Greece began their journey to Euro 2016 in embarrassing fashion with a 0-1 home defeat to Romania. The defeat comes just ten months after the hosts defeated their guests 3-1 in a first leg playoff to reach the 2014 World Cup.
Greece vs. Romania, Euro 2016 qualifying: Final score 0-1, Greeks embarrassed
Claudio Villa
In what was Claudio Ranieri’s first match in charge at the international level, Greece struggled to stay composed and composed. Taking full advantage, Romania began with the upper hand and with only ten minutes played, Jose Holebas badly mistimed a tackle on Alexandru Chipciu. English referee Mark Clattenburg demonstrated little hesitation to issue a spot kick which Ciprian Marica calmly converted.
The first half continued as Romania pushed forward but Greece's backline -- marshaled by Sokratis Papastathopoulos -- held firm. After the break the Ranieri's men were handed a major life line as first half scorer Marica was sent off after a poor high leg challenge on Andreas Samaris.
As with Costa Rica just two months ago and with more than a half hour to go, Greece failed to capitalize on their one man advantage. Wingers Lazaros Christodoulopoulos and Panatoitis Kone were brought on in desperation and Greece seemed to find some momentum but it was to no avail. Samaris fired wide after a poor Romanian clearance and Vassilis Torosidis came with inches but his header hit the crossbar.
The result means Victor Piturca's men can march on in confidence as they face Hungary at home on October 11. Meanwhile, until then, Claudio Ranieri will have plenty to ponder before their journey to Finland on the same date.
Greece: Karnezis, Holebas, Manolas, Papastathopoulos, Torosidis, Mandalos (Lazaros 65’), Samaris (Kone 65’), Tachisidis, Samaras (Diamantakos 46’), Mitroglou, Salpingidis
Goals: None
Romania: Tatarunsanu, Rat, Tamas, Chiriches, Grigore, Hoban (Prepelita 84’), Chipciu (Torje 90’), Pintilli, Maxim (Enache 67’) Marica (red 52’), Stancu
Goals: Marica (10’)
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