Greece are gracing the World Cup stage for only the second time in their history after a baptism of fire on their debut back in 1994.
In the United States there was never any danger of the Greeks shedding their minnow status as they sank to 4-0 defeats to Argentina and Bulgaria and a 2-0 loss to Nigeria to get sent home at the first hurdle. Under Otto Rehhegal the class of 2010 will be disappointed not to leave South Africa having made a far greater impression on proceedings than was the case 16 years ago.
With the tactical nous and backbone instilled by their veteran German coach Greece have established a recent record that many a more established footballing power would be happy to hold.
Greece were quick out of the blocks in qualifying for South Africa, racing to wins in their first three qualifiers, firing in eight goals against Luxembourg, Latvia and Moldova to none conceded.
Two subsequent defeats to Switzerland and a draw with Moldova made things interesting but Greece sealed a play-off spot behind Switzerland with a final day win over Luxembourg.
In the play-offs Greece faced a side they knew only too well in the shape of Ukraine, who had taken four points off them in qualifying for the 2006 World Cup where Ukraine fell to eventual winners Italy in the quarterfinals.
A spirited run by the Greeks in South Africa will be just the tonic to help lift the spirits in a nation struggling with an enormous mountain of debt as a result of the global economic meltdown.