Greece launches its campaign for the 2024 European Championships this weekend with an opening round clash with Gibraltar, a match which begins their quest for their first appearance at a major tournament since 2014.

The national team is set for an away trip to take on Gibraltar on Saturday morning at 6.45 am (AEDT) in their first Group B contest and there will be lots of pressure on them to perform given the severity of their situation.

Greece’s group consists of powerhouses France and the Netherlands as well as Ireland, all of whom are higher ranked than the “blue-whites”, making it imperative they secure all three points against their opening round opponents.

The overall challenge has not been lost on the players but returning playmaker Kostas Fortounis, who is making his first appearance for the national side since 2021, highlighted that they must not stress themselves by looking too far into the future.

“The team is strong, it has good players and many are at a good age in terms of experience. Everyone is playing regularly for their respective teams which is also good. We have a difficult group, but we will go step by step and game to game to achieve the best we can,” said Olympiacos’ maestro to Greek media.

One bonus for the team is that they are guaranteed a second chance at qualifying if they cannot finish in the top two due to winning their Nations League group, though coach Gus Poyet has urged his team to put that aside.

“Now we know that our goal is difficult, that we are playing against big opponents, but we want the guys to have a message in their minds that we will qualify with the first one and not go to the play-offs, to go for direct qualification,” said Poyet to Greek media.

“If we want to qualify from this group, we will have to win this first match. We cannot afford not to.”

Greece will have a bye in the next round as their group contains only five teams instead of six, though they have organised a friendly with Lithuania on Tuesday morning at 3 am at “Agia Sophia” Stadium to ensure they maximise the international break.

Cyprus travels away to battle Scotland in their opening Group A qualification fixture on Sunday morning at 1 am (AEST) in what looks to be another tricky campaign.

Along with Scotland, the Cypriots’ group comprises of European giants Spain, Norway and Georgia, who are all higher ranked and with no play-offs guarantee, it will take a mighty effort for Cyprus to achieve a dream Euros berth.

Group B fixtures (AEDT)

France-Netherlands: 06.45, Sat Mar 25

Gibraltar-Greece: 06.45, Sat Mar 25

Netherlands-Gibraltar: 05.45, Tue Mar 28

Ireland-France: 05.45, Tue Mar 28

Group A fixtures (AEDT)

Scotland-Cyprus: 01.00, Sun Mar 26

Spain-Norway: 06.45, Sun Mar 26

Georgia-Norway: 03.00, Wed Mar 29

Scotland-Spain: 05.45, Wed Mar 29