The two teams went into the match separated by a single point, which ensured a cautious and nervy opening. The game was temporarily suspended after just two minutes when a group of masked individuals entered a stand and attacked the Croatia fans.The group, some wearing motorcycle helmets, threw flares and at least one petrol bomb in their direction. Some Croatia fans responded by ripping off seats and throwing them at their attackers.

The game resumed after a six-minute interruption.

Greece, who are undefeated in 15 matches since Fernando Santos replaced Otto Rehhagel after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, were subdued in the first half, producing no more than a long-range Karagounis shot which went high over the crossbar and an Avraam Papadopoulos header in a quiet opening half.

The home side dominated the second half. Gekas was presented with a great chance to open the scoring after the break, only to head straight at Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa. That sparked Croatia into life and they began to threaten the Greece defence with a series of raids down the left flank from Ivan Strinic.

Greece responded by winning their first two corners of the match, and the deadlock was broken from the second in the 71st minute when the ball fell to the unmarked Samaras at the edge of the penalty area from a corner and he volleyed home.

The visitors were undone again by another corner eight minutes later and this time it was Gekas who found space in the box and planted a header past the goalkeeper Pletikosa.

The result lifted the hosts two points clear of Croatia and leaves them in the driving seat heading into their final game against Georgia in Tbilisi on Tuesday. Greece will simply need to avoid defeat to ensure Croatia cannot overtake them by beating Latvia.