One of the most frequently used expressions by Greek journalists is the 'nice headache'. OK, it seems a bit odd, given that nobody really enjoys a headache, but we use this expression when a coach has an abundance of options and a tough time making their final choice.
This is the case now with Fernando Santos. The Greece squad may not have big stars, but they do possess a top-class defence, especially with their three central defenders: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Werder Bremen, Kyriakos Papadopoulos of FC Schalke 04, and Avraam Papadopoulos of Olympiacos FC. However, given that Greece play with two central defenders in a 4-3-3 formation, which man should the Portuguese coach leave out?
You might argue that this 'problem' has not appeared just now, and that perhaps we should check out what Santos did during the qualifiers. So, let's go back. Kyriakos Papadopoulos did not play in the first five UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying games as he was not a full international yet. He earned his first cap against Malta, on a day when neither namesake Avraam (because of injury) nor Papastathopoulos (suspended) were available. And the kid made his debut and scored.
Kyriakos Papadopoulos celebrates his goal against Malta
Against Croatia, Kyriakos was suspended, so it was Avraam and Papastathopoulos in Santos's lineup. And in Georgia, for the last match, with Avraam suspended this time, Kyriakos joined Papastathopoulos in commanding the centre of defence.
Conclusion: there was always something happening (injury, suspension) and the dilemma did not present itself. But now, with all of them fit, available and in top form, I might add, what should Fernando Santos do against Poland and their star striker Robert Lewandowski? Well, that's a question for you too. Can you help him make up his mind?
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