World Cup dream ends for Greece

As the referee blew the final whistle in Polokwane Tuesday night, Greece's elimination from the World Cup was confirmed. Naturally my disappointment was evident, as were the many other Greek supporters who watched the game in various cafés, bars and houses around the world. However this time I was proud of the performance displayed on the pitch. The team did what they had to, and that was put up a defensive wall and look to strike on the counter attack.

Despite Diego Maradona making 7 changes to his starting lineup the Greeks were outclassed by a superior opponent. From the opening kick Argentina were in control and trying to breakdown the ruthless line of defense Otto Rehhagel had set up. Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero provided the offence for the Albiceleste with the ever present Lionel Messi pulling the strings from the right side. It seemed like the Greeks had everyone behind the ball content on defending, with Georgios Samaras playing as the lone striker. Possession was almost 70% in favor of Argentina but Messi and Co. found it very difficult to penetrate the back line. Sokratis Papastathopoulos did very well shadowing Messi and limiting his scoring threat. But the greatest footballer on the planet still found ways to work his magic, creating multiple opportunities throughout the game. My man of the match goes to Alexandros Tzorvas, displaying a string of outstanding saves to keep Greek hopes alive. His form was vital if Greece had any chances of making the next round. Tzorvas produced a handful of fantastic saves inside his 18 yard box, robbing Argentina of the early lead. The end result doesn't give justice to the fine performance he produced.

Hopes were high after the first half ended goalless, Rehhagel's defensive fortress so far was able to withstand Maradona's offensive onslaught. Argentina looked frustrated trying to weave through the minimal space provided. Messi was on the wrong side of some hard challenges that although clean and legal were being questioned by Maradona on the sidelines, even going as far as flashing invisible cards in the referee's direction looking for the booking. Some bad luck hit the starting line-up for Greece as Giorgio Karagounis, Kostas Katsouranis and Vasilis Torosidis all had to be subbed off due to injury within 10 minutes of the second half, but the team stuck to the game plan and pushed through and defended as a unit. Samaras provided the only real scoring chance for Greece when he got behind the defence only to have his initial shot blocked and sending his rebound wide of the post. A key moment in the game which could have provided the shift in momentum needed for a Greek victory. That was it offensively for the blue and white after that missed chance, Argentina kept pressing and a goal seemed imminent.

News kept filtering in about the other group game and my emotions resembled a rollercoaster, the constant up and down was too much to bear. Unlike in Portugal, the stars wouldn't align to produce a miracle result for Greece; all hope was lost in the 77th minute when Martin Demichelis scored to put La Albiceleste in front for good. The defence couldn't clear the corner kick and Tzorvas was hung out to dry as the loose ball was smashed into the back of the net by Demichelis. The entire cafe I was watching the game in deflated as the ball crossed the line, although no one was screaming obscenities and blaming players, which normally follows a poor result. Simply put, Greece was outclassed and did well to stay in the game for as long as they did. If nothing else showed the remaining teams a system capable of beating the strong Argentines. All I asked for was a solid performance for 90 minutes, and if elimination followed oh well. Greeks could still be proud and hold our heads up high, and the team did exactly that.

Greece's World Cup campaign in South Africa lasted only 10 days; roughly what all the experts predicted would happen. A terrible opening performance was the team’s downfall; a result was needed against South Korea. A great comeback against Nigeria followed with the team capitalizing on the Super Eagles misfortunes. But needing points from Argentina was always going to be a tall order. Report's have surfaced stating  Rehhagel intends to step down as coach but nothing has yet to be confirmed. The national team has made tremendous strides under the leadership of the German in nine years, but after winning the Euro Cup the results have been mixed at best. If Rehhagel steps down the Greek FA have under 3 months to appoint a replacement before qualification for Euro 2012 begins. Going forward with a fresh outlook and system is a must, the addition of promising youth players with the departure of some aging veterans will only help push Greece into a positive direction for the future.