Preview: Argentina vs. Greece

The deck is clearly stacked against Greece progressing to the knockout round. The aim coming into South Africa was clear; don’t go into the game against Argentina needing a result for qualification. But after the humiliating defeat in the opener, Diego Maradona's Albiceleste stand in the way. Anything short of a miracle will be needed to sneak out a victory, a combined team performance is crucial. Greece possesses the capability of playing the type of game needed and have proved in the past able to topple stronger opposition. The win vs. Nigeria has done wonders on lifting the team’s confidence and hopefully Otto Rehhagel will select the right starting XI to frustrate Argentina. Also mistakes must be taken out entirely, all three of the goals allowed by Greece were horrible errors, and the players need to keep their focus for the full ninety minutes and not giveaway silly fouls.


Alexandros Tzorvas will be on the hot seat and have his hands full trying to keep the ball out of his goal. Just like Antonios Nikopolidis did in Portugal six years ago, Tzorvas form will have to be perfect in order for Greece to get a positive result. His blunder against Nigeria would be near suicide if it were to happen against Argentina. He looked visibly shaken after the goal and took a while to settle down. Despite the early set-back he did make a great breakaway save in the second half kept Greek hopes alive and pushed the team forward to score the winner later on. It's open for debate which players Maradona decides to rest on Tuesday; since Argentina have qualified we might find the likes of Messi, Tevez and Higuain on the bench. But the squad has a tremendous amount of depth in attack; Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito are just as dangerous and probably will start since they have been used sparingly so far by the Argentine coach. Judging from last game, Sokratis Papastathopoulos will likely play in front of the back four and will take the majority of the responsibility in stifling the Albiceleste attack. Sotirios Krygiakos played well against Nigeria and should get the start at the back; he lacks pace but makes up for it with his desire and physicality. He reads the game well and wins majority of the aerial balls in the defensive zone and can be a threat in the opponent’s 18 yard box on set pieces.

All the stars must align for Greece to pull out a win. Even if Maradona rests some of his star men, Argentina have good depth and will still be dangerous. With everyone counting them out the pressure is off as they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. A promising position the Greeks know all to well. Plus the team seems to play better with their backs against the wall. The World Cup has already provided a handful of upsets so why not one more? A more realistic outcome would be to hold out for a tie and hope Nigeria can beat South Korea. The World Cup curse was broken last Thursday and a heavy burden has been lifted off the team’s shoulders. I’m going against the grain with my prediction and will put my money on the underdog. Admittedly being Greek has a little to do with it, but we saw how Argentina can get caught on the counter attack pushing too many men forward, Nigeria were very unlucky not to score against them in the opener. Also Maradona isn't the greatest coach and can be outplayed tactically by Rehhagel, which would help silence all the critics calling for the German's resignation. Provided Greece play a flawless defensive system a shock result is a possibility.

Prediction: Greece wins 1-0