AGONA Analysis: How the Greeks performed against Hungary at home
How did the Ethniki Omada perform in the nervy victory over the Hungarians at home in the UEFA Nations League on Friday? The AGONA Analysis investigates.
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On Friday evening, Greece hosted Hungary at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, aiming for redemption over the opponents for the bitter defeat in September. The Greeks struggled to get anything going against a stubborn Hungarian side, but on 65 minutes, Konstantinos Mitroglou came to the rescue with a bullet header to steal all three points. Let’s analyse how each Ethniki player performed:
Vasilis Barkas
With club side AEK Athens, the 24-year old has suffered a dip in recent matches, however he was solid against the Hungarians even if he barely had anything to do. In the first half, Barkas pulled off the one tricky save, fielding a looping Hungarian free-kick with assurance. Barkas now boasts two clean sheets in three UEFA Nations League matches.
Konstantinos Tsimikas
Controversially called up to the senior squad instead of staying with the under 21’s for their decisive European Championship qualifier, Tsimikas proved to be the difference, providing the assist for Konstantinos Mitroglou’s winning goal with a superb cross. The young left-back was full of energy and his future with the Ethniki Omada is very bright indeed. A debut to savour.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos
For the most part, the Hungarians were focused on defending, however when they broke forward the Greek back line stood firm. Arsenal centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos didn’t commit any major errors in defence and calmly kept Hungarian striker Adam Szalai at bay.
Kostas Manolas
Just like defensive partner Papastathopoulos, AS Roma star Kostas Manolas barely broke into a sweat, as Hungary offered very little attacking wise especially in the second half. In the latter stages, he almost got his head to Konstantinos Fortounis’ floating free kick, but he was denied a potential goal by an opposing defender.
Michalis Bakakis
Head coach Michael Skibbe wanted the full-backs to add enthusiasm and they did their job. On the right flank, Bakakis wasn’t shy in joining the attack, charging up and down the wing with a real desire to create chances. Hungary couldn’t ask any questions of his defensive capabilities.
Carlos Zeca
Returning from injury, the FC Copenhagen couldn’t assert himself on proceedings, not providing the transition from defence to attack which he often does so well. Portugal born Zeca did protect the back line to some extent, and in the second half, he covered a lot of ground. The 30-year old can’t be accused of a lack of effort.
Dimitris Kourbelis
Not a match which the Panathinaikos captain will want to remember. Usually, Kourbelis is a reliable figure in the middle of the park, but his passing was sloppy and he simply didn’t look comfortable at all. Rightly replaced in favour of veteran Alexandros Tziolis after the first half reached its completion.
Konstantinos Fortounis
In the Super League, Fortounis has been in superb form for Piraeus club Olympiacos, making waves with his motivated displays. Unfortunately for the 25-year old, his qualities were shut down by the Hungarians, with the visitors not allowing Fortounis the space in which to dish out intelligent passes. Can play better.
Dimitris Pelkas
An invisible player at the OAKA. In Thessaloniki, Pelkas always stands out for PAOK, however it wasn’t clear what his role was on the pitch and Skibbe should probably take some responsibility for Pelkas’ thoroughly underwhelming match against the Hungarians. The midfielder will hope for better luck in Tampere.
Anastasios Bakasetas
In the domestic championship, Bakasetas has transformed into an AEK leader, netting meaningful goals for the reigning Greek champions and taking the bull by the horns. Against Hungary, he couldn’t make his mark on the game, giving the ball away too easily on a regular basis. Skibbe opted to keep him involved the match for the full 90 minutes.
Konstantinos Mitroglou
For long periods, the Marseille hitman was starved of service, but he pounced to score the winner with a powerful header at point blank range midway through the second half. A vital goal in the context of Group 2.
Alexandros Tziolis
In the past few months, the ageing 33-year old Al Fayha midfielder has received heavy criticism from the Greek fan base, however he offered a calming presence on Friday and did not make any glaring errors after being introduced at half time.
Lazaros Christodoulopoulos
The Olympiacos winger, nursing a slight injury, was only chucked onto the pitch with five minutes remaining so his actions can’t be judged. Forced Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi into a low, diving stop with a strong effort from outside of the penalty area.
Andreas Bouchalakis
In the last minute of stoppage time, the Olympiacos midfielder replaced goalscorer Mitroglou to see the Greeks through to the victory.
by Shaun Nicolaides
Image Source: sport-fm.gr
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