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Hungary can still be second

Greece 'cemented' the last position in the group so the Hungarians will prolong their agony and hope for the good news from Faroe Islands

Greece continued their embarrassment in the last round. Of course, we don't want to diminish Norther Ireland with that statement, they have been much better in that game, and they have done a great job in the qualifications in general. We just wanted to point out that the European Champions from 11 years ago haven't managed to win in nine games. Northern Ireland completely demolished them, the result was 3-0 by the 60th minute, and Aravidis managed to slightly reduce the lead a few minutes before the end.  

If someone had said that Greece would be last in the group in these 'easiest ever' qualifications, we would think they were crazy. But this team looked worse with each game, they even lost twice to Faroe Islands. Faroe Islands currently have three-point lead, and since their head-to-head record is better, Greece is 'cemented' in the last position ahead of the last round. The only thing they could play for in the last round is honor and some kind of minimal satisfaction, but they have really been playing for honor in the last few games and we haven't seen anything. 

- What's happening to us is a complete disgrace. We have to improve that impression at least a bit in the last game, but Hungary also have their goal. We want to win for numerous reasons, and one of them is the ability to go into the next qualifications in a positive way - said Greek captain Vasilis Torosidis. 

In today's game, Greece can't count on center back Kyriakos Papadopoulos, and midfielders Ninis, Maniatis, Fetfazidis and Christodoulopoulos. 

The Hungarians played an important match against Faroe Islands a few days ago, a win would have secured them at least the third spot in many combinations. Romania did they part of the job and remained undefeated against Finland, and the Hungarians have, with a lot of problems, managed to defeat Faroe Islands 2-1. They were down from the start, but Bode managed to turnover the result with two goals mid-way through the second half. 

Hungary now have at least the third position, but they will try their best to get to the second spot. True, in that they don't depend solely on themselves, because even if they defeat Greece, Romania shouldn't win at Faroe Islands, which is not likely. But in general, Hungary are currently looking better than Greece and they have the right to believe in a miracle. 

- We have a difficult game behind us, Faroe Islands proved to be strong opponents. Now we have another important game ahead of us, we have a chance to take that second spot, but Greece are much better team than the results might suggest. We will be facing an aggressive team that will try in any way possible to prove that they don't belong at the bottom of the table - said Hungarian selector, Bernd Stock. 

The away team is missing midfielder Stieber and forward Szalai, but their absences won't be felt too hard, because they weren't called up for a reason. Midfielder Adam Bodi got injured during the game against Faroe Islands and he hasn't even traveled to Greece. 

It's hard to say something objectively, and at the same time not to insult Greece. But, I think we should be honest and say that they look very miserable, the results speak for themselves. In nine matches they don't have a single win. They lost twice to Faroe Islands, and prior the last round they "secured" the last place in the group. Today they should play for honor, but Greece have been announcing that for a couple of rounds now. I doubt anything will change today about that. Their motivation is a clear zero, they are shattered and I doubt anything will change until a new manager comes along. On the other hand, we have a team who are very motivated and who will try to do anything they can to reach second place. Of course, a lot more will depend on Faroe Islands than themselves, but as long as there is a chance, they will fight. In these qualifications they're looking very well, they lost a single game, the first one and quite tragically, but they look like a team who have everything they need to beat Greece. Everything is on Hungary's side, and the only thing that isn't is Romania playing against the Faroe Islands who are not dangerous opponents. It's possible that Faroe Islands will create havoc for Romania (the odds or them are 1,30), but we won't rely on that. If their opponents were any stronger, I would play a +0 handicap on Hungary, I would even think of a clear win for lesser odds, but in this case I will be more reserved. The handicap with which a draw would bring us some profit is the best solution. Even if Hungary find out that Romania have 3-0 at half-time, it's hard to lose from this Greece. No one did so far, so why would the Hungarians who "need" this and who have been undefeated for eight matches now?