awkward team for anybody to face and performs best when least expected to.
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