Both nations finished 2nd in their respective qualifying groups and were randomly drawn together along with 6 other countries from Europe. The last and only time Greece had qualified for the World Cup was in 1994 after a 1 - 0 result over Russia put them through. The tournament itself was a forgettable one however as Greece finished with a 0 - 3 record and a goal difference of -10.

In an ironic twist of fate, it was Ukraine that ultimately knocked Greece out of the previous World Cup in Germany. The two sides met, once again in Athens, for what would prove to be a decisive game late in the group. A dominant performance that produced a goal eventually called offside left Greece goalless late into the match, only for the Ukraine to stage a quick counter attack and score on one of their only chances of the game. It appeared the Ukrainians had taken a page from Otto's book and weathered the storm and would go on to provide the dagger in the end. The defeat was a bitter one as the current Euro Cup champs would be forced to sit and watch the tournament from television screens, prompting questions from critics about the legitimacy of their crown.

The following Euro Cup qualifying campaign showed a Greece ready to make amends for this embarrassment by qualifying top of their group and first amongst European nations. Of course the tournament itself was not the party that Portugal '04 proved to be, but still, a standard of qualification was slowly being implemented. And now after an up and down World Cup qualifying campaign Greece will play a home and home playoff with a difficult Ukraine side to once again decide who will punch their ticket to the biggest soccer party in the world this summer.

Should the Greeks not qualify, it may prove to be the swan song for the much beloved yet sometimes criticized Otto Rehhagel. The German is adored for what he has accomplished with the National Team but is somewhat resistant to change in the side and has been criticized in the past for certain strategies and player selections. Otto also faces some injury concerns heading into the first leg as integral defender Torosidis will be a match time decision. Veteran right back Seitaridis and defensive midfielder Patsazoglou may also miss the match as will attacking midfielder Amanatidis. Mitroglou the young Olympiakos striker has received a call-up after his impressive play of late, as will young starlets Ninis and Katsianokoulis. The atmosphere should be loud and intimidating as Greece look for not only the victory but a favorable score line to take into the 2nd leg in Donetsk.