Greece is entering the do-or-die phase of the Euros qualifiers as they prepare for two pivotal games against Ireland and the Netherlands that will play a defining role in their goal of qualifying directly to Euro 2024.

The “Ethniki”, currently in third place, plays the Irish first in Dublin on Saturday morning (AEDT) in the sixth round of the qualifiers, needing maximum points to keep the pressure on the Dutch for second spot in Group B.

The “blue-whites” hold a slight psychological edge over Ireland, having beaten them in the reverse fixture, though the home ground advantage will likely play a major role in motivating the hosts to perform.

Greece manager Gus Poyet stressed that their focus will remain solely on the Ireland game, though they will hope that France does them the favour of beating the Dutch in the other clash of this round.

“It’s a very important match. I hope we’ll be in a good position to earn the desired result,” Mr Poyet said to media ahead of the Ireland game.

“We will have to get the win and if France gives us a helping hand, then it is welcome.”

Mr Poyet mentioned their aim is to try win the remaining three fixtures and finish on 18 points, thus giving themselves the best possible chance to qualify directly to the European Championships in 2024.

This hope is dependent on them not only winning against the Irish but also somehow downing the Netherlands in their other qualifier in this international break, which will be at “Agia Sophia” Stadium on Tuesday morning.

The Greece coach has stated that, should the first match go their way, this contest with the Dutch would essentially be a final for them, wherein they would have to find a way to earn victory.

While pressure is sky-high for the “Ethniki”, they can take comfort in knowing they will get a second chance to reach Euro 2024 via the play-offs due to winning their group in the Nations League.

Cyprus is also in line for two qualifying matches in this international break, facing Norway on Friday morning and then Georgia on Monday morning.

The Cypriots are currently bottom of Group A, having lost all five of their games thus far, and so they will likely be pleased with merely gaining any points in these two clashes.

Group B fixtures (AEST)

Ireland-Greece: 05.45, Sat Oct 14

Netherlands-France: 05.45, Sat Oct 14

Greece-Netherlands: 05.45, Tue Oct 17

Gibraltar-Ireland: 05.45, Tue Oct 17

Group A fixtures (AEDT)

Cyprus-Norway: 05.45, Fri Oct 13

Spain-Scotland: 05.45, Fri Oct 13

Georgia-Cyprus: 00.00, Mon Oct 16

Norway-Spain: 05.45, Mon Oct 16