GREECE vs ARGENTINA >>> Match Preview

GRIEF AWAITS GREECE

THESE ARGIES ARE TOO AWESOME

Otto Rehhagel : "Nothing is impossible."
Greece have not enjoyed a flawless start, but their unexpected defeat of Nigeria in Bloemfontein last Thursday has put them firmly in the fight for second place. Prior to that, the 2004 European champions had never scored a FIFA World Cup goal, let alone won a match at the tournament, so coach Rehhagel will barely need to deliver a team-talk in Polokwane. To that end, the Southern Europeans will look to keep it simple against the two-time world champions. Greek scorer Torosidis declared after the win against Nigeria: "I don't care what happens now. I'm just delighted for the team, and for the fans who never stopped believing in us." And that release of pressure could prove to be their most dangerous weapon.

Comparing the individuals at both sides' disposal makes for grim reading if you are associated with Greece. The likes of Salpingidis and Theofanis Gekas are certainly no match for Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain on paper, but Rehhagel has made his name by springing the most shocking of upsets. But even if the spirit of Euro 2004 is invoked on Tuesday, one feels it may still not be enough to overcome a hugely impressive Argentina side.

Greece player to watch: Giorgos Karagounis

The"Greek Gattuso", as he is affectionately known, is not just a tenacious midfield dynamo, but the Greeks' creator-in-chief. Capable of playing in either defensive or attacking midfield, Karagounis has drifted between the two roles in the opening two games - looking particularly dangerous in an offensive capacity against Nigeria. Greece are renowned for their ability from set-pieces and Karagounis is the man they rely on to deliver.

Argentina player to watch: Carlos Tevez

The industrious Tevez failed to find the net in the first two fixtures but he has continued to be an effective outlet in harassing opposing defenders. He continues to demonstrate a high work rate and despite Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero waiting in the wings, Tevez's overall contribution to the team should mean he retains his place even if he continues to fire blanks.

Key Battle : Dimitrios Salpingidis v Gabriel Heinze

Salpingidis' purposeful display against Nigeria resulted in the Greece forward netting the equalising goal and he has the potential to be a menace when drifting out to the wings where he will look to exploit Jonas Guttierez's lack of defensive nous and Heinze's lack of pace. Argentina continue to be dominant in attack but it's at the back where question marks remain, with Heinze and defensive partner Martin Demichelis prone to lapses in concentration.
Prediction

Greece have to go all-out to win the game and they have proved under Rehhagel before that they are more than capable of holding on to one-goal leads at major tournaments. But their desire to get forward will open them up, and with Messi & Co waiting to pounce, Argentina have more than enough quality to emerge as winners.

Greeks are gonna get fleeced.

THE PICK

ASIAN HANDICAP ODDS
Take ARGENTINA give +1 >>> GREECE (Main Bet)

FIXED ODDS

Take ARGIES 2 - 0 (Small Fun Bet)

Take ARGIES 3 - 0 (Small Fun Bet)

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