Euro 2004 Champions Greece have failed to match the dizzy heights of that summer ever since. Their world ranking still reflects the extraordinary achievement of June 2004 but that 12th position is not a realistic appreciation of their true standing. True, the Greeks are still tough to beat and form a solid unit, but they are certainly not one of Europe's strongest representatives in 2010.That said, the current incarnate still possesses key, experienced performers from that month in Portugal, as well as a new crop of talent, but even that was only good enough to make a World Cup play off in a group consisting of Switzerland, Israel and Latvia. The Greeks overcame Ukraine in a tight two legged affair by a single goal, scored in Donetsk, to book there place at a a second World Cup finals.
Greece's first foray on the world stage was an embarrassing one. That generation lost all three group games without scoring a goal and conceding ten. Since then, and more specifically the appointment of Otto Rehhagel in late 2001, there has been a steady development of football in the country and the national has made progress toward consistency. The Greeks qualified for the European Championships of 2004 and '08, although losing all three games of their title defence and finally the World Cup in 2010.
SCHEDULE- GROUP B
Korea Republic June 12th- Port Elizabeth
Nigeria June 17th- Bloemfontein
Despite their shortcomings, progression is a very likely possibility from Group B. Incidentally, the Greeks have been paired with two of the same countries as in USA '94, Nigeria and Argentina, so to suggest they can progress this time is an indictment of their development over the past 16 years.
Winning game one is a must. South Korea are not a strong as eight years ago and are considered the weakest team of the group. Argentina, of course, are the favourites and will be expected to win all three games. The other three relative 'minnows' will be forced into a three way battle for the runner up position, and Rehhagel's team will fancy their chances against the Super Eagles and the Red Devils. Al three teams possess varying flavours, from the structured Europeans to the busy and fit Asians to the mercurial Africans.
If the Greeks can stick to the strict game plan that their German authoritarian will implement, then their rivals can be overcome and a place in the second round with the winners of Group A will be within their grasp.
Key performers from 2004 Theo Zagorakis, Angelos Basinas, Trainos Dellas and silver haired goalkeeper Antonius Nikopolidis have all gone, but some important faces resume. Georgios Seiteridis, Giorgos Karagounis and Angelos Charisteas are still integral members of the starting line-up and make up the core of the team.
Greece's new star, however is recently relegated Hertha Berlin striker Theofanis Gekas. His ten qualifying goals was the highest in Europe and overall has netted 20 goals in 46 games for his country. That form will need to continue this summer, as Greece are renowned for scoring infrequently.
Karagounis remains the creative fulcrum of the side. Euro 2004 should have been his stage to show off his unique talents that once saw him line out with Inter Milan, but he spent most of the tournament diving, feigning injury and talking to referees, and eventually missed the final through suspension. He is now the captain and his presence in midfield is more important than ever because of retirements. He will be joined there by fellow veterans Kostas Katsouranis and Christos Patsatzoglou.
Greece's most impressive youngster is defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. He captained the Greek under-19 side to the European Championship final in 2007 and in 2008 moved from AEK Athens to Genoa in Italy where he has been a regular in defence for the past two seasons.
ONE TO WATCH- Theofanis Gekas
BEST CASE SCENARIO...
A dream World Cup for the Mediterraneans would be a quarter final place. The financial crisis taking place back home could be put to the side for a moment if the national team can win a couple of games in South Africa. A lot is expected of Greece following 2004 and exiting with a whimper to France in the second round might not cut it back home.
WORST CASE SCENARIO...
A repeat performance of 1994 would be embarrassing, especially considering their greater pedigree this time around. South Korea and Nigeria are unpredictable sides but do not have the depth of previous years. If ever the form of 2004 was needed, it is now, for a country in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
PREDICTION
Due to their ability to grind out results, rarely lose or concede, Greece should overcome their competition to reach the second round. A that stage however, they could come undone by France, or even Mexico or Uruguay, who possess greater flair and discipline than their group opponents.
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