Greeks have new God in Otto

SCEPTICS who looked at the European Championship draw and saw Portugal, Spain and Russia lined up in Group A could be forgiven for suggesting that Greece were about to engage in an activity as productive as tilting at windmills.

They neglected to factor the influence of the remarkable Otto Rehhagel into the equation.

Rehhagel blunt, opinionated, teutonic has made a successful career out of flying in the face of orthodoxy. He led his team of skilful but unpredictable players to Portugal, hell-bent on adding to his formidable reputation. He has succeeded spectacularly.