One could be forgiven for thinking that one of the main candidates for the Euro 2012 title will record a comfortable win over one of the weakest sides at the tournament, but football is never that simple, as Greece have shown on so many occasions.
Early tournament favourites Germany proved their worth at the European Championship by becoming the only side to win all three games in group stage, which was a major feat given they had been placed in the group of death.
Die Mannschaft failed to dazzle in any of the three group games, but they were simply ruthless against Portugal, Netherlands and Denmark, so no wonder everybody expects them to reach the final without too many problems.
It is Joachim Low’s side who are now considered favourites for the title, with bet365 paying 3.25 (9/4) on Germany.
Die Mannschaft may have conceded two goals in first three games, but their back line has looked thoroughly impressive throughout the tournament, which is why odds of 2.10 (11/10) offered by Ladbrokes on Germany to win to nil look too good to pass.
Jerome Boateng is expected to return to the side after suspension even if his back-up Lars Bender largely impressed against Denmark.
Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger are both expected to start despite missing training on Tuesday. Mario Goetze, Marco Reus and Toni Kroos are pushing for starting places.
Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer – Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm – Schweinsteiger, Khedira – Muller, Ozil, Podolski – Gomez.
Greece were virtually written off even before the tournament started in spite of the fact they had been placed into the easiest group at the Euro 2012.
Fernando Santos’ side produced a surprise in their opening game, having held Poland to 1-1 draw, but they looked certain to be heading home following the 2-1 defeat to Czech Republic.
Ethniki, nonetheless, frustrated Russia in their final group game and managed to record a valuable win despite having just 5 shots on goal as opposed to Russia’s 25.
The Greeks have now been pitted against the tournament favourites and are again seen as major underdogs, but it is worth noting they are 6.50 (11/2) with Betfair to make it to the semi-finals.
Captain Giorgios Karagounis is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament, as is full-back Jose Holebas. Avram Papadopoulos is sidelined through injury.
Probable starting line-up (4-3-2-1): Sifakis – Torosidis, Papastathopoulos, Papadopoulos, Tzavelas – Katsouranis, Maniatis, Makos – Salpingidis, Samaras – Gekas.
HOT! Weekly cashback betting offers for different markets 
