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| (uefa.com) |
Greece began the match with heavy pressure on Bolivia, who lost 2-0 in their previous match against Spain. However, they struggled to convert in the early minutes of the match, with two misses by striker Theofanis Gekas.
The first goal came in the 21st minute with a fantastic header from Panagiotis Kone, who scored his first international goal in his 16 caps with the Greek National Team.
The 26 year old midfield scored after veteran striker, Dimitris Salpingidis, placed an amazing cross to the penalty spot where Kone was wide open. Kone, who plays for the Serie A side Bologna, ran in from the top of the 18 yard box before heading the ball home.
The second half began very much like the first. Heavy pressure from Greece kept Bolivia on their heels, though Gekas again was unable to score despite several chances.
The Greek lead was eventually expanded in the 54th minute with yet another headed goal. This time the goal scorer was midfielder Kostas Katsouranis.
The 34 year old midfielder has had 111 caps, and scored 10 goals. Unlike the first goal which was powered past the keeper, the second headed goal relied instead on precision placement to beat the Bolivian keeper.
Greece was very fortunate only moments after the scoring their second goal. Bolivia almost scored a goal in the 58th minute of the match, after Katsouranis gave up the ball in the final third giving Bolivia's Juan Carlos Arce a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper.
The biggest of the decisions will be that given his performance, Theofanis Gekas will not be the most likely candidate for starting striker. He was unable to convert on several opportunities, and may be the second choice for Santos behind Konstantinos Mitroglou.
Greece will play their first World Cup match against Colombia on June 14 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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