Euro 2012: What to Expect from Greece in the European Championship

Until the '90s were over, the Greek national soccer team was one of those teams that struggled to reach the final phase of the Euro or the World Cup. And when Greece got to that stage, it disappointed its fans—like in 1994, when Greece lost all three games, conceding 10 goals and scoring none.

That pretty much changed when Otto Rehhagel was appointed as the team’s coach. Greece went to win the European Championship in Portugal in 2004, pulling one of the greatest sports surprises of all time. Then, Greece qualified for Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Today, the Greek team plays in the kickoff match of Euro 2012, and what a coincidence: Greece was featured in the starting match of Euro 2004.

But can the Greeks do it again?

Nobody expects them to repeat what they did eight years ago, and if they hadn’t done it before, even a joke about Greece winning the Euro would sound silly.

The truth is many things have changed in the last eight years. Rehhagel has been replaced with Fernando Santos, a good coach, but with no “miracles” in his résumé. Players have come and gone, but still Greece managed to build a solid squad that has stayed out of the past obscurity.

One sure thing about Greece is that they’re going to play very carefully, with a clear focus on defense and trying to keep the opposition as far from the box as possible. Their young core of defenders is very talented and experienced enough for the campaign.

Additionally, the fighting spirit of the team is a scarce find. It’s not about playing until the last whistle; it’s about integrity. These guys have grown together and are the future of Greek soccer. So expect them to play for each other like few do.

On the other hand, there are some obvious negative points. First of all, the team lacks creativity. Most of the midfielders are defensive-minded and not by any means spectacular. Greece does not play like Barcelona. They sit back and try to hit the opponent on the counter attack.

Since “attack” was mentioned, that’s the other weak spot of Greece. The forwards need support from the midfielders in order to become dangerous, because they are not capable of creating chances for themselves. Overall, Greece can win only with great team play, not by individual performances.

Does Greece stand a chance qualifying from the group stage? I think it does. Today’s game against the home team of Poland is crucial. If Greece snatches a win, then things become a lot easier. If not, I believe the Greeks have slim chances of advancing to the next stage.