Since the magic June of 2004, when the whole nation was delirious with joy for the unprecedented and unbelievable success of the ‘Greek heroes’, a lot of water went under the bridge. The team’s ability to produce sustainable results was questioned by many, the squad was proclaimed ‘finished’ by others, and after failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2006, everyone feared that the success of 2004 was simply a shooting star in the sky…dazzling, but short-lived.
‘King’ Otto Rehhagel, the German coach (only a German could take an average team with a non-existent international record and produce a Champion out of it), had to close his eyes and ears to a nation of prominent coaches who demanded nothing less than 3 points in every single game played since, and started to call him an ‘old man who simply collects a good pension’ in Greece.
Herr…’Rehhacles’ had to overcome his obsession with the 2004 squad (he refused to call up fresh talent that wasn't part of the original team, and he even used players of the winning team who had meanwhile become unemployed and had missed many games following the success of 2004). But he had the final say. He’s now back on his throne with the doubting voices silenced for ever and the majority of Greeks feeling grateful for the new contract he signed until the World Cup of 2010.

Some players to watch in this tournament:

Antonis Nikopolidis - goalkeeper : One of the few reasons Greek ladies watch football from time to time. Having just won another Greek Championship with Olympiakos (the team that has, so to speak, signed a contract to win the title for the past decade), he’s playing his last international tournament. An extremely reliable goalie and one of the reasons of 2004 success. But he has some days, when even...Rehhagel would be a better goalkeeper in his place.
Fanis Gekas - striker: He watched EURO 2004 sitting on his comfy sofa but since, was acquired by VfL Bochum, helped them survive relegation and finished top scorer in Bundesliga! He then quadrupled his income by moving to Bayer Leverkusen, where he had an average season. Has scored 6 times in 24 games with the national squad.
Giorgos Karagounis - midfielder: The team’s tireless machine. He runs many kilometers in every game and is always dangerous - scored the opening goal of the triumphant march of 2004. 
A bit sensitive with his...balance though, draws many fouls and makes his opponents furious.