Rehhagel: Germany shouldn't underestimate Greece

Published Jun. 18, 2012 6:20 a.m. ET

foxsports

The German coach who led Greece to the 2004 European Championship title is warning Germany not to underestimate the current Greek team ahead of their quarterfinal clash.

Germany and Greece meet in Gdansk, Poland on Friday in what will be a clash both of styles and of two nations at opposite ends of Europe's financial crisis.

Otto Rehhagel, who masterminded Greece's 2004 triumph in Portugal, told the Bild daily: ''Germany should not underestimate this team in the quarterfinal.''

He added that ''the Greeks are fighting with great passion, similarly to eight years ago, and at the same time they are very secure at the back.''

Rehhagel says it's a shame for Greece that captain Giorgos Karagounis will be suspended for the quarterfinal.