Another day of football and the World Cup is starting to get exciting as we are into the second round of group stage matches. This is a live edition of Samaras watch, and worldcupbuzz is your only place to follow all the action on potential golden boot winner Georgios Samaras. There is outrage in the football world today however, as Otto Rehhagel has lost the plot by dropping Samaras to the bench. This is a disaster for Greece's hopes, as we all know that first game which saw the big man not at his best was just a warm up for the lad. In his defence, he was playing out on the left wing. Nigeria will play Taye Taiwo at left back and Odemwingie, who was lively off the bench against Argentina may get a starting place. Remember, both these teams looked off the pace in their first game, I think we could see a few chances here, as both teams will want to win this, as a loss will likely see them eliminated from the tournament. I'm on Twitter as ever @Clusks, and you can of course leave a comment at the bottom of this page. I am watching on BBC from England:
- No Samaras. Pff! I should be manager of Greece, I can get goals out of the lad, I have enough faith in him to put a 10p bet on him being top goalscorer, I’m sure that would ignite him. On skysports.com, 76.5% of the voters think this will end up with a Nigeria victory, although after a terrible opening game for both sides I'm cautious to predict this going either way. Samaras watch refers to my 10p bet on Samaras to finish top scorer and Greece to win the world cup, with 3000/1 odds.
- Argentina game was good today, I put my money on Argentina to win it and they look amazing in attack, Messi's pass for Higuain's header was brilliant to watch. In England we did have another dose of ITV getting all weak at the knees for Lionel Messi. Colin Murray is hosting this game for BBC, which is surprising, I wonder where Lineker is? Murray just cracked a joke which was so unfunny, the pundits (Hansen, Adebayor and Dixon) didn't even politely laugh at. He said 'I wouldn't be surprised if Maradona called up Ossie Ardiles". Terrible Murray - just terrible.
- They've commented on BBC that Nigeria could do with winning this one to give Africa something to shout about, after South Africa were destroyed by Uruguay last night. It's never bigger proof that the FIFA rankings are untrue, North Korea the lowest rank nation in the tournament and they were better than South Africa.
- Key Man Watch: It's all about the strikers today as these teams need the win. Yakubu for Nigeria and Gekas for Greece. But this will change if Samaras comes off the bench.
- Oh dear, it looks like the stadium is half empty, despite an African nation playing here. It's disappointing, but the blame lies with FIFA for their poor method of selling (Internet) and high prices.
Kick Off!
2 Mins: Nigeria look a bit nervous again, they're over hitting passes and have a bit of a slow build up play. It's only been two minutes though, so hopefully they can calm down.
5 Mins: There was a cross that almost reached Gekas' head, but I missed most of the build up as BBC's feed was breaking up, there has been the odd one or two technical hitch at this World Cup (not mentioning any particular situations). On another note, I was going to do the earlier game between Argentina and South Korea, but I prefer to do the second or third game, even though both this game and France V Mexico have the potential to be borefest.
10 Mins: For two teams that need a win, we've had a poor start here, but arguably, Greece have looked more comfortable, it's another cagey game at the World Cup, but it could open up a bit more as the game goes on (we hope).
11 Mins: Greece have a freekick that is floated in by Karagounis, a decent ball but a good defensive header out by Joseph Yobo. BBC have Martin Keown as the co-commentator here, hopefully we'll see some exciting football or this could be one of the most frustratingly boring matches in the history of the game.
13 Mins: Katsouranis has a long range shot which is stopped by Enyeama who won't be beaten easily from there. Nice idea with the keeper off his line, but the Nigeria keeper was brilliant against Argentina, so it will be hard to catch him out from there.
14 Mins: First real sign of what Nigeria can do as Yakubu gets the ball down to Etuhu who plays the ball to Kaita, and he plays the ball back to Yakubu who is running into the box, but it's just a bit too long. Nice try though.
16 Mins: GOAL! UCHE! Oh dear, Greece un done by a set piece, as Uche takes a free kick from deep and Katsouranis jumps for the header but misses it. The keeper thinks that Odemwingie is going to get a touch on the ball, but he doesn't at all, and it's a goal direct from the free kick as Tzorvas is caught out in the Greek goal. Ideal start for Nigeria.
19 Mins: I can see a bit of urgency from the Greek's already here, they're taking quick free kicks and whipping balls in, they know that as things stand their World Cup is over.
20 Mins: Bizarre passage of play as no one can keep hold of the ball, and Greece attempt a one two that hits the referee, Haruna links up with Yakubu and is fouled for a free kick in a decent position for Nigeria. Taiwo attempts the blast, but it’s blocked by the wall.
23 Mins: Liverpool defender Kyrgiakos has a header at goal from a deep free kick, it’s decent but it’s gone wide. Greece could really do with a fast reply.
29 Mins: Nothing balls and a few poor free kicks, there’s not much to report from this game...
31 Mins: It's looking like Greece will need to make something work from set-pieces, as Karagounis strikers a corner to the head of Kyrgiakos only to see his chance go over the bar. Just seen a Nigerian fan with a book open in his hands while he dances around, it may have been the bible. The African fans are a different breed aren't they?
