Defending champions usually enter tournaments as favourites, but all that goes out of the window when it comes to Greece and the Euro 2008. Despite winning the European Championships last time out in Portugal, Greece striker Georgios Samaras remains realistic.

"I don't dream that big. I am a realist and I know that a repeat triumph is difficult." said Samaras.

The 23-year old striker who plies his trade at Celtic in Scotland was quick to accept that Greece’s victory at Euro 2004 was an upset, and expecting such an outcome at Euro 2008 would be a bit too much. He feels the quarter-finals is a more realistic target and would certainly want an opening day victory against Sweden.

Greece had to endure continuous rains during there closed practice session, but news comes in that both Giorgos Karagounis and Sotiris Kyrgiakos have recovered from minor injuries. And confidence does run high among some members at least. "We have a style of play that led us to success in 2004 and also got us the highest points total in the qualifying stage. It's a well-tested formula." Said Stelios Giannokopolous.

Greece are in Group D, along with Sweden, Spain and Russia. Despite this tough group, good luck, team spirit and a sound tactician called Otto Rehhagel can steer Greece through.