Greeks prove good value against the odds
Source: Agencies |
June 24, 2012, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ON the football pitch, at least, Greece proved it could still rub shoulders with the continent's big hitters at Euro 2012.
While the politicians squabble over the country's dire financial situation and ordinary Greeks struggle to cope with the harsh austerity measures, their footballers will return home full of pride after reaching the last eight.
There was to be no repeat of Greece's incredible triumph in 2004 when it won the title but in emerging from a group which comprised of Russia, co-host Poland and the Czech Republic Fernando Santos' team gave the country some much-needed cheer.
Friday's 2-4 defeat by Germany in Gdansk, Poland, was no disgrace either, even if it was outclassed by a superb side which may well go on to win the tournament.
"We enjoyed every moment and the fact that we had to battle every day," said forward Dimitris Salpingidis, who set up an unlikely equalizer for Giorgos Samaras just after halftime and converted a late consolation penalty.
"We really loved it and we hope that our fans enjoyed it as well while they were watching our efforts. We have raised standards over the last ten years. Our next goal is to reach the World Cup finals in Brazil."
That process begins this year and with qualifying ties against the likes of Lithuania, Bosnia and Slovakia, Greece will be hopeful of joining the party in 2014.
Samaras said Greece would take a lot of heart from its performances at the European Championship, the highlight of which was a 1-0 victory over a much-fancied Russia side to qualify for the quarterfinals having begun the match bottom of the group after a draw with Poland and a loss to the Czechs.
"The Greek team has plenty of young players, including myself, as I am only 27," the Celtic striker said.
While the politicians squabble over the country's dire financial situation and ordinary Greeks struggle to cope with the harsh austerity measures, their footballers will return home full of pride after reaching the last eight.
There was to be no repeat of Greece's incredible triumph in 2004 when it won the title but in emerging from a group which comprised of Russia, co-host Poland and the Czech Republic Fernando Santos' team gave the country some much-needed cheer.
Friday's 2-4 defeat by Germany in Gdansk, Poland, was no disgrace either, even if it was outclassed by a superb side which may well go on to win the tournament.
"We enjoyed every moment and the fact that we had to battle every day," said forward Dimitris Salpingidis, who set up an unlikely equalizer for Giorgos Samaras just after halftime and converted a late consolation penalty.
"We really loved it and we hope that our fans enjoyed it as well while they were watching our efforts. We have raised standards over the last ten years. Our next goal is to reach the World Cup finals in Brazil."
That process begins this year and with qualifying ties against the likes of Lithuania, Bosnia and Slovakia, Greece will be hopeful of joining the party in 2014.
Samaras said Greece would take a lot of heart from its performances at the European Championship, the highlight of which was a 1-0 victory over a much-fancied Russia side to qualify for the quarterfinals having begun the match bottom of the group after a draw with Poland and a loss to the Czechs.
"The Greek team has plenty of young players, including myself, as I am only 27," the Celtic striker said.
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