Nigeria vs. Greece, June 17: World Cup Preview
Greece and Nigeria will face each other on June 17 in the 2010 World Cup, in Group B action. For both teams, it is the second game. The match will take place at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 am
Greece is losing some of the steam it gained when it won Euro 2004, after an unimpressive run during qualifying matches. Many see Nigeria as the more likely winner, despite being ranked above Nigeria. ESPN’s Soccer Power Index gives Nigeria a 28 percent chance to win the group and Greece a 12 percent chance. An interesting contrast of styles will be featured in the match. Nigeria is strong up front, with top-notch strikers such as Obafemi Martins and Victor Obinna. Against the physical Greeks, they will have their work cut out for them.
Greece has not become a fan-favorite, with their physical, low-scoring style of play. In Euro 2008, after losing all three matches, many are counting them out as contenders. Greece midfielder Giorgos Karagounis, however, is eager for the World Cup to start to prove doubters wrong. He concedes that South Korea and Nigeria have more World Cup experience and Argentina is the favorite from Group B. He still believes his team can repeat their unlikely success at Euro 2004.
To repeat Greece’s Euro 2004 success, forward Theofanis Gekas will need to play a big role. Of European qualifying, he became one of the top scoring players. He netted ten goals in 11 games, with six coming in two games against Latvia.
Five days after playing Group B favorite Argentina, Nigeria will be playing this game. Their momentum could carry them to easy victory over Greece, if they pull a victory in their opening game.
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