As we countdown to the World Cup we preview each of the sides taking part. Next up it is Greece.
As we countdown to the start of the World Cup on June 11, Fox Soccer's Jamie Trecker will preview each of the 32 teams playing in South Africa and tell you everything you need to know about each nation represented at the world's greatest sporting event. Here he looks at former European champions Greece.
Despite being one of the truly football-mad nations in Europe, the arguable seat of Western culture, the Olympic movement, and, um, massive debt, the Greeks have not managed to translate a deep, true love for sport into any measurably success - with one notable exception: the 2004 European Championship.
While this is a bit like kicking a nation while it's down, it's that debt that has done it. The country that is on the verge of dragging down the Euro has long had economic problems, and it's been reflected by a lack of investment in its leagues and players.
That shouldn't obscure the fact that Greek football enjoys a long legacy. The clubs are well-remembered, and their national team is well-supported, with fans turning out across the globe to see them on the road. Nine newspapers cover the sport in Greece, and more money is allegedly wagered on football in Greece than anywhere else in Europe.
German coach Otto Rehhagel saw his team book a place at the 2010 World Cup via the play-offs after overcoming Ukraine 1-0 on aggregate.
PAST WORLD CUP SUCCESS:
None. Believe it or not, Greece has only played in one previous World Cup and that was back in 1994 in the United States. They lost all three games, without scoring a single goal, and conceded 10 against Argentina, Nigeria and Bulgaria.
REGIONAL SUCCESS:
Greece won the 2004 Euro title in one of the great upsets of all time, but that has been their only shining moment on the international stage.
LEAGUE OVERVIEW:
The 16-team Super League is dominated by AEK Athens, Panathinaikos and Olympiakos.
MANAGER:
Otto Rehhagel, who should have been given honorary Greek citizenship for leading this team to one of the greatest upsets ever in 2004.
KEY PLAYERS:
Theofanis Gekas (Hertha Berlin) was top scorer in Uefa qualifying with 10 goals. Kostas Chalkias (PAOK) takes over between the posts from probably their best-ever keeper, Antonios Nikopolidis, and he's a step down. Forward Angelos Charisteas has been decent for Nurnberg while striker Georgios Samaras has taken a nose dive at Celtic. The key man, however, is captain and midfielder Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos). He helped lead the team in 2004, and though he'll turn 33 when the World Cup kicks off, he still is the team's main playmaker.
FIFA RANKINGS: 12th
Best was 8th (2008), worst was 66th (1998).
