Greece Is Inspired by Surprises in 2004

Greece Is Inspired by Surprises in 2004

Greece Is Inspired by Surprises in 2004

When Greece won the European Championship (Euro) 2004, is considered to be a big surprise. Because, they had never previously favored and not the star-studded. However, in the hands of coach Otto Rehhagel, Greece is also a favorite beat hosts Portugal 1-0 in the finals at the Dragao Stadium, Porto, Friday (02/07/2004), and emerged as winners.

Attackers Greece, Angelos Charisteas, then immediately said, "Unbelievable. I am really happy. This is the best moment in Greek football history. "

Greek success at Euro 2004 was indeed a great history and have a greater significance. Success is always inspired Greece to repeat it again.

Failed in the 2008 European Cup, they want to repeat in 2012. Ambition is still considered too excessive. In fact, some say, the fortunes of Greece in 2004 will not recur, but they do have a formidable team.

However, Greece did not care about all the scorn. The country is thick with the mythology of the gods that still have great confidence. If in 2004 they could win, why not with 2012.

Greek team at this time is not too special. Old stars are called. However, Greece has quite encouraging regeneration as a new goalkeeper Stefanos Kapino 17 years, Kostas Mitroglou (23 years), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (23), and several other young players. In fact, Greece is now dominated by younger players.

While the older players who still retained the striker Angelos Charisteas, midfielder Giorgios Fotakis, and goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias.

Greece coach, Fernando Santos, seems to want to build a new team with new hope. The existence of Charisteas is expected to pump up the spirit and inspiration, but his ability as a striker is still unreliable.

The team under coach from Portugal is indeed satisfactory. In Euro 2012 qualifying Group F, Greece emerged as group winners. In fact, they are unbeaten in 10 matches. Won seven and drawn three times.

Defender Greece, Giorgios Donis, said, "We have a good team. Not because we are unbeaten in qualifying, but we know how to react in a game. That's a sign the team is starting to mature and confident."

Santos agreed. However, he admitted his team still needs much improvement. "Towards 2012, we entered a new phase. It is time to try a few things to improve the team," said Santos, who replace Otto Rehhagel in June 2010.

Greece may not be the favorites such as English, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish, or French. However, they still keep the danger.

They do not like the gods in Greek mythology. But, they can change things and make a surprise.

In Group A along with hosts Poland, Russia and the Czech Republic, Greece drew more easily classified. Because, they do not meet strong teams like Netherlands, Germany, Britain, and Italy. However, coach Fernando Santos said, it's not a guarantee.

"It's a good draw, but an open group. All teams have the same opportunities to qualify for the next round. You may remember the European Cup in 2004. At the beginning of the group, we meet hosts Portugal and the last against Russia. Now as repeated in here, "he said.

If repeated also that Greece finally won, it's very fun Santos and his team. However, Santos warned that history does not repeat itself easily for granted. "Most importantly, we must make the best possible preparation. We believe the players are able to make great achievements," said Santos.