GRE 2-0 CRO: Samaras and Gekas Lift Greece

October 7th, 2011 | by: nick | Comments Off

Georgas Samaras and Theofanis Gekas gifted Greece with a 2-0 victory over Croatia today at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus. In what started as a very tight match with both sides creating only a handful of opportunities, Greece began to slowly dominate after the break with tight defending and quick counterattacks. Two goals in the second half quickly sealed the win. Croatia were left reeling in what they thought would be a famous away victory. After a mediocre 1-1 draw to Latvia last month, this match was a much improved performance. Greece are now at the top of Group F and will earn automatic qualification if they avoid defeat against Georgia in Tbilisi on Tuesday.

Greece
After a brief interruption due to smoke and fireworks, Greece started the match very nervously. Passing and procession were sloppy and soon found themselves exploited on the right flank. Lined up in a Rehhagel era 4-3-3, Santo’s team slowly eased into the match and dealt well with the pressure but could not build a counterattack. The back line consisted of Torosidis, A. Papadopoulos, Papasthatoupolos, and Zaradoukis. A three man midfield with Karagounis, Tziolis, and Katsouranis provided support for the attack lead by Gekas, Samaras, and Salpingidis. All components of the formation did well and closed down most of the Croatian attacks. But the team still left Fernando Santos frustrated at halftime. If any player underperformed it was likely Vassilis Torosidis who was promptly replaced by Loukas Vyntra at rightback.

The second half was a total reversal. Greece did not allow Croatia to mount any type of attack and prevented Niko Kranjčar and Luka Modrić from using their creativity to control the midfield. With Croatia’s attacking playmakers muted, Greece were able to settle into the game and control the pace. Croatia were then reduced to long shots and ineffective run ins which Greece were able exploit with counter attacks. Zaradoukis and Vyntra controlled the flanks and did well to win corners and free kicks. This tactic contributed to the first goal after a few successive corner kicks. The three strikers interchanged positions to confuse the Croatians and Samaras found himself as a center forward when he scored after Karagounis’ cross ricocheted to his feet. Eight minutes later Gekas positioned himself well as he was unmarked to head in a Karagounis corner.

Overall, Greece statistically dominated the game and ended as deserved winners.

Croatia
Not much to say about Croatia except for they came into this game needing a win to cement first place. They certainly began that way by surging forward into the Greek box. Later in the game Croatia found it difficult to build attacks and maintain rhythm as Greece controlled the midfield.

Greece now travel to Tbilisi to face Georgia while Croatia host Latvia in Rijeka.

Greece 2-0 Croatia
Goals: Samaras 71, Gekas 79