Style of Play:
Greece isn’t a country that scores a lot of goals – in fact, it only scored eight times in the qualifiers, the lowest tally of any of the 16 teams competing in Portugal. At the same time, however, Greece only gave up four goals, thwarting such word-class strikers as Spain’s Raul and Andriy Shevchenko of Ukraine. Needless to say then that strength through solid defensive play defines the Greek game. Greece plays with a variety of lineups, often changing formations as the game progresses. However, coach Otto Rehhagel will likely employ an ultra-defensive 5-3-2 in Portugal, with a sweeper (Traianos Dellas or Michalis Kapsis) playing behind the back four defenders. Just in case you doubted Greece’s commitment to defence, they employ a holding midfielder (Theodoros Zagorakis) in front of the defence when using this 5-3-2 formation. That leaves all the creative work up to the two wide midfielders (Vassilis Tsiartas on the right and probably Stelios Giannakopoulos on the left). They are given free license to roam into the centre of the field and press forward, lending support in attack to the two forwards (Demis Nikolaidis and Angelos Haristeas) who play as out-right target-men. Rehhagel might also use a 4-5-1 formation, where two holding midfielders close down and press their opponents in the middle of the field and try to get the ball out to the wingers who then feed it to the lone striker up front.
Strengths:
Defence – The stingy Greek defence conceded only four goals in eight qualifying matches. Greece’s commitment to defensive stability is the main reason why they won their qualifying group ahead of heavily-favoured Spain, reeling off six shutout wins in a row. Greece plays an intelligent defensive game, taking few chances.
Coaching – In Otto Rehhagel, Greece has one of the most astute and crafty coaches in international soccer. He took over the Greek national team shortly after it failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup and two years later led them to Portugal. Noted for challenging and getting the most out of his players, he was also responsible for instilling a much-needed sense of discipline in his players.
Tactical flexibility – Unlike other nations, Greece is not tied down to one formation. Rehhagel has fashioned a team of players that can easily go from a defensive 5-4-1, 5-3-2 or 4-4-2 formation to an attacking 3-4-3 or 4-5-1 when it has possession of the ball. The Greeks’ expert ability to adjust and adapt as the game progresses and changes will serve them well.