Poland vs. Greece Euro 2012: 2 Key Players for Each Team

Co-hosts Poland will open Euro 2012 by taking on 2004 winners Greece in Warsaw. As a host nation, the Poles will be expected to emerge from Group A, and a win over the Greeks would represent the perfect start.

An aging and traditionally defensive-minded Greece team may not be fancied to make much of an impact. However, they have upset the odds before and have the experience and craft to dent Poland's hopes. Here are two key players to watch for each team.

Ludovic Obraniak, Midfielder, Poland

Poland's chief creative outlet might be Bordeaux schemer Ludovic Obraniak. The crafty midfielder will need to provide the passes for striker Robert Lewandowski to attack.

Obraniak is a natural No. 10 and will link Poland's five-man midfield to the movement of Lewandowski in forward areas. If Obraniak can fashion the chances, Poland shouldn't have troubling finding the net.

Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Defender, Greece

Central defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos is one of the few young talents to have joined the ranks of a veteran national team. The Schalke 04 stopper is an aggressive and capable defender who should act as the linchpin of the rugged Greece back line.

The Greeks' Euro 2004 triumph was built on defensive solidity and Papadopoulos can play a key role in corralling the dangerous Lewandowski. Despite being only 20, Papadopoulos is vital to his nation's hopes for success.

Robert Lewandowski, Striker, Poland

Robert Lewandowski will need to carry the bulk of the goal-scoring load for Poland. The Borussia Dortmund frontman is certainly capable of handling the responsibility.

An underrated talent, Lewandowski is an intelligent striker who relies on great touch and subtle movement to take him clear of defenders. A naturally crafty player with excellent initial quickness, Lewandowski will give Greece plenty to worry about.

Giorgos Karagounis, Attacking midfielder, Greece

Aging playmaker Giorgos Karagounis will attempt to roll back the years and once again provide the flair in attack Greece will need to spring an upset. The 35-year-old still has the natural technique and eye for a pass that make him instrumental for his national team.

His set-piece delivery will be crucial, and if Karagounis can fire plenty of accurate balls into the area, the Greeks can sneak a goal. The Polish defense would also be wise not to allow Karagounis too many shooting opportunities around the box.

Conclusion

Opening group matches can often be tight, tense and cautious affairs. That is likely to suit Greece, who are designed to edge that type of game.

However, Poland have players with the flair and pace to create numerous scoring chances, and they must look to impose themselves early in attack. If their finishing is clinical, expect Poland to shade the game by a single goal.