Ellada2004

Croatia has talented and skilled attacking players, but as an 11 I like this Greece under Skibbe.

Excellent responses from Skibbe and Sokratis, short and sweet. Sokratis is playing no doubt.

It would be a tough call if that were the case but I can’t see Skibbe not playing Manolas. Only scenario would be if he was not 100%.

Ya imagine Ronaldo, Messi or even Modric being suspended for a playoff game? Never would happen, its a total rip off by FIFA.

If Greece can go into Croatia and pull out a win without Manolas that would be huge and then have him come back on Sunday all fired up and shut down the Croats.

Welcome to the forum Kroates, thanks for the insight from your side. Croatia play attractive football as they did last Euro when they beat Turkey with Modric stunner of a goal and just dominated that match. The game vs Portugal i was pulling for you guys but they seem to be out of sorts though Portugal was prepared to defend, but I believe they had no shots on goal for the first 90 minutes and then Portugal ended up winning. I watch Rakitic with Croatia and he seems to not put a mark on the game as when compared to watching him at Barca. You guys have your issues where this anger between a contingent of fans with Suker and the Croatian FA and many coaches have come and gone recently like Bilic, Kovac, and Kacic.Anyways it should be an interesting tie.

Me too can’t see Sokratis missing a game of this magnitude. He was training today and should be ready. Also Toro has a fifty fifty chance of playing according to Agona sport. I can’t wait for Thursday. Go ELLAS!

I can't recall the last time a decision like this one vs Manolas was made, especially just before a World Cup playoff.

I can't see a warrior like Sokratis missing out on these games with a spot in the World Cup on the line.

This is a sham of a suspension so many Greeks I told could not believe that they brought down this ruling and the sheer timing of it is even more perplexing. Victory will be sweet over Croatia and over FIFA!

Great video! Hopefully we make it to the World Cup!

Yes Kpaps is solid but he can't run down forwards with the same burst of speed if needed like Manolas. Hopefully he keeps his emotions in check.

What is going on around this team? Unreal.

Yes BS FIFA want Italy, Croatia and Switzerland .

Thats the irony we have all been waiting for him to get fit and now FIFA announce this ban? The team will no doubt unite and Manolas in the return leg will have a huge match.

Oh great what a fix!

Thats right why the wait? And how do they determine it was done on purpose? We will be in Russia with our Orthodox brothers. Go ELLAS!

I hope so.we will eliminate the Croats and they can watch alongside those idiot Bosnians!

Can the EPO appeal? I had a feeling they would screw us on the field but this? Thats why was better to draw Denmark, they want Italy in for sure and Croatia because of Modric and Rackitic playing at there big LALIGA clubs.

Wtf how's he banned fringing FIFA

Lets go boys get the job done, eliminate Croatia! Then it's off to the World Cup in Russia! Pa Me ELLADA!

When is the deadline to choose the squad? Croatia and other teams announced there's last week. I guess its most likely the injury issues.

AEK 0 AC Milan 0 Another great result for AEK looks like they should get through to KO round.

I guess Skibbe maybe mentally messing with Croatia not giving up the line up, hence the delay.

^ ok that's good. Hopefully Brozovic sits out he has 6 goals in 24 appearances, with 2 of those goals coming against Iceland this campaign.