AGONA Analysis: How the Greeks performed against Liechtenstein in Athens
The AGONA Analysis takes a closer look at how each individual Greek player performed in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier against Liechtenstein at home.
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The dark days have well and truly returned. In the second match under the leadership of John van ‘t Schip, the Ethniki Omada sank to a new low, conceding a late equaliser from Dennis Salanovic to draw 1-1 against minnows Liechtenstein at an empty Olympic Stadium.
Let’s take a look at how each individual Greek player performed:
Vasilis Barkas: Just like in Finland, the AEK goalkeeper isn’t to blame for the result, but he will be very disappointed to concede a goal against Liechtenstein. Wasn’t tested at all during the whole match except for the equaliser.
Konstantinos Tsimikas: Playing on the left side of defence, the 23-year-old offered energy and intent, but his crossing could have been better. Defensively he wasn’t called into action.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos: Liechtenstein predictably barely attacked in the game, so it’s tough to assess how the defenders played. The positioning of the entire defensive line was terrible for the Liechtenstein goal as it was simply too easy for Salanovic to move into space.
Kostas Manolas: The way in which Salanovic outpaced Manolas is worrying. Manolas was too slow to spot Salanovic making his run, and the rest is history. Smacked the crossbar midway through the second half with a thunderbolt from distance.
Michalis Bakakis: The effort is there, but the quality isn’t. The right-back was full of running and showed desire, however Liechtenstein didn’t find it too difficult dealing with his threat.
Andreas Samaris: Not good enough. Unfortunately for the Benfica man, he was at fault for the Liechtenstein goal, as an opposing player pounced on his wayward pass which was aimed towards Carlos Zeca. Slow and ponderous with the ball at his feet.
Andreas Bouchalakis: At times, the Olympiacos representative did show some nice touches, dishing out accurate passes with Liechtenstein not pressing him. Did not do anything particularly wrong in this match.
Giorgos Masouras: One of the few Greek players to gain credit on what was a miserable night. Although questions must be asked of his overall end product, Masouras did manage to score his maiden goal for the Ethniki, turning Efthymis Koulouris’ attempt beyond the goalkeeper.
Marios Vrousai: The young, gifted Willem II attacker is one of the country’s best prospects for the future. Making his second appearance for the senior national team, Vrousai looked to make things happen with his enthusiasm, but he needs more time to adapt to international football. Came close to a second goal when firing a loose ball into the goalkeeper’s grasp.
Giannis Fetfatzidis: He proved to the coaching staff why he needs to be in this team. Unlike the majority of his teammates, Fetafatzidis is capable of providing a well-needed attacking spark, beating his opponents for skill and always looking to create danger. Had a couple of great chances to get his name on the scoreboard.
Efthymis Koulouris: Provided an assist for Masouras’ goal. In the second half, the Toulouse hitman could have doubled the Greek lead, but he smashed his header against the crossbar. More was expected of Koulouris in these two games.
SUBSTITUTES
Carlos Zeca: Replaced Bouchalakis in the 62nd minute. In media interviews, Van ‘t Schip had revealed that Zeca is feeling tired after a busy start to the season with FC Copenhagen, and the experienced midfielder wasn’t at his best in this game. Slow to react to Samaris’ pass when Liechtenstein equalised.
Vangelis Pavlidis: The striker did not settle into game after entering proceedings with 22 minutes remaining on the clock. Pavlidis, 20, is one to watch for the future as he gets used to playing on the international stage.
Dimitris Giannoulis: Joined the action for the last four minutes and didn’t have time to make an impact.
