BAN THE HORN: A South African fan blows his vuvuzela

GREECE striker Theofanis Gekas says his nation will go crazy should their football side manage to upset Ukraine in their World Cup playoff second leg tomorrow (2am).

The 2004 European Champions were held to a scoreless draw in Athens in the first leg last Saturday but there is a sense of confidence they can build on that result to book their place in South Africa next year.

"It’s always something special for us Greeks to be involved at a major tournament. Of course, it would be a huge success for us to make it to South Africa because we failed to qualify for the last three World Cups," Gekas told Fifa’s website.

"Now we have a great chance and it would be pandemonium back home if we made it.

"For me personally — and I think this goes for every member of our squad — a World Cup appearance would be a massive personal achievement. It doesn’t get any better than pitting yourself against the best players in the world," said the prolific striker.

"We’re not playing against one individual, we need to be wary of the whole team. It’s no good singling players out. If we stay focused and play our game, it’ll be the Ukrainians who’ll need to watch out."

Meanwhile, Japan’s soccer chief has joined in the chorus of protesters wanting the noisy "vuvuzela" trumpet be banned from next year’s finals. Fifa had previously rejected calls for a ban on the plastic instrument but Japan have now appealed to South African officials after playing a friendly against the World Cup hosts last weekend which ended 0-0.

"We have requested that the South African FA cut that noise out," Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai told Sankei Sports.

"You can’t hear yourself speak. I will be bringing it up (with Fifa president Sepp Blatter)," said Inukai.

Japan defender Tulio said: "You can’t hear what your teammates are saying from two metres away. You have to go up to them to give instructions."

The vuvuzela is synonymous with South African football fans but the incessant noise from the air horns triggered complaints from players, coaches and broadcasters during this year’s Confederations Cup.

Television networks complained that the sound drowned out their commentary, while top players including Spain’s Xabi Alonso called for the trumpet to be banned.