Greece squad
Goalkeepers
Kostas CHALKIAS
30.05.74
Aris Salonika
13 caps (0 goals)
Long-time reserve for Nikopolidis but he has looked the part when given the jersey. First-choice at Aris, whom he has helped into
the upper echelons of the League this term.
Antonis NIKOPOLIDIS
14.01.71
Olympiakos
85 caps (0 goals)
George Clooney lookalike who is still the steady, physically imposing keeper he was at Euro 2004, when he kept clean sheets in all three knockout games. Says he will retire after the finals.
Alexandros TZORVAS
12.08.82
OFI Crete
0 caps
Called up to the national team squad in March but did not play. One for the future.
Defenders
Paraskevas ANTZAS
18.08.76
Olympiakos
22 caps (0 goals)
A steady defender who usually takes on the opponents’ main striker. Short-tempered – “gave the finger” to Panathinaikos fans when barracked after being subbed by Olympiakos earlier this season.
Traianos DELLAS
31.01.76
AEK Athens
39 caps (1 goal)
Superb man-marker whose determination compensates for a lack of agility. Most effective when a sweeper in a three-man central defence. Tallest team member at 1.96m (6ft 5in). A threat at corners.
Ioannis GOUMAS
24.05.75
Panathinaikos
44 caps (0 goals)
The Panathinaikos captain is renowned for his steady play, tough tackling, excellent aerial ability and goal threat at set-pieces. Has the pace to cover his defensive colleagues.
Sotirios KYRGIAKOS
23.07.79
Eintracht Frankfurt (Ger)
36 caps (4 goals)
A defensive rock and a major goal threat in the air at free-kicks. Played every minute of the Euro 2004 qualifiers but missed the finals because of injury.
Christos PATSATZOGLOU
19.03.79
Olympiakos
27 caps (1 goal)
Has bounced back after three and a half years of injury problems to win a regular place at Olympiakos and in the national team.
Georgios SEITARIDIS
04.06.81
Atletico Madrid (Spa)
54 caps (1 goal)
Right-back, recently out injured, renowned for his dribbling skills, attacking raids and defensive solidity. Father Dimitris, uncle Miltos and grandfather Giourkas all played for Greece.
Nikos SPYROPOULOS
10.10.83
Panathinaikos
3 caps (0 goals)
Strong, agile defender with plenty of stamina. The left-footer is pushing hard for a finals place.
Vasilis TOROSIDIS
10.06.85
Olympiakos
11 caps (0 goals)
Covers a lot of ground and has exceptional strength and technique. Played left-back for the first time in the home qualifying loss to Turkey and has held the position ever since.
Loukas VYNTRA
05.02.81
Panathinaikos
16 caps (0 goals)
Relentless runner and consistent performer who plays at left-back or right-back or even in central defence. Was a centre-forward in his youth. Born in the Czech Republic, moved to Greece aged nine.
Midfielders
Ioannis AMANATIDIS
03.12.81
Eintracht Frankfurt (Ger)
24 caps (2 goals)
Very quick, tireless left-sided midfielder who is a regular starter. Born in Greece but moved to Germany as a child with his family and has played in the Bundesliga since 19.
Angelos BASINAS
03.01.76
Mallorca (Spa)
86 caps (7 goals)
Veteran who replaced the now retired Theo Zagorakis as captain. Has a “quarter-back” role and dictates the team’s tempo but is also likely to pop up in attacking moves or helping out in defence.
Stelios GIANNAKOPOULOS
12.07.74
Bolton (Eng)
72 caps (12 goals)
Former regular starter who now has a role as an impact sub to lift the team, especially with his dangerous long-range shots. Has good experience from the English Premier League.
Giorgos KARAGOUNIS
06.03.77
Panathinaikos
71 caps (6 goals)
Hard-working, a very good passer and dribbler, and draws a lot of fouls. Scored the goals, both from free-kicks, in Greece’s 2-1 friendly win over Portugal in March, a rematch of the Euro 2004 Final.
Kostas KATSOURANIS
21.06.79
Benfica (Por)
46 caps (5 goals)
Effective defensive midfielder who covers a lot of ground and is adept at snuffing out opposition attacks. Also has a fierce shot and likes to let fly no matter how far from goal.
Alexandros TZIOLIS
13.02.85
Panathinaikos
7 caps (0 goals)
Strong, tall understudy to Karagounis. Has been used recently in a creative capacity but is considered by many a successor to Euro 2004 skipper Theo Zagorakis in a defensive midfield role.
Forwards
Theofanis GEKAS
23.05.80
Bayer Leverkusen (Ger)
24 caps (6 goals)
League top scorer in Germany last season with 20 goals for Bochum, earning a move to Bayer Leverkusen. A gutsy, muscular player. His wife is expecting twins in late June or early July.
Angelos HARISTEAS
09.02.80
Nurnberg (Ger)
63 caps (18 goals)
Quick, tall striker who scores a lot with his head – including the winner in the Euro 2004 Final. Has remained a regular first-choice for Rehhagel despite a lack of first-team action at club level.
Nikos LIMBEROPOULOS
04.08.75
AEK Athens
58 caps (12 goals)
Veteran striker enjoying a stellar season for AEK. A key substitute for Rehhagel when he feels the attack’s power has fizzled out. Links well with midfield and has a fierce long-range shot.
Dimitris SALPIGIDIS
10.08.81
Panathinaikos
19 caps (1 goal)
Panathinaikos’ leading scorer is the reserve for Haristeas in the national team set-up. The squad’s smallest player has great determination and fight, and a good eye for goal.
Georgios SAMARAS
21.02.85
Celtic (Sco)
16 caps (3 goals)
Talented striker following in the footsteps of his father, Giannis, who also played for Greece. At club level, has had spells in Holland, England and now Scotland.
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