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A shock win in Spain and subsequent victories over
Ukraine and Armenia made everybody sit up and take
notice of Otto Rehhagel's men. Gone was the defensive
disorganisation of the 2002 World Cup qualifying
campaign, replaced with a strong, determined and
united core.
Some outstanding individuals such as Panathinaikos
goalkeeper Antonios Nikolaidis and striker Zazis
Vryzas compliment the indomitable team ethic. Bolton
midfielder Stelios Giannakopolous scored the winner
against Spain, and is becoming an ever-more crucial
part of the Greek jigsaw.
Little is expected of the Greeks in a tough group
containing two of the tournament favourites and
the powerful Russians, but they are the only qualifying
group winners of the quartet, and have already shown
Spain what they can do to sides that fail to show
them sufficient respect.
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