Michael Skibbe of Germany has taken over as coach of the Greek national team, the country's football federation announced Thursday.

"Following a decision taken by the Executive Committee of the federation, Mr. Skibbe will sign a cooperation agreement with the federation until the completion of the preliminary phase of the World Cup 2018," the announcement said.

The federation said that Skibbe's contract would be automatically renewed up to the World Cup in Russia should Greece qualify for the finals.

Skibbe, 50, was the assistant coach to the German national team from 2000-2004.

He has also coached clubs Eskisehirspor (2015 and 2011), Grasshoppers (2013-2015, Karabukspor (2012), Hertha (2011-2012), Eintracht Frankfurt (2009-2011), Galatasaray (2008-2009), Bayer Leverkusen (2005-2008) and Borussia Dortmund (1998-2000).

Greece completed its Group F Euro 2016 qualification with a 4-3 home win over Hungary earlier this month, the lone victory of a campaign which saw the side finish last, with just six points, for the first time in a group stage.

The victory was the first for Greece since June 2014 when they beat the Ivory Coast at the World Cup in Brazil.

During the qualification round Greece saw three coaches select a total of 53 players but they were unable to make the team click.

A decade on from their surprise Euro 2004 success, and after reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in Brazil, Greece hit rock bottom after a pair of defeats to the Faroe Islands.

Greece's last coach was Kostas Tsanas who followed on an interim basis the failed reigns of Claudio Ranieri and Sergio Markarian.

Skibbe's first assignment will be a friendly against Luxembourg on November 13.