How Greece qualified into the play-offs
The Greeks just about failed to qualify automatically for the finals of the World Cup in South Africa.
Had it not been because of Andronic’s late equalizer which reduced Greece’s three points to one against Moldova back in September, the former European champions might have reached the promise land already.
Either way, the Greeks held on to their nerves and bounced back with a vital 5-2 victory over Latvia marked by Theofanis Gekas’ astonishing form as he hit four goals in that game.
The final match still presented everything to play for and Greece took advantage of the home factor to beat Luxembourg 2-1 and ultimately celebrate their qualification into the play-offs in front of their own fans.
How Ukraine qualified into the play-offs
The Ukrainians did not let things happened, they made them happen. Yes, they had a mathematical advantage over Croatia as both countries vied for the second spot.
However, statistics explained that anything less than six points out of their last two matches would not be enough to survive should Croatia win their last game of the campaign.
The Ukrainians faced the difficult task of beating England – who were then boasting of a perfect record – and they did not fail.
In the end, one single goal was enough to separate the two sides and despite Shevchenko’s failure to score from the spot, Ukraine still came out winners against England.
The last match of the World Cup qualifying campaign was a piece of cake and Ukraine trashed pointless Andorra 6-0.
So these last results canceled the importance of Niko Kranjcar’s 90th minute winner for Croatia against Kazakhstan in the other crucial game of the group.
Ukraine qualified with 21 points above Croatia who finished the race with 20 points.
Greece's home statistics
The Greeks had a strong home record but they didn’t pass unbeaten in their own backyard throughout the campaign. They lost once but won four times at home.
Like Israel in the same group, the Greeks were the ones who scored the most goals as hosts, netting thirteen and conceding six.
Greece have an average of 2, 6 goals and a percentage of 65% goals scored at home.
Ukraine's away statistics
The Ukrainians were fragile away from home but they still managed to raise some aspects of their game at times.
Ukraine picked up as much wins as draws away from home and lost once. Their only away defeat came in dramatic and cruel fashion in the hands of the English at the Wembley stadium.
However, the Ukrainians can be proud of their away record in term of goals scored and goals conceded as they managed to net twelve goals and let only five cross their lines in five outings.
Quick analysis and predictions
If both teams leave up to expectations, the result promises to be tight. We can expect quite a good amount of goals at both ends.
Greece look favorites though to win the encounter. The score line could be 3-1 in favor of the home side if they indeed manage to make the most of their home advantage and if the cancel out Ukraine’s strengths.
