Catch Up From Last Post: Quick Word on November Friendlies and Euro 2012 Final Draw

December 2nd, 2011 | by: nick | Comments Off

Since my last post, Greece played two friendly matches in November against Russia and Romania. These were two games that Fernando Santos used to wrap up the season and check out potential improvements ahead of next years big tournament. Also, this Friday the draw for the final tournament will take place in Kiev to determine the final group stage.

GRE 1-1 RUS
Goals: Shirokov 2, Katsouranis 59
There is not much to say about this match other than my prediction of a 1-1 scoreline was accurate. But, it was Russia who scored first with Roman Shirokov breaking through the back line and sending the ball over Tzorvas. The game was mostly even with Greece possibly having a slight edge. Santos reverted to a Rehhagel era 4-3-3, which worked pretty well as Greece outshot Russia and had three goals ruled offside. Greece finally leveled the game after Salpingidis broke down the right flank, provided a low cross which confused the Russian defense and opened up an opportunity for Katsouranis to score.

ROU 3-1 GRE
Goals: Torje 17, Karagounis 34, Tănase 61, Chipciu 80
Four days after drawing with Russia, Greece suffered its first defeat under Fernando Santos. While playing with mostly second string squad and the young Stephanos Kapino in goal, other reports from the media indicated that Greece were on the back foot for most of the game. After seeing a number of clips that captured the goals and crucial moments, tactically the game was a disappointment as it showed a lack of consistency. But this defeat will give Santos and the team plenty to learn over the winter off season. Greece will have their first test of 2012 against the Czech Republic on February 29.

Final Draw
Friday, December 2, is the final draw to allocate the groups for the tournament. Based on the coefficient seedings, Greece are in pot 3 with Portugal, Sweden, and Croatia. As with any draw, Greece have the possibility to wind up in an easy group featuring teams like Poland, England, and Ireland. With England being the only serious opposition, Greece could have very good chances of making it into the quarterfinals provided they improve their game. On the other hand Greece could wind up with Spain, Germany, Denmark, and have a hard time progressing.

Courtesy of Italy Blog
Here are the seedings ahead of the draw:

Pot 1: Poland, Ukraine, Spain, Netherlands

Pot 2: Germany, Italy, England, Russia

Pot 3: Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Sweden

Pot 4: Denmark, France, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland