Samaras keeps a rein on Greek ambition

Steady rainfall in Seekirchen has not dampened Greece's spirits, but Giorgos Samaras spoke for many when he assessed his side's UEFA EURO 2008™ chances, saying: "I don't dream that big. I am a realist and I know that a repeat triumph is difficult."

Epochal success
Playing at his first major tournament, the 23-year-old striker knows Greece's epochal success at UEFA EURO 2004™ was a massive upset and that a repeat would be an even more stunning turn-up for the books. "Our realistic aim is to get through the group stage, into the quarterfinals," he said ahead of Tuesday's Group D opener against Sweden. "An opening-day victory is very important because it is a huge morale boost and the points are precious. We have analysed our opponents and we intend to be 100 per cent ready."

Closed session
Otto Rehhagel's squad were lashed by constant rain during a closed practice session, yet there were positives as both Giorgos Karagounis and Sotiris Kyrgiakos returned to full training after minor injuries. A full squad and a well-drilled team should certainly serve Greece well, as UEFA EURO 2004™ veteran Stelios Giannakopoulos said: "We have a style of play that led us to success in 2004 and also got us the highest points total in the qualifying stage. It's a well-tested formula."

'A team sport'
Whether that gameplan will be enough to stop Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimović in his tracks has been a talking point among supporters, but Celtic FC's Samaras feels too much emphasis has been placed on the FC Internazionale Milano forward. "He is an athlete of great skill and high quality, but we are not afraid of him," he said. "I don't believe that one single player can make that much difference in a team. Football is a team sport and it's a rare phenomenon to find sides that rely on just one player to get them through."

Russia next
Giannakopoulos, meanwhile, found his thoughts straying to Greece's second match, against Russia on 14 June. "In Portugal, the only team to beat us was Russia [2-1 in the final group-stage game]," he recalled. "We had a lot of problems. Russia have always been a recognised footballing nation. This time round, we have to find a way to make things easier for ourselves. However, our only concern right now is Sweden. We are taking it game by game. Once the match against Sweden is over, we'll deal with the Russians. The first match means a lot to us."