15.1.2004
Rehhagel takes Greece to the Euro for their first time in 24 years. How far can he go?
When German tactician Otto Rehhagel took the helm at Greece's national team, he faced tough qualifying matches against Spain, Ukraine, Armenia and Northern Ireland. With consecutive 1-0 victories over the opposition, Otto managed to get Greece in the Euro for their first time since 1980! Rehhagel has announced that he will change little from his current selection of players for the 2004 Euro.
Nikos Dabizas and Giorgios Karagounis are the two main figures at the back for Greece. Dabizas is currently playing in the Premiership and Karagounis is with Internazionale. Both have been struggling to put their name in the starting lineup at their clubs. The midfield will be comprised of captain Theodoros Zagorakis, Angelos Basinas (Panathinaikos), Ieroklis Stoltidis (Olympiacos) and Akis Zikos (AS Monaco). Stoltidis is an upcoming defender, dangerous from free-kicks whereas Zikos's "spirit and reliability" have been pivotal for Monaco's success in France and the Champions League. In attack, Greece will rely on striker Themistoklis Nikolaidis of Club Atlético de Madrid.
At Euro 2004, Greece will open the tournament against Portugal. Afterwards, they'll meet familiar opponent Spain and finally, Russia. Rehhagel will need to pull an upset over Spain (as he did before) or Portugal to get through this group.