Giorgos Karagounis

The Greek soccer federation denied on Monday media reports that it has lost confidence in national coach Claudio Ranieri.

"There is no problem of collaboration with Mr Claudio Ranieri. Anything written or spoken in the media or rumored bears no relation to reality,» a statement by the federation said.

Greece coach Claudio Ranieri voiced his satisfaction with the performance of the national team in Helsinki's 1-1 draw with host Finland on Saturday for the 2016 European Championship qualifiers, saying the risk in pucking the squad he took was worth it, even though Greece did not get maximum points.

Greece says it has reached an agreement with former captain Giorgos Karagounis to join the national team staff, as the midfielder ends a playing career that included European Championship glory in 2004.

By Karolos Grohmann

Greece captain Giorgos Karagounis announced his retirement from an international football career spanning 139 caps over 15 years following his team's World Cup round of 16 exit to Costa Rica on penalties on Sunday.

"This was my last game for Greece,» the 37-year-old told reporters.

Fulham striker Costas Mitroglou, who has barely played this year due to a knee injury, was included in a 30-man provisional World Cup squad reluctantly revealed by coach Fernando Santos on Wednesday.

Santos had previously stated that he would not announce his provisional squad, only his final selection of 23 players, on May 19.