Greece vs Scotland preview: a last test in a failed campaign – What could've been done differently

Greece hosts Scotland at the Karaiskakis Stadium tonight in a match with one-sided interest. The national team has already lost every hope of qualification, and this game serves more as an opportunity for reflection — and examining what could have been different in a campaign that began with optimism but collapsed on the pitch.
 

 

 

Goalkeeper – the position that should worry us least
If there is one area where Greece possesses genuine depth, it’s the goalkeeper spot. Even so, the logical choice remains clear: Kostas Tzolakis. Mistakes aside, he has proven to be the best Greek goalkeeper of his generation and should be the undisputed starter.

Centre-backs – the biggest misstep by Jovanovic?
The central-defence setup has been a coach’s major oversight. Pairing Koulierakis with Mavropanos never really worked; the left-footed defender is going through a poor season and the chemistry simply wasn’t there.
But the real issue lies elsewhere: how was Panos Retsos left out? He is currently the most complete Greek centre-back available. A Retsos–Mavropanos partnership wasn’t just worth trying — it should have been the backbone of the defence.

Midfield – stability and technique, not just energy
Much has been said about the midfield, but the picture is fairly clear: Kourbelis deserves his spot. He is the only true holding midfielder with positional discipline and tactical awareness.
Next to him, Mousakitis should be the natural choice. He is technically the best Greek central midfielder at the moment, and his partnership with Dani García at Olympiacos works superbly — the same logic should apply here.
Zafeiris, despite offering mobility and effort, lacks several key elements compared to Mousakitis and should not be starting ahead of him.

Attack – the inexplicable omission of Kostoulas
In attack, we reach the most unjustifiable decision of all. Leaving Kostoulas out of the original squad was, quite simply, baffling. Now that he has been called up, the coach must start him.
We are talking about a player who could very well become the best Greek footballer of the next decade. Greece cannot afford to let such talent sit on the sidelines. 

Which players should say “goodbye” – they block the path of the new generation
If Greece truly wants to move forward, it must be bold. That starts with a necessary clearing-out. Some players — honest workers, useful at times — have simply completed their cycle. Let’s go through them:

• Siopis – 31: A midfielder full of energy, but that shouldn’t count for more. Technically and tactically he is not at the required level, and his very short stature is a disadvantage.
  The same applies to Galanopoulos, who should no longer be part of the squad.

• Pelkas – 32: Decent professional, always willing, but his ceiling has been reached. He never stepped up in a big match, so the argument of “experience” doesn’t hold any weight. Greece now has better and more promising options in his roles.

• Mantalos – 34: One of the most tactically and technically reliable midfielders of the past decade. But his time with the national team has clearly ended. He could remain only as a rotation piece.

• Bakasetas – 32: The biggest talking point. As captain of a team that failed repeatedly to qualify for a major tournament, he should take responsibility and step aside. He undoubtedly offered plenty, but it’s obvious that Greece must be built differently now, and his profile is not compatible with the direction the team needs to take.

Honourable mention. Masouras – 31: The most consistent performer during this difficult era. He can remain in the squad, because: he adapts easily to any system & he is a winger with great attacking instinct [shot or cross]
In contrast: the national team should move on permanently from Fountas and Chatzigiovanis. 

A final twist: why Greece should bring Fortounis back
There is something important to underline: Jovanovic should stay, provided he commits to all the necessary changes outlined above. What the national team needs most is continuity — not another reset.
And this leads us to the twist: I would push for the immediate return of Kostas Fortounis to the national team. Despite the circumstances and the long absence, his class remains unmatched.
Not to make him a starter. Not to build the system around him. But because a footballer of his class would offer solutions in games where Greece consistently runs out of ideas.