Dignitaries from all over the world will gather in Brazil in early December for the FIFA World Cup draw as the field of teams is divided into groups for next summer’s festivities. As part of its “32 teams in 32 days” series, SPORTSNET.CA will profile each of the nations set to compete at Brazil, leading up to the draw on Dec. 6.
The Greeks have become synonymous with grinding out results at all costs and proving their critics wrong. For the most part, their games are not entertaining and have been harshly labelled as anti-football. I find that argument a little weak, as every team must play to their strengths in order to be successful. Greece is infamously known for their defensive tactics—absorbing pressure, flooding the midfield and hitting back on the counter or from set-pieces. It could be seen as negative, though if it works, why try and be something you’re not? Manager Fernando Santos has embraced the ideology of his predecessor (Otto Rehhagel) and continued the trend of focusing on frustrating the opposition into submission. Where the Portuguese coach differs is his commitment to development. Rehhagel was devoted to his old guard, and refused to change with the times. Santos has infused youth with experience, finding the right mix to be successful, which has resulted in Greece’s second consecutive World Cup appearance.
Programming alert: Watch the World Cup draw from Brazil on Dec. 6 live on all four main Sportsnet channels. Coverage begins at 10:30 am ET/7:30 am PT | TV schedule
How they got here: Normally, if you win eight out of your 10 qualifiers, the expectation of an automatic place at the World Cup is a reasonable notion. However, the Greeks were rather unlucky to finish second—tied with Bosnia and Herzegovina on 25 points—and ultimately their fate was sealed after a 3-1 defeat in Zenica to the eventual group winners. A playoff home-and-home encounter with Romania followed, and passage to Rio was achieved 4-2 on aggregate.
Key result: No one could have predicted the thoroughly entertaining performance put forth in the first-leg of the playoffs against Romania, as Greece went ahead 2-1 after 20 minutes. It was a precarious lead to take into Bucharest, given the visitors scoring the crucial away goal. However, Kostas Mitroglou netted an impactful third strike—his second of the match—that handed Greece a sizeable advantage heading into the second leg. Having only conceded four times in the group stage (eight clean sheets), it was inconceivable to imagine the Greeks relinquishing their advantageous position, which they didn’t (1-1 draw).
Star player: The natives have christened Kostas Mitroglou “Mitro-Goal,” and deservedly so. The Olympiacos striker netted three of the team’s four goals against Romania, finally providing Greece with a consistent scoring threat. Mitroglou has scored 17 goals this season for Olympiacos, including four hat-tricks. The 25 year-old has become one of the hottest prospects in Europe, with a collection of clubs expected to make a move for him in the January transfer window. It’s anyone’s guess if Mitroglou can sustain or surpass his prolific form, though, he currently seems like the real deal.
Player on the bubble: A late bloomer at 25, Andreas Samaris has only recently received a call-up to the senior squad, having previously represented his country at the under-19 level. The Olympiacos midfielder has made three appearances—all from the bench—under Santos this year, and is not in a position to be guaranteed a spot on the final World Cup roster. However, if he continues to pull down regular first-team minutes (11 starts and one goal) for his club, Samaris is good enough to make an argument for a seat on the plane to Brazil.
Team strengths: No secret here: a formation and tactical approach that centres around a united front of team defence first and foremost. Greece is tough to break down, and the longer it stays scoreless, their opponents’ anxiety and frustration begins to rise to the surface. That is the exact moment when you’ve played right into the Greeks’ hands; discipline goes out the window as you push forward looking for a goal, and space opens up to be exploited. As proven in Euro 2004, all they need is one opportunity to make an impact and be victorious.
Team weaknesses: Stay the course, and refrain from attempting to play a more expansive game that is more attractive to the eyes. Keep it simple, but more importantly, keep it tight at the back. After the surprising offensive explosion against Romania, any notion of changing tactics would be a grave mistake. The Greeks must stick to their original game plan—press high up the pitch and suffocate the opposition’s attack—or risk being embarrassed. It might be a reactive mindset, but it’s proven to be successful for Greece.
World Cup record:
1930—Did not enter
1934 to 1938—Did not qualify
1950—Did not enter
1955 to 1990—Did not qualify
1994—First round
1998 to 2006—Did not qualify
2010—Did not qualify
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