I agree...The Croatians won't be a long term threat. The only reason they are doing good right now is because their teams started early in qualifying and are playing teams from Moldova, Albania etc...By the Playoff round or Group Stage i think they will only be left with one team, and maybe 2 (max). The only thing that sucks with Croatia is that they started off with 4 teams in europe so their points are divided by 4 while Greece's is divided by 5, started with 5 teams.
Qualifying in this year's Europa and Champions League is EXTREMELY important for the Greek teams not only for this year but also for the upcoming years. I think OSFP, PAOK, and PAO will each qualify for the Group Stages of either Europa or Champions League. I think that it a MUST...From their it is very important for AEK to qualify as well. I think AEK is the key player for this season. Whatever PAS can get for Greece is a bonus.
The positive thing is that OSFP and PAOK can't be eliminated this round and PAO has the clear advantage over AIK to advance. AEK has the home field advantage against Saint Etienne but one away goal from the French can change everything in that game. PAS will have a hard task but again they are still not out. So we are still sitting ok for now.
Like you all said the Czechs are going to be hard to pass this season, but it is important for their teams to do bad for the upcoming season. Not only them, but also Swiss and Turkish teams. I think its quite ridiculous that the Czechs and Swiss are surpassing us. Our league is better than theirs and our "Better" teams are better than their "better teams."
Lets hope for good results this week. The future of Greek soccer in Europe really does depend on it...Before the next important week haha