Founded: 1926 UEFA Affiliated: 1954 EURO Appearances: 3 EURO Titles: 1 (2004) After a stunning EURO 2004 triumph, Greece won't be able to settle for an underdog tag anymore and are expected to be a thorn in the side of all the big teams. The question is: Can Greece mount a serious title challenge in Austria and Switzerland? Greece suffered a EURO 2004 hangover that saw them fail to book a place in the 2006 World Cup in Germany but they managed to rediscover their form afterwards and topped their group in the EURO 2008 qualifying campaign to demonstrate that they are still a force to be reckoned with. History Greece made their first appearance in the European showpiece in 1980 but they couldn't impress as they were handed a relatively tough draw. In the tournament that was held in Italy, Greece suffered two successive defeats against Holland and Czechoslovakia before drawing with eventual winners West Germany. Greece had to wait 24 years to make their second appearance, which was a truly remarkable one. In the 2004 tournament in Portugal, a compact defensive technique and some swift counter-attack abilities helped Greece lift the trophy in a stunning achievement, the first major upset since Denmark won the 1992 title. On the road to glory, Greece overcame powerhouses Portugal, Czech Republic and then-holders France. Greece failed to make a notable impact on the world stage, having participated in the World Cup just once in 1994. Coach: Otto Rehhagel (German) Despite a shocking start to his managerial career, Otto Rehhagel went on to become a very popular coach in his homeland, Germany.
Otto Rehhagel The 69-year-old took charge of Borussia Dortmund in 1976 after brief spells with minnows Kickers Offenbach and Werder Bremen. However, a disastrous 12-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach in 1978, the worst loss ever in a Bundesliga match, brought an end to his adventure with Dortmund. Rehhagel's splendid career began when he was reappointed as Bremen manager in 1981. His reign lasted for 14 years, during which he transformed the team from a barely recognized side into a powerful one. Rehhagel led Bremen to two Bundesliga titles, two German Cup triumphs and one Cup Winners Cup victory. He took charge of Bayern Munich in the mid-1990s but his spell with the Bavarians was not a success due to several disputes with the club's board and some players such as German legend Jurgen Klinsmann. Rehhagel then coached Kaiserslautern in 1996 and guided them to a stunning Bundesliga triumph two years later. He was named as Greece manager in 2001. Credit goes to him for creating a superb team that relied on collective efforts rather than individuals. That was clearly demonstrated during the EURO 2004 triumph. Tactics Rehhagel's squad will contain a considerable number of players who were part of Greece's Euro 2004 winning squad. The German coach will have nothing to worry about as the new additions have sufficient quality to represent Greece in the European showpiece. Olympiakos goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis will probably retain his first-choice status. In the heart of Greece's defense, Traianos Dellas, who produced impressive displays in EURO 2004, is expected to partner Sotirios Kyrgiakos. The 28-year-old Kyrgiakos will be looking to atone for missing the 2004 campaign through injury. Atletico Madrid's Giourkas Seitaridis, whose pinpoint crosses greatly helped his teammates four years ago, will serve as Greece's right-back during the tournament. Vassilios Torosidis is most likely to play on the left. Angelos Basinas and Konstantinos Katsouranis have secured the defensive midfielder roles. Georgios Karagounis will be deployed as a playmaker to support Theofani Star Player - Theofanis Gekas
