Nikopolidis to Play Goal versus Moldova June 6 07

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Greece national team coach Otto Rehhagel has revealed that Antonis Nikopolidis will man Greece's goal posts in the game against Moldova on Wednesday.

Initially, Rehhagel talked about the Greek national team supporter help.

"I would like to thank all of the supporters that were behind us on Saturday and I hope that they will be behind us on Wednesday as well. We are not facing any issues except the suspended Aggelos Mpasinas. We must beat Moldova in order to get the maximum of points but that does not mean that we have advanced yet. Bosnia-Herzegovina are in the game as well after their win against Turkey. Some think that we have already beaten Moldova but they are gravely mistaken. We must be very serious about this game."

"We always believed that four and not three teams were going after the top two spots in our group. We always thought that Bosnia-Herzegovina were going to be close, as they come from the Yugoslavian school of soccer thought and they are a very good team. At the same time we are not afraid of anyone. During these last few games Moldova have brought back Kovaltsuk to their roster. There are many new players that are playing with Moldova now but for the game against Greece they have chosen to bring in some experienced footballers. They are following the Soviet school of soccer, they pass the ball well and they are a very good team."

Rehhagel also touched on any player changes he might be planning for the game against Moldova.

"I have talked to both of our goalkeepers and have told them that the position is open for now. Chalkias played very well in the last two games, but I have decided to give Nikopolidis another chance on Wednesday. I react only to what I see. For example, after the game against Turkey I reacted to Nikopolidis' performance. Torosidis had a chance and grabbed the bull by the horns, while Seitaridis who had not had some good games we stood behind him and we hoped he would come around. On Saturday he was very good. The same goes for Vyntra who we are counting on as well."

In regards to the available players for selection compared to those of EURO 2004 Rehhagel said," We do not have Ronaldino, Diego or Naldo. The best players are with the team right now. We are all a big family and we have great conditioning as well. We are in 2007 and we are looking ahead to 2008."

"Finally, I would like to say to our supporters here in Crete that if Greece qualifies to the EURO 2008 finals stage that they had something to do with it."