SANTOS WANTS LUCK

Greek national team manager Fernando Santos has stated that his teams make their own luck after they stand on the brink of World Cup qualification following a 3-1 win over Romania in the first leg of the World Cup play-offs. Greece and Romania have been paired together in the final round of World Cup qualification. A victory in a two-legged match will see one of the teams in the World Cup finals. Greece have been one of the successful teams in the last few years amongst the two and they asserted their position as one of the favourites by winning the first leg.

Speaking ahead of the second leg, Santos said that he is not worried about the luck factor for the Euro 2004 champions because his teams make their own luck. Romania have an opportunity to turn things around, but it looks highly unlikely that they will be able to do anything away from home.

Santos has tried to tone down the encounter by saying that his players are aware of their position in the tie. Hence, there is no unrealistic thinking within the squad. Katsouranis will be absent from the Greek squad, but Santos has said that his team has enough strength in depth to be able to replace him.

“Greece is the favorite to progress. Greek internationals have the necessary realism and experience in order to protect Friday’s win and come out winners from the second leg match. We are definitely realistic in understanding that we have an advantage over Romania to progress in the next round after the first leg’s victory.  With my player’s experience we should be able to secure the result we want after winning the first game by a two goal margin. It would not be an easy game,” said Santos ahead of the match.