6-4-0 Tactics? Greece Should Play 2 Goalkeepers

Yesterday, while watching the match between Argentina and Greece, I thought what on Earth did their coach put Samaras in striker position, even Samaras was defending. There were 4 center backs, and add to that 2 full-backs, I mean that was their do or die match and coach Oto Rehegaal made them play such an ultra defensive game? The full backs were sometimes finding it really difficult to pass forward as all the players were in their half and in the same line. There was even a miss kick from their goalkeeper directly to the body of their own defender.

One real chance Greece got though Samaras was miskicked by the player...I mean you know your player's quality and taking that into account, you planned an ultradefensive strategy. Greece, in real sense was playing with 6-4-0 tactics. Even a FIFA 105 Ranked team, North Korea was not soooooo defensive with Brazil or Portugal. They have put North Korea to shame also. Even a 37-year old Palermo scored a goal against that worse defensive strategy Greece.

I think what would be the scoreline if any day Greece plays with Italy? I think all the FIFA ranked nations should appeal to FIFA to give Greece the permission to play 2 goalkeepers in any international match, atleast then the strikers would have some job to do. How on earth Greece made it to the WC finals..God knows!

So, in the end, I would like to briefly summarize the match:

1) Greece was playing with 4 center backs and 2 full backs...and they were playing in a do-or-die game.

2) Their striker was also defending.

3) All nations should appeal to FIFA to make Greece play 2 goalkeepers in a match.

4) Greece was playing 6-4-0 game.

5) Even North Korea was also not that defensive against Brazil or Portugal.

6) With that defensive strategy also, Greece concedes a goal from a 37-year old Argentine sriker Palermo.

7) How on Earth, Greece made it to the WC finals?

8) I want to apply for the position of Greece National Team coach. :D

The above article has been an idea of iPhone Application Development Company [X]CubeLabs

Pre World Cup 2010 Friendlies

Pre World Cup 2010 Friendlies- Results

Argentina 5 v/s Canada 0
[Maxi Rodriguez(2), Angel Di Maria, Tevez, Sergio Aguero]

Nigeria 0 v/s Saudi Arabia 0

England 3 v/s Mexico 1
[Ledley King, Peter Couch, Glen Johnson]
[Guillermo Franco]

Czech Republic 4 v/s USA 2
[Tomas Sivok, Jan Polak, Martin Fenin, Tomas Necid]
[Maurice Edu, Herculez Gomez]

North Korea 2 v/s Greece 2
[Jong Tae Se (2)]
[Costas Katsouranis, Angelos Charisteas]

South Africa 1 v/s Bulgaria 1
[Siyabonga Sangweni]
[Valeri Bojinov]

Paraguay 1 v/s Rep. of Ireland 2
[Lucas Barrios]
[Kevin Doyle, Liam Lawrence]

Beijing Olympics Basketball: USA Outclass Greece 92-69

Dwyane Wade is defended by Greece's Antonios Fotsis

The United States beat Greece 92-69 on Thursday at the Beijing Olympics. Kobe Bryant and Chris Bosh each scored 18 points for the United States, Dwyane Wade scored 17 points and LeBron James scored 13.

The Americans have won their three games by an average of 24 points, but will likely be tested more by Spain on Saturday. The quarterfinals are scheduled Wednesday.

Deron Williams played 23 minutes, a tournament high for him, scoring 5 points. Teammate Carlos Boozer scored 4 points after checking in with 5:37 remaining.

Image Courtsey: Reuters

Arsenal's Gilberto Silva Joins Panathinaikos

Brazilian 31-year-old midfielder Gilberto Silva joined Greek club, Panathinaikos from Arsenal on Thursday (17th July) .

As per Greek local media, Panathinaikos had paid about 1.25 million euros (989,000 pounds) for the Brazilian.

As per Greek club's website, http://www.pao.gr/index, Gilberto Silva is quoted as

"I knew Panathinaikos before coming here but having met the president and the people of the club I have seen their ambition and believed in it. My goals are the goals of my team," ... "I'm fully aware of Panathinaikos's expectations and I'm confident the club will enter its second century successfully,"... "Panathinaikos is the new chapter in my career and I believe that it's going to be most successful."

Henk Ten Cate Wants Presas And Gudjohnsen

53-year-old Henk Ten Cate has asked Greek giant Panathinaikos to try and take Oleguer Presas and Eidur Gudjohnsen from Barcelona.
Presas, who thinks that his chances in Barcelona is limited as regular eleven, but first would like to talk with Barcelona in-coming chief Pep Guardiola before going to Panathinaikos.
Henk Ten Cate is yet to officially sign contract with Panathinaikos, but reports say that he has agreed take over Athens based club. Panathinaikos has offered Oleguer Presas €2m.
Gudjohnsen is unlikely to come to Greece as he has more lucrative offers from EPL clubs like West Ham united.

Euro 2008: Henrik Larsson in Swedish Squad But Sweden Loses

Lets give you some updates on the latest friendlies before Euro 2008.

The biggest upsest was Sweden. Sweden lost 0-1 to Ukraine. The only goal of the match was scored by Nazarenko in the 82nd minute. Henrik Larsson has been recalled in the Swedish squad at the gae of 36 after being persuaded to come out of his international retirement.

Netherlands defeated Wales 2-0. Robben and Welsey Sneijider scored for the Dutch in 35th and 53rd minute.

Poland drew with Denmark 1-1. Martin Vingaard of Denmark and Krzynowek of Poland were the scorers.

Another shocker was Greece drew with Armenia 0-0.