2010 FIFA World Cup Betting Tips, Picks and Odds: Brazil starts FIFA Confederations Cup title quest vs tough Greece

Like chalk and cheese, it would be hard to find two more contrasting styles than those of Greece and Brazil in international football. The latter, accustomed to finishing off opponents in the blink of an eye with flashes of individual genius, and the former, better known for getting the job done with collective diligence and endeavour.

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The two sides meet on Thursday in Leipzig in their Group B clash at the FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005 in what has all the makings of a fascinating duel.

The weather aside, Brazil will feel very much at home during the tournament. Their arrival on German soil has been greeted with euphoria by their legions of fans, 10,000 of whom descended on Leverkusen just to watch them train. Greece, for their part, have opted for a more low-key build up, much as they did at EURO 2004 in Portugal.

How many games in recent years have been decided by an inspirational move or goal from Ronaldinho, Kaka, Robinho or Adriano? The tally would certainly make worrying reading for any of Brazil's opponents at the FIFA Confederations Cup, especially as Carlos Alberto Parreira, in his search for the perfect eleven to defend his country's crown at Germany 2006, has his big guns primed and ready.

Just how lethal the quartet can be was in evidence during Brazil's recent South American qualifier against Paraguay when the "Fab Four" were at their swashbuckling best in a 4-1 rout of Paraguay. Deft touches from Kaka, constant danger from Adriano, a brace from Ronaldinho and another from Robinho were all celebrated Samba-style.

The image â€œhttp://www.sportsbettingindex.net/images/sports_02/greece22.jpgâ€ cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. Brazil will have to be at their most alert if they are to hold sway against a Greek side that have upset more than a few hot favourites in recent years. Parreira astutely made his players watch a video of the EURO 2004 Final, where the Greeks upset hosts and favourites Portugal.

In many respects, Greece are diametrically opposed to the South Americans. Under the tutelage of the tactically astute German Otto Rehhagel, the Hellenic outfit have developed a combative yet disciplined approach that requires the side to work in unison. It is a strategy that has proved immensely successful too, as witnessed by their triumph at last year's European Championship.

Just as they did in Portugal, Greece will be hoping to upset another of the giants of the game with a huge collective effort. Diplomacy and open play aside, Greece are not here to make up the numbers.

Rehhagel is banking on his top players to repeat the amazing feats produced last year when they shocked sides like the Czech Republic, France and Portugal. Battle lines have been drawn and the countdown has begun. It's Brazil vs Greece...