Greece manager Fernando Santos urged his team to play with a "passionate heart but clear mind" during the upcoming World Cup play-off games with Romania, insisting that Greece will successfully overcome the hurdle.
Romania is Greece's last obstacle before the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Greeks missed out on an automatic qualifying spot only on goal difference to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Greece gained the most points as a runner-up in European qualification, 25 from 10 matches, but lost out to top-scoring Bosnia in Group G.
Romania, meanwhile, were a distant second in their group behind the Netherlands, and are looking to qualify for a World Cup for the first time since 1998.
"The Romanians have an excellent team but I think in the end we will qualify," Santos - a Portuguese - said.
The first leg will take place Friday at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, with the second leg in Bucharest on Tuesday.
Santos, who took over the squad in May 2010 from German Otto Rehhagel, believes that the importance of his side's World Cup campaign extends far beyond football.
With Greece currently in its sixth year of recession, and unemployment soaring to beyond 28 per cent, Santos believes victory over Romania will give a big boost to the struggling nation.
"The motivation for me and my players is Greece. We want to make the Greek people happy," said the 59-year-old coach.
Santos has recalled veteran 33-year-old striker Fanis Gekas to the team, which is filled with experienced players, including 36-year-old captain Giorgos Karagounis and 34-year-old midfielder Costas Katsouranis. Santos has also included Bologna midfielder Panagiotis Kone, although he must sit out the first leg due to suspension.
Gekas, who plays for Konyaspor in Turkey, has scored 24 goals in 68 appearances for his country and last played for Greece in June.
"There is confidence and faith in the squad. It is important to win the home match without allowing the other team to score a goal, so a score of 2-0 would be ideal," said Santos.
"I do not think about anything else except how we will be able to get to Brazil."
Santos has enjoyed a measure of success in the past, guiding the Greeks to the quarterfinals of the European Championships in 2012.
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