Rehhagel Will Work his Magic and Pull Greece into the Second Round

Greece brings a team lacking star power but loaded with organised and disciplined players capable of causing some surprises in South Africa.

How they got here
Following a battling performance in the group stage of the qualifiers, Greece overcame Ukraine to claim a place in the 2010 World Cup. Having won their opening three group games, Greece lost at home to Switzerland. Otto Rehhagel’s team battled back taking a win and draw against Israel before suffering a second defeat to Switzerland, this time on the road. They could only follow this up with a draw on the road to lowly Moldova. With automatic qualification looking unlikely, Greece faced Latvia in Athens in a game that would prove crucial in deciding second place.

The visitors took a 2-1 lead in the first half but with their World Cup hopes on the line Greece turned on the style. Four goals without reply gave Greece the win and a win at home Luxembourg in the final round secured a place in the playoffs. After failing to win the home leg, Greece looked to be in trouble travelling to Donetsk for the decisive second leg against Ukraine. Against the odds Greece won 1-0 to book a place in South Africa.

Who to watch
Greece is a team short on big name stars but this remains a talented side. Captain Giorgos Karagounis, like many of the current squad, was part of the Greek team that won the European Championships in 2004. Karagounis has enjoyed his most successful spells with Panathinaikos but he also has experience with Inter in Italy and Portuguese giants Benfica. Liverpool’s Sotirios Kyrgiakos is an experienced and successful defender who has proven a fan favorite in England, Scotland, and Germany. Up front are the twin threats of Theofanis Gekas, who scored 10 goals in the qualifying phase, and Nuremberg’s Angelo Charisteas.

How they will perform
Teams like Greece are the reason why fans should look at international soccer in a completely different light to the club game when considering World Cup betting. Otto Rehhagel is a coach who can train and focus a team to play the kind of tight game which will keep defeats to a minimum. While this defensive focus limits attacking opportunities for Greece’s strikers, it is the kind of tactic which can prove effective in tournament play against more talented opponents.

If Greece can beat Korea Republic in the opening game then Rehhagel can increase his focus on defense in the games against Nigeria and Argentina. I think this will happen and Greece, despite lacking the talent of Nigeria, will use the schedule to their advantage and progress to the second round of the competition.

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