Germany taking on Greece, in the quarterfinals of Euro 2012, is the ultimate David vs Goliath battle. The Germans have been easily the best team in the tournament so far; they came out of the group of death as winners with a 100% record. Greece sneaked into the quarters with a barely deserved 1-0 victory over Russia, after taking just one point in their first two games. So, on paper, it looks like a foregone conclusion.
However, that is just the way the Greeks like it. In almost every match of Euro 2004, where Greece went on to win the title, they were the underdogs. Given absolutely no chance of victory by anyone and everyone; Greece are the best team in the world, when it comes to punching above their weight.
They have the most organised back four with their midfielders also acting as defenders for most of the 90 minutes. They will be more than happy to let the German have the ball. Just be wary of the quick counter attack.
They are happy with the 1-0 victories, the Greeks. It does not matter to the Euro 2004 champions, how a victory is achieved, just that it is. Take it to penalties and win, it does not matter. They somehow, when it comes to the wire, find a way to win.
That is something that the Germans will be extremely familiar with.
"It will be a very tight match, because the Greeks aren't a team that you can rip apart easily," Germany coach Joachim Low said.
"We will be hitting a rock and they will be strong in defense, but we will find ways to create chances.
"Sometimes you can write them off, but they are always there, they are like those survival artists, they suddenly pop up in the quarterfinals.
"If we run a lot and play at a high tempo, we will get our chances in the last third of the pitch."
If any attack-minded team is capable of breaking down the Greek wall, it is the Germans. The three-time European champions don't just attack from the middle, in Thomas Muller and Lukas Podolski, they have two wide players, who are equally capable of hugging the touchline and swinging in crosses or getting into the box to get on the end of passes. Mario Gomez has been in prime form, and needs just one chance to score. The Greeks will be desperate to not give Gomez any time on the ball inside the penalty area, because within the 18-yard box, the Bayern Munich man can be lethal.
Bastian Schweinsteiger has probably been the best midfielder in the tournament so far. His passing sense and distribution have been unparalleled. In Mesut Ozil, the Germans have a talented playmaker capable of unlocking the meanest defense. These two players will be the key, if Germany are to find a way through.
On the defensive side, Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber have formed an excellent partnership, while Philipp Lahm and Jerome Boateng are equally capable in attack and in defense.
The Greeks will desperately miss the inspirational leadership of Giorgos Karagounis, their captain and the man that put them into the quarterfinals with the winning goal against Russia. The 35-year-old is suspended for the quarters, after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in the game against Russia.
The second quarterfinal of Euro 2012 will be a battle of attrition. Germany trying to find a hole in the Greek wall and Greece sticking to what they do best, playing against all odds, and trying to come out winners.
