MelbourneGreek

We have absolutely nothing to lose, better the boys lose 3-0 than win 1-0, give the game their all, try and put on some midfield pressure and expose the Croatian defense. they should play better at home, if they can get a goal within the first 30mins, it will get very interesting

we all know the game should have been closer, we gifted them their 1st and 4th goals. Good teams can take advantage of mistakes. We had a few really good opportunities to turn it back to 4-2 or even 4-3, the SOkratis chance in the 2nd half and the final play of the game, an simple pass to mitro would have secured the goal. This is what seperated the two teams on the day, we needed a cool head during the tough times.

If most of the croatian team team is on a yellow, can some of the players miss the second leg?

This team 18 months ago would not have been able to defeat Croatia, but through the hardships the players had faced, the lack of Euro's, has helped them all gel together. Gone are the uptight and c*cky players like Holebas, we have a strong outfit who can break down the weak croatian attack, but with the right movement forward, their defence will peel open. I have no doubt that we can pull of 1-2 goals tomorrow. ZHTO H ELLAS!

typical FIFA bullshit. When a elite class player time wastes, they do nothing. A player takes some time off the clock, sacrificing himself for the NT, sits out for the other game and is then dissalowed for the away leg. Good thing we have depth in defense. K Paps will get his chance to show how good he can be.

there are obvious injury issues, we are all aware of them. Manolas is shaky, Donis is out and toro looks unlikely, I think Skibbe will be contemplating who to call up to replace those players, Our core team will remain the same. I do hope Pelkas and Gianiotas get called up, they would provide some pace of the bench

I agree, but the experience those players have is second to none, especially Kone, he knows what it takes to make it to a world cup. I would like to see Pelkas get called up, he has some decent technical abilities, Lazaros is also a good shout, but Donis is the real talent which we will miss out on

So far the squad is looking solid for the next game, i hope we see either fetfa or kone put up onto the bench, it will be interesting to see who skibbe is going to call in for that cool headed player if the game gets tough as for the perfomance, i would hope they try and go hard away and seal of the game at home, even a 1-1 or 2-2 draw away will be seen as a win for us, getting a goal at home will be straightfoward and with the fans behind us, the Croats are not going to feel welcomed to say the least

Kone played EXCELLENT in the 2014 World Cup. He helped allot in us getting out of the group stages. If he gets his form back, he will be a sure starter

Makes sense now. Much harder to detect sarcasm on a forum ahaha. In terms of Kone, Fetfa etc, I would also like to see more of donis and ganiotas coming off the bench, these boys have talent. But, the experience that Kone and Fetfa have is second to none, Fetfa is constantly one of the better players in the Saudi League, if Skibbe is playing Tzolis, why not Fetfa?

i wouldnt call out attack "potent". I do think if Fetfa and Kone can make the cut, we would look soo much better up front and it would give us more options as well. For example. Fetfa - Fourtounis - Stafl Mitro and Mantalos - Fourtounis - Kone Mitro

what is kone doing with himself? havent seen him play for a while. He would be a great addition to the squad, he allways plays well for the NT

Modric, Rakitic and Kovacic all do provide attacking threat as well. We all know that Mandzukic isnt the best striker and our two CB's will have them under control. The two Dms will have to act as that 2nd line to stop the secondary attack of Rakitic and Modric. We will need to play carefully

I do agree that the squad has gelled over the last few games, more and more players are coming out and saying how proud they are to be greek and its really heartwarming, but we all know how tough the playoffs are compared to the group. We showed fight against Belgium and stole some points but Croatia is going to be another beast altogether. Zeca will be a defiant starter, the other DM will be either Samaris, Tzolis or Tachtsidis. Tzolis played decent against Gibraltar and Cyprus, but they are both mediocre teams. I wouldnt be too opposed to starting him given the other two havent shown much promise. Also, Toro will be a big loss for the first leg, hopefully he will be back for the Athens leg.

Would you think Tachtsidis could take his place, we really do lack midfielders and correct me if im wrong, i dont think there are any up and coming starts in the midfield for greece either.

Samaris cant get a game, Im not sure if he has the right lead up and game minutes for such a big game for the NT

SOCCER: Media in Croatia reported on Thursday there will be no away fans in the Croatia vs Greece play-offs for a spot in the World Cup finals, for fear of trouble. The first leg is scheduled for November 9 in Zagreb and the return is on November 12 in Piraeus. WHAT??? -So weak

We all know the strength of Croatia's midfield. Players like Modric, Rakitic and Kovacic are WORLD CLASS. Because of this, i do expect hem to have most of as the ball, most of the time. However, their attackers are not the best, Sokratis and Manolas should be able to keep them under control. Having fast wingers like Mantalos and Donis? could help us win some counter attacks, as i doubt we will be able to create too much through general play. Mitro will need to find another gear even though the Croats defense is weak. Hopefully Zeca and Tzolis(god help us) or Samaris can break up the play. They would have to sit back Our team Karnezis Retsos - Manolas - Sokratis Papa - Tzavellas Zeca - Samaris Donis - Fortounis - Stalf Mitroglou If we can play for a 1-1 draw away, I give us a good chance to win at home.

Surely Manolas gets the start

The away goal will be really important

We will do as such. The issue is if their midfielders like Modric, Rakitic and Perisic can get some space to create, Our defense could be easily exposed. Thats why we will look into keeping Zeca and Samaris/Tzolis(god help us) behind the ball, we can positon ourselves on some good counter attacks with Mitro, Donis and Fortounis

Greece should have a good game away in Croatia. the croats do not have a strong play style on the international level, players like Modirc, Perisic and Rakitic are all top tier players but if we can play like the way we did against Belgium, we will be going to Russia. For the first leg, it is really important that we get at least one goal to help us on away goals. even if we dont win, a 1-1 or 2-2 draw will be fantastic. But, If we can get the win or not, the Greek supporters will make the visitors seem unwelcome at home, we will win the 2nd leg ELLAS OLE!!!!