Greece hopeful of upsetting Argentina
Source: Agencies |
June 22, 2010, Tuesday
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Print Edition
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ARGENTINA could become the first team at the World Cup to wrap up three victories if it defeats Greece today - though a draw would be enough for the twice world champions to advance to the last 16 as Group B winners.
Coach Diego Maradona's team has so far underlined its status as one of the tournament's biggest favorites, scoring an aggregate 5-1 goal difference.
"We can all be happy," Maradona said. "Two games, two wins - and the way we achieved them."
Greece might need a helping hand from Nigeria if it is to advance - unless it earns an unlikely three-goal margin victory over Argentina.
Greece could scrape through on a smaller win or even a draw, but it then depends on a still pointless Nigeria to get a favorable result against South Korea in Durban.
The 2004 European champion lost its opening game 0-2 to South Korea, then rallied to beat Nigeria 2-1 for its first ever World Cup win, points and goals. It is now hoping to keep its momentum going.
"For sure, the team can do better and can show more on the pitch," defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos said. "We will be freer to play, because the game against Nigeria was like a final ... We are very relaxed after the win, and in my opinion this will help us a lot."
Forward Pantelis Kapetanos believes Greece has a chance of beating Argentines.
"If we stay concentrated for the entire 90 minutes, I believe the match can be won." Kapetanos said.
Coach Diego Maradona's team has so far underlined its status as one of the tournament's biggest favorites, scoring an aggregate 5-1 goal difference.
"We can all be happy," Maradona said. "Two games, two wins - and the way we achieved them."
Greece might need a helping hand from Nigeria if it is to advance - unless it earns an unlikely three-goal margin victory over Argentina.
Greece could scrape through on a smaller win or even a draw, but it then depends on a still pointless Nigeria to get a favorable result against South Korea in Durban.
The 2004 European champion lost its opening game 0-2 to South Korea, then rallied to beat Nigeria 2-1 for its first ever World Cup win, points and goals. It is now hoping to keep its momentum going.
"For sure, the team can do better and can show more on the pitch," defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos said. "We will be freer to play, because the game against Nigeria was like a final ... We are very relaxed after the win, and in my opinion this will help us a lot."
Forward Pantelis Kapetanos believes Greece has a chance of beating Argentines.
"If we stay concentrated for the entire 90 minutes, I believe the match can be won." Kapetanos said.
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