Gekas was irritated by the noise in their opening game against South Korea, which they lost 2-0.

Speaking ahead of the crucial match with Nigeria at the Free State Stadium, he said: "I do think the trumpets should be stopped. They are affecting the players as we cannot communicate properly."

Gekas, who top scored in the qualifiers with 10 goals, insists he is not feeling the pressure even though Greece have failed to find the target in four appearances in the finals

He said: "It will be a difficult game as both sides had a bad result in the first match. We need to correct our mistakes.

"Hopefully we can score at least one goal. I do not think there is extra pressure. I have no plans for a celebration if I score. But I will celebrate if we win."

German coach Otto Rehhagel, who led the nation to an unexpected victory in the 2004 European Championship, is convinced they can turn things around.

He said: "We still have an opportunity and can recover after losing the first game.

"First of all we have to keep our mistakes to a minimum. We have to play to our full potential and give everything."

Meanwhile Everton striker Ayegbeni Yakubu has promised to run until he drops for Nigeria, who opened with a narrow defeat by Argentina.

He is also determined to get on the scoresheet in South Africa.

"As a striker you're always under pressure to get goals," he said.

"You can play well and contribute, but if you don't put the ball in the net people will criticise you and say you're not doing the right things.

"I want to get goals more than anybody to make the people back home in Nigeria happy.

"I give everything I have when I pull on the shirt of my country and I will keep on doing it until I fall down."

Yakubu is living the dream and delighted to be in the squad alongside Nigeria legend Kanu.

He said: "I remember watching the World Cup on TV with family and friends when I was a young boy, and I never dreamt I would be there, playing in one.

"Being here, and with a legend like Kanu as a team-mate, I can remember what it felt like to be a boy and dream."