Simple equation for Greece, Nigeria

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP):

Greece and Nigeria are in the same predicament ahead of their World Cup Group B match today: lose and they are almost certain of a first-round exit. But Otto Rehhagel's Greek line-up's position is even more grim.

Nigeria only conceded one goal and went close to scoring a late equaliser in an opening loss to Argentina, while the Greeks lost 2-0 to 2002 World Cup semi-finalists South Korea and still have to face Lionel Messi and the Argentine squad in their last group game.

Rehhagel led Greece to an unexpected European championship title in 2004 with a defence-first philosophy that demands his players follow his tactics precisely, denying opponents space and capitalising on set-piece attacks. And that's their emphasis again.

"The team has to have a defensive capability in modern football," goalkeeper Michalis Sifakis said. "The whole team has to shut down spaces - so it's not an issue of individual players or the defence alone."

After the loss to the South Koreans, where Greece failed to stick to his plans and conceded a crucial early goal when they failed to clear a free kick, Rehhagel warned his players to follow his instructions or they would be headed home. It seems they were listening.

Greece are still searching for their first World Cup goal, having conceded 10 goals and failing to score in three losses in their only other trip to the finals in 1994

The Nigerians are not quite the dynamic team which lived up to its nickname of the 'Super Eagles' in the 1990s, but coach Lars Lagerback's squad in South Africa has plenty of talent, even without injured Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.

Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was impressive against Argentina, making a number of solid saves to hold Messi and Co to just one goal in a performance that won him the Player-of-the-Match award.

Everton striker Yakubu Ayegbeni and Wolfsburg forward Obafemi Martins provide strength and speed up front, while Peter Osaze and Chinedu Obasi add pace and flair from the wings. Lagerback also has veteran striker Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Obinna at his disposal.