High hopes in Greece

By Dmitri Pappa

This summer has been unforgettable for Greece. The unexpected triumph at UEFA EURO 2004™ and the return of the Olympic Games to their birthplace joined together in taking Greek pride to unparallel heights. But can the EURO triumph and the spectacle of the Olympics change the old ways of Greek domestic football, often marred by corruption and violence? The answer will be known shortly, with the new season beginning this weekend.

Many changes
Title-holders Panathinaikos FC have undergone significant changes to their squad. Goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis has moved to rivals Olympiacos and international right-back Giourkas Seitaridis, a revelation in Portugal, has joined FC Porto. Panathinaikos will rely on their strong left side, boosted by the signing of the talented Czech midfield player Rudolf Skácel and the form of German defender Markus Münch.

Talent on show
However, Argentinian forward Ezequiel González is set to be the main inspiration for Panathinaikos, aided by the talented Romanian Lucian Sanmartean, if he can overcome his injury problems. Whether this Tower of Babel, boasting 14 nationalities including Israeli head coach Itzhak Shum, can defend their title, remains to be seen.

Rivaldo arrival
After a record seven consecutive league titles, Olympiacos CFP had to settle for second place last season. Now, they embark on an ambitious quest to regain their supremacy, as they return to their historic ground, the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium. This will be the new home of FIFA World Cup winner Rivaldo, who will become the biggest name to grace the Greek league. Goalkeeper Nikopolidis and central defender Gabriel Schürrer promise to make the difference in defence, although French midfield player Christian Karembeu's summer departure will be felt while captain Predrag Djordjevic is not yet fit.

AEK uncertainty
The big question mark of the season hangs over AEK Athens FC. with the debt-stricken club going through the most crucial period in their history. Former player and fans' icon Themistoklis Nikolaidis leads a consortium that has acquired the majority of the club's shares and is the team's new president. Nikolaidis, who celebrates his 31st birthday today, retired from football in the summer to dedicate himself to securing the future of AEK, whose badge he has tattooed on his arm.

New stadium
AEK have parted company with several players with returning coach Fernando Santos at least being able to drop the average age from 30 to 24.5. Both president and coach have stressed to supporters that the club are in a period of transition, although, from the end of September, the inexperienced team will get a lift from playing their home games at the capital's new Olympic stadium.

Island intrigue
Away from the top trio, there are a number of intriguing elements to the 2004/05 season. Corfu club Kerkira FC are making their debut in the top flight and are coached by Nikos Anastopoulos, who still holds the record for the most goals scored for Greece with his 29 international strikes. Another island, Crete, will have two teams in the first division for the first time with OFI Crete joined by Ergotelis FC.