What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: Greece vs Nigeria – Group B
When: Thursday 17th June, 2010, at 15:00 UK Time
Where: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Pirate Ship Needs to Set Sail
Greece had an a nightmare opening game against South Korea. The Euro 2004 winners were lacklustre throughout and were deservedly beaten by a superior South Korean side. Coach Otto Rehhagel was understandably angry with his team’s performance and in the build-up to the Pirate Ship’s crucial encounter with Nigeria he has stated that his players ‘need to get their act together’.
Greece’s only other appearance at the World Cup finals was in 1994 when they lost all three group matches. Unless there is a dramatic improvement in their performances they could find themselves heading back to Athens pointless again.
Super Eagles to Go for the Kill
Nigeria were unfortunate not to come away with anything from their opener against Argentina despite being second best for much of the game. In the periods when the Africans did enjoy some possession and managed to get in and around the Argentinian penalty area they posed a threat, although the final ball was generally lacking. This is something that will need to improve against the Greeks.
Despite being defeated in their first game the Super Eagles can still reach the knockout phase, but they need nothing less than three points against the 2004 European Champions to keep those ambitions alive. Swedish coach Lars Lagerback must therefore send his side out with an attacking mindset from the off. Indeed, the Swede is hopeful, stating that Nigeria have ‘a good chance’ of beating the Greeks.
Recent form
Greece:
Greece 2-2 North Korea (25/05; Friendly)
Greece 0-2 Paraguay (02/06; Friendly)
South Korea 2-0 Greece (12/06; World Cup – Group B)
Nigeria:
Nigeria 1-1 Colombia (30/05; Friendly)
Nigeria 3-1 North Korea (06/06; Friendly)
Argentina 1-0 Nigeria (12/06; World Cup – Group B)
Players to watch
Greece – Giorgos Karagounis: As a veteran of the victorious Euro 2004 winning team the Ethiniki desperately need Karagounis to stand up and be counted. He is Greece’s creative spark in central midfield, but like most of his team-mates the 33-year-old had a poor game against South Korea. Thankfully for the Panathinaikos midfielder there is a chance for redemption against the Super Eagles.
Nigeria – Dickson Etuhu: The Fulham midfielder had a tidy if unspectacular start to the tournament against Argentina. Now, with Nigeria requiring victory over their European opponents, the holding player has a key role in ensuring the Super Eagles win the midfield battle against the Pirate Ship.
Match prediction
A draw does neither side any favours, but it’s difficult to see Greece playing with anything other than the defensive style they’ve become accustomed to. After a severe dressing down from their veteran German coach Greece will be much better in pressing Nigeria’s midfield, but this won’t be enough for the Ethiniki to secure victory. The African side will win 1-0, scoring the crucial goal in the second half after a tight and tense first period.
Don’t forget: If you fancy a bet on this exciting game, you can find and compare the prices of all major online bookmakers at tip-ex.com.
