Liechtenstein train wreck

AGONAsport’s Ethniki contributor, Greg Gavalas, talks about Greece’s next day after another disappointing result, and remains optimistic based on John Van ’t Schip’s vision and plan for the national team.

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The train wreck that is the Ethniki sadly continues. Following embarrassing results to the Faroe Islands (twice), Luxembourg, Armenia, Northern Ireland, and Estonia, we can now add mighty Liechtenstein to the list of Greek tragedies of the last half decade.

You can look at any number of statistics in that time frame but the reality is, Greece have been dreadful over the last five years with the exception of a handful of games.

What is most hurtful about the Ethniki’s 1-1 draw at home to Liechtenstein is that the Greek team should have put the game to bed well before the time Liechtenstein scored their equaliser -  which mind you is their first goal in an official qualifying tournament since June 2015. 

As I have mentioned before, Greece really lack speed and skill in their game. The midfield is primarily lacking direction and flow while the defence and midfield combined like watching paint dry, with slow back and square passes. Ridiculously, a numerous amount of 2-3 meter passes strung together put Greece under more pressure rather than the other way around.

On a player front, fans are calling for the heads of many different players and taking into consideration what was said by coach, John van ‘t Schip, there will be changes soon.  

No doubt, van ‘t Schip’s goal is to have the national team playing as it should, a team that can do all the basics: move the ball, make passes, collect passes, run into space, make the smart play, and defend with stubborness. 

What hurts is that the team really tried to do this in the second half of the game against Liechtenstein. Greece hit the crossbar twice with Efthymis Koulouris and Kostas Manolas, and Koulouris scored a goal that was wrongfully disallowed. Giannis Fetfatzidis made his return to the starting eleven and helped produce a more fluent passing game against a closed defence. 

Van ‘t Schip can see what is needed and there have been some telling comments from him over the last 48 hours that indicate this.

1. “The football played by the team needs to improve two fold.”

2. He was aware of the situation with the Ethniki when he came and took the job.

3. MOST IMPORTANTLY MOVING FORWARD - “We become a team and put the egos aside” (he refers to egos a few times which I think is telling).

4. “If you want to play for the Ethniki, it has to be your priority.”

5. “When you're called to camp that is the only thing that matters - players with this attitude will be selected going forward.”

6. Clear goals for all and what the coaching staff will be looking at.

7. Hard work needed to get results.

8. “There must be set goals and focus when coming to play for Greece. Players must put all other things aside, be professional, and be proud to play for the national team.” 

This is a mindset that has lacked in the Ethniki for some time and it looks as if he has sent a message to certain players from what he is saying. I reckon he has seen a few things he does not like, which is why the goal conceded to Liechtenstein has had such a devastating effect.

Looking at the players’ performances

Andreas Bouchalakis was one of the more disappointing players of the two qualifiers. This was his opportunity to make his mark and he never gave that midfield direction that was needed. Andreas Samaris, like Dimitris Kourbelis in the first game, also failed to deliver. He, however, delivered another turnover which led to another football minnow scoring an important goal on the Ethniki. I do not care if he plays for Benfica, enough is enough with him and his turnovers that have been costly for the national team.

Marios Vrousai still needs time to mature as a player, especially at the senior international level. He was ok but did not show enough control over the games. His teammate Vangelis Pavlidis did well against Finland, but when he replaced Fetfatzidis, the latter was much more useful.

The wing backs, Kostas Tsimakas and Michalis Bakakis, were better than Kostas Stafylidis and Vasilis Torosidis but at times, lacked that skill and touch needed for international success. 

After the game, van ‘t Schip made reference to a restart for the team given the result and looking at other players, including younger players. Over the next few months, he and his staff will be identifying which players they need to suit what they want to do as a coaching staff, and build towards the qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also mentioned it must be players with the potential to grow and improve as they go along. 

Van ’t Schip also stressed that these changes do not mean a complete exit for all  players, however those with the right attitude and passion will remain. Something myself and many others have been asking to happen for nearly two years, is happening now.

There are players that can help and I like what Van ’t Schip and his team’s vision is. My only criticism of him at this point in time, are his substitutions which have been questionable.

Overall, if Greece can see a better midfield with players that can play more direct, with better speed, and skill, there is hope for drastic improvement.

Kostas Galanopoulos and Thanasis Androutsos are two that can help, Panagiotis Tachtsidis, another experienced player, can replace Samaris. With Kostas Mitroglou, Tassos Donis, Petros Mantalos, and Kostas Fortounis to return for selection in due time, we should see things improve and above all, with a new attitude and Greek pride.

by Greg Gavalas

Image Source: to10.gr

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