23 for 2010 – Greece: World Cup squad analysis

23 For 2010: Choosing the Greece Squad for South Africa

Goalkeepers:

1) Kostas Chalkias

12) Michalis Sifakis

13) Alexandros Tzorvas

Absolutely no doubt that Alexandros Tzorvas will start here. This season has been a great success story, from the beginning of the season when he was promoted to Panathinaikos starter, to the ridiculous reflex saves he pulled off against Ukraine in the 2^nd leg of WC Qualifying playoffs, which arguably made him man of the match. Tzorvas has a completely cool head, and will have no trouble handling the WC pressure.

Michalis Sifakis has good experience at U21 level, and earned his first cap in a group game against Luxembourg. Not going to contend with Tzorvas for the job, but if Tzorvas were to get injured, Sifakis would be a decent replacement. As for Chalkias, I think it’s very important he is included as he is about 8-10 years older than the other two, and has a lot more experience.

Defence:

2) Giourkas Seitaridis

3) Giorgos Tzavelas

4) Nikos Spyropoulos

5) Vangelis Moras

8 ) Avraam Papadopoulos

11) Loukas Vyntra

15) Vasilis Torosidis

16) Sotirios Kyrgiakos

N/A) Sokratis Papastathopoulos

Sotirios Kyrgiakos has proved himself at the highest level, with Liverpool fans raving about his performances. A real hard nut, and completely fearless, he will certainly make Messi think twice before dribbling through him. He’ll struggle with speed, but he completely makes up for that in brute force.

Papastathopoulos should also definitely play every match, after good performances for Genoa this season. He is arguably the fastest Greek central defender (which isn’t saying much), so he will cover for the weakness of others.  Debate will be whether Moras or Avraam Papadopoulos would get the spot in a 3CB formation; however, I believe Avraam Papadopoulos will definitely be reduced to the bench, as any player with a handful of skill could make him look like a drunken dancer.

Torosidis is definitely one of Greece’s stars. An extremely versatile player, he could feature at left back, right back or defensive midfield.  The best bet would be right back, where he can control the flank, going forward and getting back to defend.  Left back is completely open to Spyropoulos, Tzavelas or Vyntra, and will likely only be chosen after the pre-WC friendlies.

Vyntra would have to be the most inconsistent of the three; he could save or lose a game depending on which side of him shows up. Spyropoulos should be discounted, for simply wanting to do things he can’t, this would include trying to dribble through everyone in his own area when he should just be clearing it. Tzavelas, as one of the best prospects in Greece, should get the go ahead, especially as he will strike fear into opposing defences with his crossing ability. 

Seitaridis is a good RB, and one of the most experienced players in the team, but his lack of motivation for anything but Lamborghini cars will keep him on the bench. He’s also very unfit, barely playing this season after being signed from Atletico Madrid.

Midfielders:

6)Alexandros Tziolis

7) Sotiris Ninis

10) Giorgos Karagounis

21) Kostas Katsouranis

NA) Grigoris Makos

It’s very likely that Greece will play with 3 Central Midfielders, either in a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2. The main weakness on the Greek squad is Defensive Midfield. To the surprise of many, Makos has been included in Otto’s current 20 man squad, despite no experience and a poor domestic season. It’s then likely that Tziolis will play DM, as Tziolis is the lesser of two evils.

Being the captain, Karagounis will get a definitely start. It’ll be his last international competition for Greece, and he will want to go out with a bang. Questions will be whether he still has it, but his bulldog mentality is surely and asset to his team.  Katsouranis could start, but his last few months have been very poor domestically, as if he doesn’t know which team he is playing for.

Saving the best for last, Sotiris Ninis is an absolute world class player. I don’t think there’s any doubting how high his potential is. If Otto does not start Ninis, Greek fans will rage at the decision. Ninis has stunning passing ability, great dribbling skills and a dangerous shot. If anyone will orchestrate the team, it will be Ninis.

Strikers:

9) Angelos Charisteas

14) Dimitris Salpigidis

17) Theofanis Gekas

23) Georgios Samaras

NA) Vasilios Koutsianikoulis

NA) Kostas Mitroglou

A position of some strength, Theofanis Gekas should be the centre of attention after being the top scorer in the WC UEFA Qualifiers, beating Edin Dzeko to the golden boot. As a former Bundesliga top scorer, his club career has fallen from grace, but I don’t think it can be doubted he has top class composure in front of goal.

Salpigidis would play as a FWR in an ideal formation, as his combination of speed and hard work are bound to create good chances. Despite his size, I also rate him as a defensive forward who can get back when needed, but break decisively on the counter attack.

Koutsianikoulis would be a shock, especially considering how senile Otto is, but I can’t think of a better FWL player to include in the squad. Let’s face it, the Greek team doesn’t have a lot of speed, but Koutsianikoulis could outrun even the fastest of right-back. I’d put him in the squad, at least as a super-sub to finish off tired defences.

Mitroglou will add some height and power to the front line if needed, although I personally consider him to be lazy and to have low work rate. He’s still a good option to have on the bench, although he has little experience unlike most of his teammates on the strike force.

Charisteas and Samaras are not personal favourites. Charisteas will be picked purely for his playing experience, and Samaras quite frankly because there is no one else better.

On Standby:

NA) Lazaros Christodoulopoulos

NA) Athanassios Prittas

NA) Ioannis Maniatis

NA) Stelios Malezas

All four of the above are decent options in the case of injury. Prittas is a hard working DM, who perfectly fits into the Greek team, and would, in my opinion, be a better option that Makos or Tziolis due to how solid he is.

Malezas has had a good season for PAOK, I think he should make the team, but this is unlikely unless there is an injury. Malezas is tall and physical, his only problem is his lack of speed that is not exposed in the Greek Superleague, but would be exploited in the highest level of football possible.

Christodoulopoulos can play anywhere on the wing or up front, but he simply lacks the mental attitude to be considered in a WC Squad. In the case of injury, he might get the nod.

Maniatis is a versatile defender, who can also play in midfield. Another player who will tempt Otto, he will likely be kept out due to similar players in the squad (Torosidis).

(Pic via Greece World Cup Blog)

23 for 2010, Greece, Squad Analysis, World Cup 2010