33 Mins: SENT OFF! KAITA! It was a bit dramatic from the Torosidis, but what is Kaita thinking of?! You kick out a player, off the pitch, and you're giving the referee an excuse to send you off. Nigeria are still winning but Greece all of a sudden may see this as a great opportunity. If they lose this, they'll be wanting his head in Nigeria.
35 Mins: Torosidis, the wing back, has made a great run and gets on the end of a deep cross, but he’s put his header into the ground and it goes wide. Nigeria could panic here now they're down to ten.
36 Mins: SAMARAS MAY BE COMING ON! HERE COMES THE BIG MAN - SAMARAS WATCH IS IN FULL FORCE HERE. Get off Papaststhopoulos, enter the future golden boot winner.
39 Mins: Greece are starting to go attacking here and Samaras is circling around the defence and Gekas has a header that goes over the bar.
40 Mins: Best chance for Greece so far, Karagounis plays it into Katsouranis who plays a first time ball into Salpingidis but Enyeama is called into action again in this World Cup. A ball comes back in and Enyeama is forced to tip it over the bar.
41 Mins: AHHHH!!! Samaras almost scored! poor corner flicked on by Katsouranis and Samaras is forced to just throw anything at it, but it is cleared off the line. Greece will kick themselves if they don't win this one now, Nigeria are broken! Unlucky Georgios son!
44 Mins: GOAL! HARUNA (OG)! Good play from the Greece players, as Katsouranis is again involved and lays the ball back to Salpingidis, his shot takes a horrible deflection off Haruna and Enyeama is beaten as the ball loops into the opposite side of the net. Just what they neded before half time. I wish that ball would have fell to Samaras...
47 Mins: Taiwo has another shot from a freekick but its poor and collected easily by the keeper. Greece get a good counter attack, which ends when the ball is played high into the box, with Samaras almost getting his head on the ball.
Half Time!
- Well, well, well! Nigeria have a huddle at the end of the game and they'll need to sort things out. But a game that started out as a dull tie has exploded into life and you'll be gutted if you decided to skip this one. Greece look confident now they have a chance to attack due to Nigeria having ten men, and Samaras is on the pitch early, meaning if he gets a goal I will go mental. Great entertainment here eventually and the second half should be great.
- In any case, I can't emphasise how stupid that red card was. I wonder if he said something to him, but even then it would surprising if Kaita understood Greek. I can't wait for the second half!
- The Gaffer, like many others, was prepared for the worst in this game, and instead we're getting a great tie from the World Cup. Are we about to see another African team out of their World Cup? No surprise in the UK Twitter, Kaita is the top trending topic, people commenting how stupid he is basically.
Second Half Kick Off!
46 Mins: Odemwingie is having a strange World Cup, he's come off and Victor Obina is on in his place. Haruna has a crack from the kick off which is not a good sign, Nigeria don't seem confident, it could be a half of Greek football here.
48 Mins: Uche does well and looks to dink the ball across the box and Tzvoras is forced to tip it over the bar for a corner. Encouraging for Nigeria, and Greece can't turn off at the back. Samaras hasn't touched the ball yet unfortunately.
51 Mins: I'm not exactly sure where Samaras is playing here, is he playing in midfield? He seems quite deep compared to the other strikers and he was just pulling out left before. We need you in the box big man.
53 Mins: More disaster for Nigeria, Taiwo is off injured with a groin injury, even if Nigeria make it through the group stages it could be the end of his World Cup.
54 Mins: A ball flashes across the goal by Greece is almost met by Gekas but out for a corner. The ball comes back in after the corner and Kyrgiakos has another header at goal, but it's straight at Enyeama.
56 Mins: Sad to see Taiwo limp away from the game, Echiejile has come on to replace him, meaning Nigeria are no longer down to 9 men.
59 Mins: Where do I start?! Gekas has a shot at goal after poor defensive play at the back as Yobo heads it straight to the Greek striker, and it's straight at the goalkeeper, but all of a sudden Nigeria break with Greece light at the back and Obasi plays in Yakubu who has a shot saved by the keeper, but all Obasi needs to do is tap it in and his first touch takes it out of play. A chance for Nigeria to hit back there, wasted.
62 Mins: Samaras just had a shot from long range. It went a mile wide, I blame the ball.
67 Mins: I'm wondering at what point Greece go for it, they've got Argentina next so a win here would be what they need, whereas Nigeria may feel with a draw they can beat South Korea while hoping Argentina beat Greece.
68 Mins: Gekas looks a good player, doesn't give anything up. Nigeria are confused and he is able to pick up on the ball and play it into Salpagidis, but it's a good job Yobo got in the way as it was going in. Corner.
69 Mins: Again my heart skips a beat, a clever corner is played eventually to Samaras and he gets a great head to the ball but Enyeama saves Nigeria once again. If only!
