Brklyngrk

The game was similar to other games we played. We had chances but what is clear is that Mantalos/Pelkas can not play on the wings. They just do not get open. I was impressed with Torosidis, after all these years, his crosses were pretty good. Koutris also did a good job. Vlacho didn't have much to do but other than his one intervention when the Finish striker was clear on goal. What I likes about him is that as soon as he got the ball, he was ready to counter but no one was ready to get the ball to start going up the pitch. He would turn right/left, no were to counter. Also, at the end of the game, no sense of urgency, they were playing passes back to the keeper. I must say, Sokratis is the epitome of a captain, he tried and hustled. You can tell he gives it his all.

I think we would need to win our last game as well...

Fetfa is a good technical player, but for a guy as talented on him, he doesn't play consistently enough...

They are definitely missing something, either way, any team from Greece would struggle. They did play well in the first half, but they always seem to tire afterwards (probably from all that defending)...

I am not so sold in Karnezis being completely ostracized from the team. If he plays well for Napoli (he seems to be playing every third game) and we have a need at goal keeping, he wouldn't be a bad call up. Obviously, give it to the most in form player but he is not bad by any means.

Some blame does go to him as well, fairly or unfairly. Ultimately he is responsible for the team and how they perform. If the player's don't respond, he has to get through to them.

Ranieri got it wrong because he tried to reverse a complete football culture in a country overnight. He called up so many new faces and they did not have time to integrate with one another. Also, if I remember correctly, we had quite a few injuries right after the world cup.

Just read that Skibbe has been fired, announcement in the next few days.

I thought after the Euros, each winner in every Group level (there are four groups with Group D) will play each other in a knockout style playoff. The winner of that playoff will go to the Euros.

I have been defending Skibbe for awhile now but I think the time has come for a change. He did turn our campaign around after the dreadful European qualifiers, but since Croatia, we have regressed. To be fair, we have had loads of injuries but we seem to struggle making two passes together. After Friday, which we clearly saw that both Bakesetas and Pelkas were not doing well on the wings, he left them both in. He will probably stay until the Nations League is over but after that, we need seriously see who is out there and who can make an actually difference for the team.

Not sure why Lazaro wasn't starting from the beginning...

Just realized the Tziolis is now the captain...

Lazaro on, let's see if it helps...

They are not doing any better than we are, it's just that they are countering well every time we lose the ball (which is often). The only one that hasn't is Tziolis. We are fortunate that our CBs are good and have been blocking out their attacks.

Pelkas-Fortounis = no chemistry

Pelkas struggling today, Mitroglou as well.

I also think our cbs are faster than our forwards. Tsimakas ran down the side, beats everyone, turns to cross in the middle and Mitroglou is about 10 to 15 yards behind..

No contact either, we look more lively today.

San Marino losing 0-4 now as was to be expected and Greece has been playing with 10 men since the 31st minute, red card to a defender. Still winning though 1-0.

Whatever happens, I think our best 11 is slowly coming into place. From these 11, how many would you change? Bakesetas and Kourbellis are the two that you would take out. Tsimakas (was necessary with Staf/Retsos out) could be removed as well but not a priority. Barkas is fine for now, you can make an argument for Giannotis or even Vlacho (Karnezis hasn't been starting) but he is fine.

Announcer - He contributes so little during the game but can score in an instant...

Bakesetas/Tsimakas on the left has been poor, Kourbellis hasn't done that well with his errant passes. Fortounis is not the problem today.

As crap as we have been, we still have been the better side...

Plenty of fouls, Pelkas will probably need stiches at half time...Have to say that both Sokratis and Manolas are so key to our team, so fortunate to have them.

Our past passer is Sokratis...