Greece captain Giorgios Karagounis has warned his teammates that they cannot rely solely on Celtic striker Georgios Samaras to fire them to World Cup glory.

Samaras is one of Rehhagel's key players - and perhaps the most high profile player in the Greece side - but he managed to score twice in 10 qualifying games.

Theofanis Gekas was well ahead of any other Greece player with 10 goals during the qualifiers, but it is Samaras who continues to grab the headlines.

However, Karagounis believes unfair pressure is being generated on Samaras and wants the responsibility for World Cup success to be spread throughout the squad.

That is the way they shocked the world to win Euro 2004, and as far as Karagounis is concerned, that is the way they will prosper in South Africa.

He said: "Giorgios is a good footballer but we have others. We have a good team and not relying on one player. Our strength is overall."

Greece face a stern test at the World Cup with Argentina, Nigeria and South Korea awaiting in Group B and although a repeat of their 2004 effort looks to be virtually impossible, Karagounis is determined to enjoy himself and take it one match at a time.

He added: "Let's go to the World Cup to have fun, have a good time and try to get into the next phase. We will try to do everything possible."


Greece squandered the lead twice against North Korea to draw 2-2 in their latest World Cup warm-upgame.

In the friendly in Altach, Konstantinos Katsouranis put the Greeks in front after just three minutes before Jong Tae-se equalised on 24 minutes.

Angelos Charisteas gave Greece the lead just after half-time but Jong struck again four minutes later as the match finished all square.

"We picked these opponents because they have a similar playing style to the South Koreans," Greece coach Otto Rehhagel said. "They were well prepared and disciplined."