Preview: Greece vs. Czech Republic

These two nations will begin the second round of matches at Euro 2012 at the Stadion Miejski in Wroclaw this evening.

For the Czech Republic, it is the first time they have been given the opportunity to gain revenge on the Greeks for knocking them out of the same competition in 2004 at the semi-final stage.

In fact a defeat for the Czechs will all but eliminate them once again following their 4-1 defeat to Russia on the opening day.

Coach Michal Bilek will reportedly make changes to his defensive unit for this match, with David Limbersky and Tomas Hubschman expected to be included in the starting lineup.

Greece, who drew 1-1 with co-hosts Poland in their first match, must find a replacement for defender Avraam Papadopoulos, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with a knee injury. His namesake Kyriakos Papadopoulos is expected to deputise.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos will also miss the match because of suspension.

It may be worth noting that Greece have lost five of their last eight meetings with the Czech Republic.

Current form:

Greece: DLDDWD
Czech Republic: WWDWLL

Possible starting lineups:

Greece: Chalkias; Torosidis, Papadopoulos, Malezas, Holebas; Maniatis, Katsouranis, Karagounis; Ninis, Gekas, Samaras

Czech Republic: Cech; Gebre Selassie, Kadlec, Hubnik, Limbersky; Hubschman, Rosicky, Plasil, Pilar; Jiracek; Baros

Sports Mole says: 1-1

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