Greece are determined that this is one Euro from which they will not drop out prematurely.
The bleak economic cloud hanging over the nation has had an impact on its domestic football, with many clubs suffering from financial difficulties and falling attendances, so Euro 2012 will evoke happier memories and an opportunity for some patriotic uplift.
Greece’s triumph in Euro 2004, when twice they beat Portugal, the talented host team, including in the final, remains one of the most surprising conquests in modern-day international football, and Otto Rehhagel’s victorious battle plan remains a template for the present squad.
They may have amassed a 17-game unbeaten spell with a relatively adventurous 4-3-3 formation, but a solid defensive unit still provides the bedrock of the team’s ambitions.
The team scored only 14 goals in qualifying, the least of all the finalists, while conceding five in topping their group.
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In an echo of Euro 2004, however, they again start the tournament against the host nation and Dimitris Salpigidis says that opening against Poland holds no fears for the Greek players.
“They have a good team and quality players but we don’t need to be overwhelmed by them, by the occasion or by the fact that they will have the crowd on their side,” the striker said.
“We must focus on our own performance, to play well and kick off our own tournament on the right foot.”
Tactics/Coach
Fernando Santos, the Portuguese coach, is well versed in Greek football from his spells in charge of AEK Athens, Panathinaikos and PAOK, and no one should expect too much expansive play from a team who managed to finish two points ahead of Croatia in qualifying. They play with a solid back four and a holding midfielder, with Georgios Samaras, of Celtic, and Sotiris Ninis offering the flair outlet off Theofanis Gekas, the target man.
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Strengths
After Santos succeeded Rehhagel in 2010, Greece went unbeaten for 17 games before losing 3-1 to Romania last November, with qualification for their third successive European Championship finals guaranteed. They do try to play the ball out from the back, but making themselves difficult to beat could again be key. Santos insists on a team mentality.
Weaknesses
Goalscoring again remains the big issue, with no player scoring more than twice in qualifying. Also Giorgos Karagounis, the midfielder, still holds a great amount of power and Gekas expects others to do his work for him. They simply lack the quality in depth — but then again, didn’t we think that eight years ago?
Star player
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Sotiris Ninis, who will leave Panathinaikos for Parma after Euro 2012, was badly missed after damaging knee ligaments scoring a spectacular goal against Israel last September. But the playmaker, 22, returned in March, so he should be fresh for the tournament.
Friday, June 8: Poland v Greece (National Stadium, Warsaw, 5pm, BBC One).
Tuesday, June 12: Greece v Czech Republic (Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw, 5pm, ITV1).
Saturday, June 16: Greece v Russia (National Stadium, Warsaw, 7.45pm, BBC Three).