Making a grand entrance

Greece's Agelos Charisteas (C) is tackled by Portugal's Jorge Andrade during a friendly game in the new stadium of Aveiro, Portugal, 15 November 2003.

In just over two years, Angelos Charisteas has imposed himself as a vital component in the Greece attack and he is now one of the first names on coach Otto Rehhagel's team sheet.

He announced his arrival on the international scene with a bang scoring twice on his debut after making the step up from under-21 level in a 3-3 draw against Russia in February, 2001.

England defender Ashley Cole (R) battles with Greek midfielder Angelos Charisteas, 06 October 2001, during their World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford, Manchester. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS/gp

He followed that up with another strike against Germany in a World Cup qualifier before scaring the life out of England when he opened the scoring at Old Trafford only for David Beckham to snatch qualification for Sven Goran Eriksson's side with a dramatic free-kick equaliser in injury time.

Born in Serres in the northeast of Greece, Charisteas began his rise in the world of football at small local outfit Strymoniko.

Technically gifted and a prolific goalscorer, he was signed by Aris Salonika where he continued to enhance his reputation and soon earned a call-up to the Greece under-21 team.

He took part at the 2002 Under-21 European championships at around the same time that he was called up to the national team by then coach Vassilis Daniil whilst still only 21-years-old.

However there were worries at Salonika where he hadn't been paid for several months forcing him to demand 305,000 euros in unpaid wages and it was not long before he was on his way.

Bouzouki and sirtaki

Werder Bremen's Angelos Charisteas (R) and OGC Nice's Jacques Abardonadou duel for the ball during their 2nd leg match of the soccer Intertoto Cup in Bremen 26 July 2003. AFP PHOTO DDP/JOERN POLLEX GERMANY OUT

The Greek Federation released him from any obligations with Salonika in June, 2002 and on the recommendation of Rehhagel, Werder Bremen were convinced to bring the young Charisteas to the Bundesliga.

He scored 9 goals in 31 matches in his first season in Germany and was an instant hit with the Bremen fans who spontaneously broke into a sirtaki dance whenever he hit the net.

There was further joy in October, 2003 when Greece booked their ticket for Euro 2004 for their first appearance at the final stages of a major competition since the 1994 World Cup.

"To make a career out of one's passion is a great blessing," says the rising footballer who also thought about a career in music and in particular playing the bouzouki.

In June, 2004, Charisteas hopes to make opposing defences dance to another tune as the rising Greek team chase glory in Portugal.