Reigning European Champions Greece has found it hard to justify their status since their shock win in Portugal in 2004. Having failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, this nation was keen to prove a point and are now doing do emphatically, flying high 5 points clear of the chasing pack of Bosnia, Turkey and Norway.

Undoubtedly a low point for Greek football came with a 4-1 loss at home to arch rivals Turkey, and the return match in October is eagerly awaited by both sets of fans as well as many neutral supporters, but the Greeks showed strength of character in June to beat Hungary and then score a last-minute winner to defeat Moldova.

With some tough matches left (including away fixtures in Norway, Turkey and Hungary), nothing can be taken for granted but their prospects for qualification are still the strongest in the group. Otto Rehhagel, the German that lead them victory in 2004 is still and national hero, and can produce miracles on occasion.