Greece

FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking: 13

Greece will be making their second appearance in the World Cup and have never won a game. In fact, they have yet to score a goal. However, they come into this World Cup ranked 13th in the FIFA/Coca Cola World Rankings. They are placed in Group B alongside Argentina (ranked 7th), Nigeria (ranked 21st) and Korea Republic (ranked 47th). This group is reminiscent of the last time Greece was in the World Cup in 1994, when they were also grouped with Argentina and Nigeria. This time they are hoping to avoid the same fate as before and progress to the second round.

Despite the high ranking for Greece, most people expect Argentina and Nigeria to emerge from this group. The key match for Greece could very well be their June 17 meeting with Nigeria, which could decide second place in this group.

Greece began qualifications very well, breezing through their first group without conceding a goal, but they then struggled down the stretch. Eventually it took a play-off victory against Ukraine to earn their place in the World Cup.

Coach

Greece is coached by Otto Rehhagel, a German-born coach who has had great success since taking over Greece’s national team in 2001. He is Greece’s longest-serving and most-successful coach, highlighted by their Euro 2004 championship. Even though Rehhagel has lots of experience, this will be his first time taking a team to the World Cup.

Key Players

Greece has a very experienced team led by midfielder Giorgos Karagounis, who will most likely sport the captain’s armband during the World Cup.

Another exciting player to watch is the talented goal scorer Theofanis Geka,s whose ten goals during qualification was the most in the European Qualification Zone.