Samaras rules out repeat

Greek striker not expecting to get his hands on any silverware

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 6th June 2008

Georgios Samaras

Samaras: Will his prayers be answered?

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Georgios Samaras is not expecting Greece to repeat their European Championship feats of four years ago.

The striker missed out on the unlikely success in Portugal as he was still making a name for himself as a promising teenager.

He is in the senior fold this time around, but admits that it would be a remarkable achievement if Otto Rehhagel's troops were to cling onto their crown.

"I can't have such big dreams," he said.

"The truth is that it would be very difficult to achieve that success again.

"I'm jealous of the older players, in a good way.

"Our target is to reach the knockout stages, and after that it's step-by-step."

Victory

Greece get their title defence underway against Sweden on Tuesday and Samaras is hoping for a morale-boosting three points to get their campaign up and running.

"It would be great to get the three points," he said.

"Victory in the first game is winning half the battle.

"We've been studying Sweden, and we're mentally and physically ready for the game."

Tactics

Greece battled their way to a 2-1 victory over Portugal in their opening game back in 2004, and saw the siege mentality carry them all the way to the final.

They were widely criticised for their lack of adventure, but national skipper Angelos Basinas admits that they will adopt exactly the same tactics again if it brings similar results.

"The best way to play is to win, and that's a very difficult thing to do," he said.

"Are we playing well or not? If you win, everything is perfect.

"We have to stick to our game and hope for the best."