Greece
Tactics
Otto Rehhagel is still using the well-organised, defensive 4-3-3 system that served him so well at Euro 2004, although he recently said: “We are flexible and a lot depends on who our opponents are.”
Keeping it tight
Rehhagel tried a 4-4-2 system in the second half of the 2-1 friendly win against Portugal in March, with the emphasis on tight play and denying space to the opponents.
Veteran Nikopolidis is still first-choice keeper, with a regular back four of Seitaridis at right-back, Torosidis at left-back, Kyrgiakos as stopper and the towering Dellas as his central defensive partner. The midfield three comprises captain Basinas as the central figure, Karagounis the playmaker and the pacy Katsouranis. Amanatidis works up and down on the left flank, with Haristeas on the right of attack and Gekas the centre-forward.
Stronger bench
Rehhagel has a stronger bench than at Euro 2004, giving him more options if things are not going well. Chalkias is reserve keeper, while Antzas and Goumas cover for Dellas and Seitaridis respectively. Giannakopoulos and Tziolis are the main midfield options, while Limberopoulos and Salpigidis could be brought on to spark the attack.
Greece usually aim to soak up opposition attacks and launch sudden counters. But if they manage to gain a lot of possession, especially in midfield, the two wider midfielders have licence to move up to create more problems.
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