How they got there: The reigning champions surprised many by qualifying with ease (from an admittedly easy group) after a dip in form following their 2004 triumph.
Coach- Otto Rehhagel: The veteran German was feted for leading Greece to their shock triumph at Euro 2004 but has been criticised since for showing excessive loyalty to the players who triumphed in Portugal. Had a successful career as a Bundesliga coach before taking the Greek job.
Star player- Giorgios Karagounis: Scored the opening goal at Euro 2004 in Greece's first shock victory over hosts Portugal four years ago and, despite a fairly undistinguished few years in club football, he remains a key man for his country. Now with Panathinaikos after spells in Italy and Portugal, his enthusiasm and drive is vital to Greece.
Tactics: Rehhagel has steadfastly refused to update things from four years ago, so don't expect Greece to be involved in any thrillers as they try to wear teams down and feed off any scraps. The German coach favours a 4-3-3 formation.
Strengths: Greece are still greater than the sum of their parts and are defensively solid. Apart from shipping four against Turkey, Greece conceded just six in their 11 other qualifiers.
Weaknesses:: The sense is that the team have grown old together and that changes should have been made after the failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
Verdict: Will fall at the first hurdle, now they are an ageing side up against some quality teams.
If they were a band they would be: Primal Scream
Helpful translation- "Η εγκοπή ένα, παίρνει έπειτα της καθεμίας πίσω από τη σφαίρα.Η εγκοπή ένα, παίρνει έπειτα της καθεμίας πίσω από τη σφαίρα." is "Nick one, then get everyone behind the ball."