71 Mins: GOAL! TOROSIDIS! It's been coming, surprisingly it's a mistake from Enyeama as a shot is drilled in by Tziolis and his can't hold onto it, and Torosidis is the quickest to react and toe pokes it into the net. No idea what happens from here, Greece could maybe do with getting their goal difference up. Nigeria need to go for this.
74 Mins: Another left back is injured for Nigeria, the man that replaced Taiwo, Echiejile, is going to come off after pulling his hamstring. Things can't get worse for them at the moment.
75 Mins: For all the criticism, Greece are really entertaining here as Karagounis has a long range shot which just goes wide. He claims that the keepers touched it, but he hasn't.
76 Mins: Similar at the other end of the pitch, as Yakubu has a shot from outside the box which troubles the keeper but goes wide. He also claims for a corner despite nobody touching the ball.
77 Mins: Karagounis has another long range shot and it isn't saved convincingly by Enyeama and Gekas tries to follow up but can't. Not sure what Nigeria can do here, Greece are looking for more goals.
79 Mins: Afolabi has replaced the injured left back. Gekas is coming off for the apparently promising Ninis, who is the "future of Greek football" according to the commentators.
82 Mins: Quick corner from the Greeks, and it's a decent ball in that Nigeria struggle to handle, it eventually falls to Kyrgiakos on the volley, but he's hit the ball over the bar.
83 Mins: Uche shows a rare flash for Nigeria and manages to get inside, but shoots from quite a far way out. Flashes across the goal, but Tzorvas is confident enough to let it go out for a goal kick.
88 Mins: Nigeria are down and out here. The referee has had a shocker, after booking Samaras. How dare he.
90 Min: Greece are running the clock down and taking the result, there’s four minutes of added time.
92 Mins: Has anyone else seen that Greek fan in the crowd? He's the biggest man I’ve ever seen, arms like tree trunks!
93 Mins: Tziolis has a bit of space and decides he'll have a shot; Enyeama makes the save and puts it out for a corner.
94 Mins: Not even joking - great skill from Samaras, not content with keeping it in the corner, he goes by drained Nigeria defenders, but with a lack of options in the box he goes for goal from the tightest of angles and puts it wide. He's had a much better game today.
Full time! Greece 2-1 Nigeria
- Greece get their first ever World Cup win and goals. After Nigeria went down to ten men, Greece came to life and although the commentators still commented that Greece looked a poor outfit, I was a lot more impressed with them in this game. The fact is, they need to go at Argentina and presume South Korea will beat Nigeria, because after the way Nigeria have played in their two games it seems a given. Nigeria don't look confident, and I’m not surprised considering their manager hasn't been in the job for long, very unorganised and ill disciplined. The last games in this group could be quite interesting, I wonder if Maradona will play a full strength team against Greece. This game was great entertainment, and I'm sure Kaita will not be going back to Nigeria in a hurry.
- Samaras watch: Samaras came on as a sub as Kaita left the pitch for his stupid tackle and he did well. He had two real chances, one of which was cleared off the line and another that was saved by the goal keeper. I think he did well though, and I was yelping as his shots so nearly went in the back of the net. No goals for the big man, but hopefully against Argentina he will be back on the starting team sheet and I think he deserves it.
Once again lads - let’s remember the spirit of 2004!
Current Greece Points – 3
Current Samaras Goals – 0
- Just seen Maradona's press conference after the Argentina game, English pundit asked him if his affection for his players was something he learnt from his own playing days. Maradona's eyes went wide open in shock and his reply was "no, I like women. I'm dating a young 21 year old, she is blonde, and beautiful". He's a genius.
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5 comments… read them below or add one
Looks like this match will be much better than I anticipated. So far, so good. It’s amazing how a red card can change a game.
Cheers,
The Gaffer
It’s amazing how Greece came to life, I know theres only ten men but it happend and all of a sudden their attack looked great, playing some slick stuff. World Cup is really picking up!
The video for Shout for England Feat. Dizzee Rascal & James Corden is available on YouTube if anyone wants to check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHq3vy_7cJQ
- i agree the FIFA rankings are not a great way of measuring teams but as far south africa being ranked above north korea, it is tough to rank a team that plays so few matches outside of qualifying and is so secretive. while their rank is low i think its accepted that they have such a ranking not because that a true measure of where their team belongs but more due to the fact its north korea and they have not played many matches (in the run-up they played a few friendlies, lost to venezuela i believe among others, but those were played i believe after the final rankings going into the finals were released).
I agree, they are where they are for whatever reason and I don’t think they should be elevated, but I watched both South Africa games and they were destroyed, they could barely put two passes together. On the other hand, North Korea were brilliant against Brazil, they lost but they were well organised, had a lot of heart and put some good stuff together. But I agree, i’d not known much about them before this tournament because of the country’s rules, but I was impressed with a lot of them.
Not just a few friendlies! From what I heard they cancelled their domestic season for the last 6 months and went on a “world tour” with the national side. They’re like the harlem globetrotters!