Greek Cup Review

By: Chris Paraskevas | November 14th, 2008

In cooperation with Goal.com:

Athenian giants Panathinaikos managed to work their way past high-flying second-division outfit Nea Kavala, thanks to an inspired performance by goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas.

The 3-0 scoreline is perhaps slightly flattering, considering the endeavour of the second-placed Beta Ethniki outfit, who hit the woodwork through Zeljko Kalajdzic just before the half-hour mark.

For all of their attacking pressure, Kavala fell behind after some rather weak defending and a cool first-half finish by Croatian striker Ante Rukavina.

He then doubled his side’s advantage with a 68th minute tap-in after some typically persistent attacking play by Dimitris Salpiggids, before setting up substitute Lazaros Christodoulopoulos for a third during the close stages of the match.

Enrique Hernandez’s Aris produced a fluid display as they brushed aside the challenge of top-of-the-table second division side Atromitos.

The recently relegated Super League side were competitive, spurning a host of promising first-half chances in particular before falling behind to a 56th Toni Calvo penalty.

In-form Spaniard Javito then doubled the Thessaloniki outfit’s lead with eleven minutes of normal time remaining, as they held on to progress through to the last 16 despite a late strike by Michalis Kripintiris.

Skoda Xanthi transferred their fine league form to the cup format, as two first half goals from Diego Quintana and Mauro Poy set Georgios Parachos’ side on their way against second division stragglers Kallithea.

The Beta Ethniki outfit pulled a goal back before half-time through a well-worked Pantelis Ritzogiannis, but their hopes a major cup upset were effectively ended by a late Victor Agali strike.

Panserraikos’ Greek Super League encounters have often been characterised by open, entertaining football but they were forced into a gritty cup tie with third-tier outfit Lamia.

The top-flight side took a second-half lead through Valentin Badea, before Fotis Papoulis levelled in the 77th minute.

Lamia’s hopes suffered a fatal, late blow however, as Georgios Georgiadis netted a penalty with two minutes of normal time remaining to send Panserraikos through.

A double from Fabian Gerber gave recently revived OFI Crete a 2-1 win over Agrotikos Asteras, while their Cretan neighbours Ergotelis eased through to the last 16 with a 2-0 victory over Ethnikos Asteras.

The first of the evening’s shocks of arrived when second division outfit Veria managed a 3-1 win over Super League relegation candidates Thrasyvoulos, scoring three unanswered goals during a stunning second-half revival after having gone behind to a first half Giannis Chloros strike.

The second came courtesy of a penalty shoot-out between Beta Ethniki side Kerkyra and Momcilo Vukotic’s Super League outfit Levadiakos, with the former securing a 4-2 shoot-out win.

Thursday’s encounter saw Iraklis sneak past Kastoria with a 3-2 win.