Just like nation's coffers, Greek hopes near empty

PORT ELIZABETH - Greek hopes of making progress in the World Cup looked as bleak as the country's balance sheet following Greece's confidence-sapping defeat in their opening game of the tournament.

The 2-0 loss to South Korea and the uninspired performance that accompanied it will have done nothing to improve the mood or lift the spirits of Greeks who have suffered a miserable year after the country's economic crisis.

But like their politicians, Greek players insisted that there were better days ahead.