While the loss of star defender Kyriakos Papadopulos is a big blow, Fernando Santos’ side is brimming with confidence and have abundant talent in their ranks in order to finally settle the score with the Romanians who have defeated them in their last two meetings.
Fanis Gekas
33-year-old striker, Theofanis Gekas has been recalled for the first leg of the playoffs and the veteran striker’s addition will add much experience to a side that will be looking to break the Romanian resistance before making preparations for a siege.
Throughout his career, Gekas has plundered goals. The Greek journeyman might not be one of the most familiar faces in world football but his presence in any squad adds a lot of experience, unity and character to the team. With a quiet personality that contrasts with a deadly relentlessness in front of goal, Gekas will definitely be his manager’s wild card when the games begin.
Dimitrios Salpingidis
The PAOK man was his team’s top scorer in the group stages and will be hoping he can continue his scoring run in the two legged affair against Romania. Despite his growing age the 32 year old has emerged as an important figure for both club and country and Greece will be relying on him to produce the goods as they aim to seal their place in the World Cup.
Sotiris Ninis
Possessing a wised range of skills, sublime vision, a great burst of pace and a rocket of a long-range shot, 23-year-old Sotiris Ninis was a real star for his team in the qualification campaign. Playing as a creative midfielder, the young Parma man will be a torment for the Romanians who will have a lot on their plates.
Ciprian Marica
The Getafe striker chipped in five goals for Romania during the qualification process and helped the side secure second place in the group behind leaders Netherlands. And against the Greeks, a lot of responsibility falls on his shoulders especially after star striker Adrian Mutu was not named in the squad. The Ajaccio striker has not enjoyed a great relationship with manager Victor Piturca who chose to leave him out which could bode well for the team in the long run.
Paul Papp
The absence of star defender Vlad Chiriches means that a lot of defensive responsibilities will fall on the shoulders of Paul Papp who is still very new to the national side. However, the Chievo man has shown enough potential in his 11 outings for the national team and will be out to make sure that the Greeks do not have it their way on their own turf.
Gabriel Torje
The young Udinese midfielder who is currently on loan at Espanyol is quickly becoming one of the rising stars of Romanian football. The 23 year old who is expected to start on the right wing will be accompanied on the other flank by Steaua Bucuresti’s Alexandru Chipcio and the two midfielders are exactly the type of players who have the potential to make life tough for the Greek defenders and if they are on song in Athens, the Romanians could even have a chance to make it three wins out of their last three meetings with the 2004 European Champions.
