Greece aiming for third time lucky

Greece will be competing in their third UEFA European Championship finals and this year's crop of talented youngsters will hope to match the achievements of their predecessors.

Twice beaten in final
The Greeks managed to reach the final on both occasions, in 1988 and 1999, only to fall each time at the last hurdle. In 1988, they lost 3-0 over two legs against France. Ten years later, with the finals played in Romania, they were unlucky to lose 1-0 against Spain, the only goal of the game coming from the penalty spot.

High hopes
This time around, Greece have high hopes of going one better. They are particularly impressive going forward, boasting the towering presence of SV Werder Bremen's Angelos Haristeas, already capped at full international level. However, he will be without influential striker partner Georgios Vakouftsis of Iraklis FC. The man who top-scored for Greece with five goals in the qualification matches suffered a thigh strain on the last day of the Greek season.

Strong in defence
The Greeks are just as strong in defence where two players stand out. Christos Patsatzoglou of Olympiakos Pireaus FC, who plays on the right side, has delivered some excellent performances for his club this year. He is versatile, can switch inside from the right and can also, when the occasion demands it, become a second defensive midfielder. Sotirios Kyrgiakos of Panathinaikos FC is possibly even more highly-rated. He has been the revelation of Greek football this season since arriving from third division Agios Nikolaos, last summer. He was a significant performer in the run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Excellent at home
Greece reached the finals after finishing runners-up in a tough qualifying group behind England but ahead of Germany on goal difference. On the way, Greece recorded excellent home wins over both England and Germany and away victories over Finland and Albania.

Triumphed over Turkey
As with all the teams involved whether finishing first and second, a play-off was then necessary to determine the eight teams going to the finals in Switzerland. Greece were drawn against Turkey, and triumphed 4-2 on aggregate. They took a commanding 3-0 lead thanks to two late goals at the Zosimades stadium in Ionnina, which meant they still progressed despite a 2-1 reverse away in Kocaeli.

Experienced coach
Greece have prospered under the guidance of coach Andreas Michalopoulous, who took over in September 2000 following the departure of Ioannis Kollias. A player himself with Panahaiki GC, the 54-year-old's career was cut short because of injury. Michalopoulous, who earned one U-21 cap and one full cap, has coached several Greek clubs but is making a name for himself on the international scene.

Luck needed
"We are optimistic that we can go one step further than the team that finished second in 1998," Michalopoulous said. "With luck and with the support of the Greek fans living in central Europe, who will be on our side, we trust that we can turn hope into reality."

Amantidis holds key
He uses a 4-4-2 system and much of the success of his tactics revolves around the free role given to Ioannis Amantidis, of German side SpVgg Greuther Fürth. The playmaker of the U-21 team, Amantidis hit three goals in qualifying as well as providing many a chance for his team-mates. The spine of the team is completed by defensive midfielder Georgios Kyriazis, and goalkeeping captain Stefanos Kotsolis. They are the two most experienced players in the side and provide essential protection considering the attacking instincts within the team.

Good chance
Greece have been drawn in Group 2 at the finals, and will fancy their chances against Belgium, France and the Czech Republic. As their form in the qualifiers showed they can beat anyone on their day, although it remains to be seen how they will cope with the loss of Vakouftsis.