Galery

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Greece qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after a “golden” victory as guests with 1:0 against Ukraine. The goal in the cold Donetsk came in the 31^st minute by an excellent shot of Salpingidis. The Greek team - 2004 European champions - will play on a world championship for the second time. The first time was in 1994. It is interesting to note that during the Mundial in Germany in 2006 the Greek team was disqualified by Ukraine. The last game between the two teams was last Saturday on the Olympic Stadium and it finished with 0:0.

The players in Otto Rehhagel’s team were the same with the exception of Haristeas, who substituted Gekas as a striker. On both of his sides fighting were Samaras – on the left, and the scorer Salpingidis – on the right. Midfielders were Katsouranis and Karagounis. Central defender was Papastatopoulos, defenders – Kiriakos and Moras, goalkeeper – Tzorvas and right next to him were Vitras and Spiropoulos.

From the beginning of the game the Ukrainians tried to set a fast rhythm to the game, which best suited Mykhaylychenko’s tactic but they missed on opportunity in the eighth minute. Tzorvas kicked the ball out of Aliev, but it found itself in Shevchenko feet. After that the Ukrainian forward had an opportunity to kick from a very good position. The Greeks also lost their chance in the 11^th minute, when after a foul by Karagounis Samaras made a head shot, which went a bit over Piatov’s post.

During the second half Tzorvas saved three extremely dangerous kicks, which came from Rakizki in the 55^th minute, Shevchenko in the 58^th and again from Rakizki in the 68^th minute. This is how the Greek goalkeeper became one of the heroes of the game. Greece could have reconfirmed its victory with one more goal in the 81^st minute if Gekas shot directly at the gate instead of playing with the ball and losing it.

Referee of the game was Olegário Benquerença from Portugal.