1. Greece have a goalkeeping crisis: Fernando Santos’ squad selection has been sensible but his decision to ignore Panathinaikos’ Orestis Karnezis and APOEL’s Dionisis Chiotis could seriously damage his side’s chances of getting into the knockout stages of Euro 2012. Kostas Chalkias, Michalis Sifakis and Alexandros Tzorvas were all selected ahead of two goalkeepers who enjoyed excellent club seasons. Chalkias was given a full game against Slovenia, which seems to indicate he is the Portuguese tactician’s first choice. His performance didn’t inspire confidence though, with the PAOK man flapping at a number of crosses and almost costing his side a goal when turning a routine save from a free kick into an embarrassing fumble. On paper, Chalkias is the most experienced ‘keeper of the three though the 37 year-old has always been error-prone, particularly in big matches; against higher quality opposition in Poland he will be punished. The problem for Santos is that Sifakis (who was reliable during qualifying) has started just four league matches for Aris this season due to injury, while Tzorvas has endured a torrid first season at Palermo.
2. The defence is as strong as ever: Over ten qualifying matches Greece conceded just five goals on their way to securing top spot in Group F and an obdurate display against Slovenia further highlighted their defensive strength. At centre back, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Avraam Papadopoulos went about their business diligently, the former moving seamlessly into a right-back role in the second half as Stelios Malezas came off the bench to take his place at the heart of the back four. Jose Holebas delivered a lively performance at left back while Vasilis Torosidis managed to score a fine early goal before being forced off with what is apparently a minor injury. Though not of the same vintage as the backline on which the Euro 2004 success was built, this is a youthful, mobile and physically strong defence that should prove difficult to break down for any side at the tournament.
3. Sotiris Ninis looks sharp: Long the great white hope of Greek football after bursting onto the scene with Panathinaikos, Sotiris Ninis’ career has not yet hit the heights that were first expected of him. Once linked to Real Madrid, he still remains one of his country’s most talented footballers and will be heading to Parma next season. Euro 2012 represents the perfect opportunity for the 22 year-old to make his mark with the national team and despite having injury troubles this season, he looked sharp on the ball and showed a turn of pace that none of his teammates possess. A team that has always lacked creativity will look towards this diminutive winger to inspire them in an attacking capacity and though he didn’t hit top gear against Slovenia, there was enough to suggest he is primed for a big summer.
4. Greece are attempting to play football: The stereotype has long been that Greece have based all of their recent success on a dour brand of anti-football. Though the display at Euro 2008 was abysmal and overly negative, for the most part it is an unfair label that has been slapped on a side who are rather more sophisticated in their approach. Fernando Santos has never been one to encourage a cavalier attacking style but there was a concerted attempt by his side to play the ball on the floor against Slovenia. Though they failed to pose a consistent threat, the Greeks looked to pass their way to goal rather than simply aim hopeful deliveries into forward areas (at this point it might be appropriate to suggest Angelos Charisteas didn’t make the final squad).
5. …but they are still disjointed in attack: Though they may have conceded only ten goals during qualifying, the Greeks only managed to find the back of the net 14 times. In truth, this is a team that has never looked comfortable with a three man front-line that has usually seen Theofanis Gekas take on a central role, flanked by a combination of Georgios Samaras, Dimitris Salpingidis and Sotiris Ninis. There is an admirable attempt to be positive (see above talking point) but the Greeks will still struggle to score in open play, with captain Giorgos Karagounis still their most consistent threat with his willingness to shoot and attempt the incisive final ball from midfield. Gekas’ game is that of a poacher and if he is the preferred striker in Poland, the service into him from wide areas will need to be pinpoint, an area that needs to be worked on after he was starved of even half-chances against Slovenia.
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