Greece face a tough task when defending their crown at the finals of Euro 2008.
It still seems surprising to say that Greece are the defending European champions. As 100-1 outsiders in Portugal in 2004 Otto Rehhagel's side stunned the host nation 1-0 to lift the silverware and that feat demands respect.
Much of the backbone of that Championship winning side remains and therefore it would be churlish to dismiss Greece as also-rans when proceedings kick-off in Austria and Switzerland.
Having been drawn in Group D alongside Russia, Spain and Sweden, 'the pirate ship' - Greece's affectionate nickname - do face a difficult task in retaining their crown but another victory over Portugal, this time in a friendly, in March demonstrates they are still more than capable of mixing it with the big boys.
A rugged no-nonsense defence was the foundation for success four years ago and it is again likely to underpin strategy.
But Greece also favour an energetic offensive mentality and are highly effective when counter-attacking on the wings in a 4-3-3 formation, while they also offer a muscular aerial threat and a number of deadball specialists.
Rehhagel took the reins in 2001 and after seven successful years in charge he can be considered Greece's greatest manager.
The German 69-year-old became the first 'foreign' boss to be able to add European Championship winner to his Curriculum Vitae in 2004 and he has since gone on to tally more games at the helm of Greece than any other manager.
'King Otto' boasts managerial successes in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen and Kaiserlauten, while he also led the former to Cup Winners' Cup glory and he steered Bayern Munich to the 1996 Uefa Cup final, but was controversially dismissed before the showpiece event took place.
A ruthlessly effective man-motivator, Rehhagel is also know for his autocratic approach, dubbed 'Ottocracy' in some quarters, and he is not one to suffer fools lightly following a succession of bust-ups with varying establishments at club level.
Rehhagel is known for a Jose Mourinho-esque self-confidence and he strongly believes Greece are well-placed to defend their title.
