Lidia Stoupel

Intern Reporter

The game between Greece and Israel ended 1:1. Greece is still hoping to qualify for the World Cup finals.

This result was not satisfying, taking into consideration the game during those 90 minutes. The one point, which the Greeks took, left a sour taste in our mouths. It seemed that the team had full control of the game when they scored in the 42^nd minute, but then Israeli scored in the 57^th minute and took the victory away. The continuation gave the opportunity for two more goals – with Christo Papazoglou and with Angelos Haristeas.

The game also left a sweet aftertaste because Otto Rehangel’s team was impatient during the second part of the game and could not focus, which could have caused them the game. Of course, the tie in such a hard game is positive and now, the game in Athens will be very important because Greece, together with Switzerland, is taking second place in the qualification group.

Game of patience and tactic

The strategy of the German coach was 3-4-3, which he changed to 5-4-1 when the team was in defense. Delas, Papadopoulos and Kiriakos were playing defense and the left and right wings were covered by Torosidis and Seitaridis. The center belonged to Tziolis and Basinas, with Gekas, who was the chief forward and with Hariasteas on the right and Karagounis on the left.

The Greek team started the game strong and the players were moving the ball very well. Meanwhile, Otto Rehangel’s players had closed all possible exits next to Halkias’ goal and most of the times this was successful. Gekas’ goal came a little bit before the end of the first half and this gave a victory hope to all Greeks.

Unforgivable Greek panic

Even though the Greeks scored the first goal, they did not take advantage of it. They were too panicked and this prevented them co-ordinate their game, especially when it came to the defense. This was also the fault of the Israeli team, because during the first half they were not playing as expected. During the second half, this changed and the game became quicker and more interesting. In the 57^th minute the Israeli broke the Greek defense and scored the draw goal. The success of the Greek team suddenly collapsed and Otto decided to refresh the game and to put Samaras in the game and to take out Basinas.

Goal scorers: 55’ Golan – 42’ Gekas

Referee: Rozetti (Italy)

Penalty cards: 49’ Sahar – 11’ Delas

Israel: Aut, Saban, Dagian, Ben Hame, Kanan, Alberman, Coen (85’ Vermout), Sahar, Benaguin (77’ Kagial), Golan, Barta (61’ Itzianki)