Sky Sports - Euro 2008 In association with Sky Bet

It still seems surprising to say that Greece are the defending European champions. As 100-1 outsiders in Portugal in 2004 Otto Rehhagel's side stunned the host nation 1-0 to lift the silverware and that feat demands respect.

Much of the backbone of that Championship winning side remains and therefore it would be churlish to dismiss Greece as also-rans when proceedings kick-off in Austria and Switzerland.

Having been drawn in Group D alongside Russia, Spain and Sweden, 'the pirate ship' - Greece's affectionate nickname - do face a difficult task in retaining their crown but another victory over Portugal, this time in a friendly, in March demonstrates they are still more than capable of mixing it with the big boys.

A rugged no-nonsense defence was the foundation for success four years ago and it is again likely to underpin strategy.

But Greece also favour an energetic offensive mentality and are highly effective when counter-attacking on the wings in a 4-3-3 formation, while they also offer a muscular aerial threat and a number of deadball specialists.

Manager - Otto Rehhagel

Rehhagel took the reins in 2001 and after seven successful years in charge he can be considered Greece's greatest manager.

The German 69-year-old became the first 'foreign' boss to be able to add European Championship winner to his Curriculum Vitae in 2004 and he has since gone on to tally more games at the helm of Greece than any other manager.

'King Otto' boasts managerial successes in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen and Kaiserlauten, while he also led the former to Cup Winners' Cup glory and he steered Bayern Munich to the 1996 Uefa Cup final, but was controversially dismissed before the showpiece event took place.

A ruthlessly effective man-motivator, Rehhagel is also know for his autocratic approach, dubbed 'Ottocracy' in some quarters, and he is not one to suffer fools lightly following a succession of bust-ups with varying establishments at club level.

Rehhagel is known for a Jose Mourinho-esque self-confidence and he strongly believes Greece are well-placed to defend their title.

Star man - Georgios Karagounis

The showstopper in the Greek side in 2004 and it is difficult to think that the former Internazionale and Benfica man will not prove to be the main event again this term.

Karagounis loiters with intent, pulling the strings behind the attack and opponents in Austria and Switzerland will be well aware that, if they can stop the 31-year-old Panathinaikos star then they stand an excellent chance of snubbing out Greece.

A crafty delivery at free-kicks also makes Karagounis a danger within 30 yards of goal and Rehhagel will again offer his leading light a licence to thrill this summer.

However, Karagounis cannot simply be classed as one for show as his ferocious tackling ability is likely to mean that a number of foes will be nursing bruised ankles come the tournament's close.

British interest

Georgios Samaras is the only Greek player to have his name on the books of a British club after a loan spell with Celtic from parent club Manchester City.

The Eastlands outfit splashed £6million in January 2006 to take Samaras to England from Heerenveen, but it has only really been in his spell in Scotland that he has settled.

However, Stelios Giannakopoulos - who was released by Bolton at the end of the season - will be a familiar face and fans of Sheffield United and Hearts will recognise former players Traianos Dellas and Panagiotis Fyssas, respectively.

Goalkeeper Konstantinos Chalkias had a brief spell with FA cup winners Portsmouth in 2004/05, while defenders Paraskevas Antzas, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Vassilios Torosidis are all understood to be attracting the eye of a number of British clubs.

Why they'll win

A rock solid defence, the swagger of defending champions and a desperate desire to retain their title in order to demonstrate that 2004 was not a one off. Greece proved they were not a one trick pony as they strolled to qualification for this year's finals with a top-of-the-table finish in Group C and in doing so notched the highest points total (31) of any progressing team.

Why they won't

Greece are not the team they were in 2004 and they no longer have the element of surprise as all opponents will have their cards well and truly marked. A number of the previous stars are approaching their sell by date and a failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup offers a possible suggestion that previous success was a blip in the record books.