After a rather disappointing performance at the start of the competition and some internal strife, the Greek national football team seems to have found its focus and still has hopes of progressing to the next round after the goalless draw with Japan.
The game did not start well for Greece as Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou had to be substituted early on and later Kostas Katsouranis was sent off on a second yellow card. Nevertheless, the defensive line of Kostas Manolas, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Yannis Maniatis managed to keep the Greek squad on its two feet.
Japan mostly had the initiative and ball possession in the game, as the Greek midfield was struggling to put the pressure on the Japanese defenders. Panagiotis Kone (10’), Vasilis Torosidis (40’) and Fanis Gekas (60’) squandered Greece’s classic opportunities to take the lead.
Japan on the other hand appeared more confident, with Yuya Osako (28’) and Yoshito Okubo (68’) missing great opportunities. With Greek goalie Orestis Karnezis being on top form though, the Japanese frustratingly conceded the draw. Greece’s final Group C game is on Tuesday the 24th of June, versus Ivory Coast.
