How they qualified

Beat Romania 4-2 on aggregate in the play-off having been edged off top spot in Group G on goal difference by Bosnia-Herzegovina. Goal difference is not their strong point: their 25 points in 10 qualifying games came despite only scoring 12 goals.

World Cup high

USA ‘94. Reached the World Cup finals for the very first time in their history.

World Cup low

USA ‘94. Were tonked in each of their opening games at USA ’94, firstly when a doped-up Maradona inspired Argentina to a 4-0 win. They then crashed to Bulgaria by the same score before a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in the final match completed the American nightmare.

Familiar faces

Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham), Charis Mavrias (Sunderland).

The manager

Fernando Santos had the somewhat unenviable task of taking over from Otto Rehhagel who had led Greece to triumph at Euro 2004, but the Portuguese has managed to make even more of an art form out of the 1-0 win. Five of their 10 qualifiers were won by this scoreline.

How in danger he is? 7/10

Most likely to light up Brazil

With vital goals in group games and three over two games in the play-off Olympiakos striker Kostas Mitroglou has emerged as the new star of Greek football and is being tracked by many of Europe’s top clubs. And Liverpool.

Most likely to be sent home in disgrace

Former Portsmouth striker Theofanis Gekas has fallen out with countless managers and retired from international football in 2010 citing “special circumstances within the team”. He returned to the squad a year later.

Title odds: 200/1

The stereotype is ...

Ruthless efficiency. As demonstrated by the 2.08 points they gained for every goal scored during qualification. Strong at set-pieces, and with an often chaotic, yet extremely effective approach to defending.

The reality is ...

Eh, see above. To their lethal set-piece delivery they have managed to add the chipped ball over the top for Mitroglou to run onto. And that’s about that.

What they're known for

Smashing plates 8 per cent

Debt 42 per cent

Protesting 10 per cent

Philosophy 24 per cent

Other really old things 16 per cent

How Brazilian are they?

About as Brazilian as Ouzo.

How Google translates the national anthem

I recognise you from the edge sword terrible, I know in the face violence with which measures the earth.

How long is it?

The full version has 158 verses. Thankfully we can expect a radio friendly two minutes or so.

How to dress like their fans

Togas, centurion helmets, sandals and shields are the order of the day. Greece fans won’t be complaining about the heat.

Commentator's go-to stat

Scored one goal every 75 minutes during their qualifying group. Conceded a goal every 225 minutes during their qualifying group. This is their third time in the World Cup – they have only won one game.