Greece moved up to 12th in the latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, their highest position since October 2011, thanks to a mixture of passion and positive play.
With a win all that will do when they face Russia in Group A tonight, Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos says they "tend to prevail in the key matches" with the hope they can repeat the feat.
Greece coach Fernando Santos and his players are not interested in entertaining the idea of being an underdog against Russia on Saturday, and believe they will be the side celebrating in the end.
Werder Bremen have taken the option to sign on-loan defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos permanently from Genoa according to director of sport Klaus Allofs.
Borussia Monchengladbach were denied the chance to go top of the Bundesliga after being beaten 1-0 at Augsburg, while both Cologne and Werder Bremen scored four in handsome home victories.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos, currently on loan in Bremen, talks to FIFA.com about Greece coach Fernando Santos and his plans after taking over from iconic boss Otto Rehhagel.
