AGONA Analysis: How the Greeks performed in Armenia
The AGONA Analysis takes a closer look at how each individual Greek player performed in the 1-0 victory against Armenia in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.
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Greece are on a roll. In October, the players caught the eye with a classy performance against Bosnia in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, and they took another step forward on Friday with a 1-0 victory against Armenia in Yerevan. Dimitris Limnios scored the goal as he completed a gorgeous passing play.
Let’s take a closer look at how John van ‘t Schip’s troops coped with their task:
Odisseas Vlachodimos: In truth, the Benfica goalkeeper was virtually a spectator for the whole game, with Armenia barely creating a chance of note in Yerevan. Collected the ball neatly when required and played with composure.
Dimitris Giannoulis: His assist for the only goal of the game really was excellent. Overall, the young PAOK left-back was very effective at both ends of the pitch, bombing up and down the flank as he created a lot of problems for the Armenians. Giannoulis’ progression is impossible to ignore and it remains to be seen when European clubs become interested in him.
Konstantinos Stafylidis: Once again, the left-back was moved into central defence by Van ‘t Schip. The experienced defender didn’t make any glaring errors on Friday, but the fact that Armenia are weak and did not pose any kind of attacking threat must be taken into consideration.
Pantelis Hatzidiakos: Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Kostas Manolas will find it tough knocking Hatzidiakos out of this team. Ever since he has been given a chance at international level, the AZ Alkmaar star has began showing everyone in the country why he is so highly rated, and the 22-year-old was reliable in Yerevan.
Michalis Bakakis: Many have pointed out that Greece need a new player for the position of right-back. At times, Bakakis did look uncomfortable when the Armenians came charging forward through the right wing, and the AEK representative has been accused of not having enough quality. Tried hard and was full of running.
Konstantinos Galanopoulos: Cool, calm, collected. Last month, Galanopoulos was superb against Bosnia as Greece claimed a 2-1 win at the Olympic Stadium, and the AEK central midfielder was once again a leading player this time around. Kept the team ticking and looked to support the attack.
Dimitris Kourbelis: The Panathinaikos leader prevented Armenia from creating anything down the middle with his robust, solid play. His partnership with Galanopoulos is an effective one, but with the inclusion of Sebastian Vasiliadis in the team, they are both fighting hard for a place in the line-up.
Petros Mantalos: He is beginning to perform at this level on a more regular basis. In the match against Bosnia, Mantalos caught the eye with his good movement and mutual-understanding with his fellow attackers, and he was lively in this match too. Had chances to score and participated in the move which ended with Limnios scoring.
Tasos Bakasetas: The Alanyaspor player, competing for Greece in a central role, splayed out a few impressive passes and had a couple of chances of his own. Contrary to the opinions of many, Bakasetas does have a place within the national team.
Dimitris Limnios: Finally he’s scored. In the previous match against Bosnia, Limnios was worthy of a goal with his wonderful play, but he deservedly hit the jackpot today as he gave a superb move the finish it deserved. Limnios is in a fantastic run of form.
Vangelis Pavlidis: Another positive performance from the Willem II man. Unlike last time out, he didn’t score on Friday, but the 20-year-old still deserves praise for his energy on the pitch and clever play with Mantalos, Bakasetas and Limnios.
SUBSTITUTES
Giorgos Masouras: Took the place of Mantalos in the 66th minute. To his credit, the Olympiacos winger played with energy and enthusiasm, but he simply cannot take advantage of the simplest of goalscoring opportunities. His dreadful finishing is becoming a major issue.
Efthymis Koulouris: Replaced Pavlidis with 16 minutes remaining on the clock. Although he didn’t have enough time to fully settle into the match, the Toulouse hitman gave the Greek attacking line freshness in the closing stages.
Anastasios Donis: Used as a substitute in the 81st minute to replace Bakasetas. It’s a big ask to try and show your capabilities in nine minutes, but he did give the opposing defence something to think about.
