Greeks facing defensive dilemma

Greece and the Czech Republic have defensive problems ahead of their Euro 2012 clash in Group A today with the Greeks missing their first-choice central defence and the Czechs desperate to plug a leaky back line.

Greek coach Fernando Santos must find replacements for Avraam Papadopoulos, who is out of the tournament with a knee injury, and Sokratis Papastathopoulos who is suspended after being harshly dismissed against Poland in the Group A opener.

The pair anchored a defence that conceded only five goals in qualifying and Santos will likely pair veteran midfielder Costas Katsouranis with 20-year old Kyriakos Papadopoulos who came on for his namesake in the 1-1 draw against the co-hosts.