It all seems like a distant memory. The improbable, unthinkable, and downright impossible happened in 2004. As the ball was gracefully headed off Angelos Charisteas’ head, Greece and Greeks around the world watching were, for a split second, in disbelief.
This disbelief wasn’t negative disbelief, but rather a shock to our brains. For that moment we all experienced it. Noise all around us, but for some reason we heard silence. That second went into slow motion and the ball seemed to stand still in the air. It was almost like a scene out of a Hollywood film.
All of a sudden the noise came back and the silence quickly faded. The realization of the ball that seemed to be stuck in the air for an hour slipped past the goalie, and an entire nation celebrated. It was one of the proudest moments for Greeks around the world. The whistle blew, and the celebrations began.
That was the Greece of 2004, at the peak of the world’s attention. The Olympics were held again in Athens that same year for the first time since their modern inception. Our national team won one of world soccer’s largest and most prestigious tournaments when all odds were against us. (By the way, if you had bet on Greece in EURO 2004, the odds were 100-1. I wish I would have taken that bet. I would not be working right now.) Greece was in the limelight and was a country that was the envy of others.
Fast-forward to 2012. Need I say more? We have become a poor example of a government and a society and are constantly in the news for all the wrong reasons. Why do I say this? Because we need a win, and we need it now more than ever.
Say we win. It would give us at least one reason to smile and be proud given our current situation. That being said, let me break down our tactics for success at EURO 2012.
1. We are currently ranked 10th in Europe
Being 10th in Europe means we are flying somewhat under the radar, and you know what… good. The only team in our group that is worth anything is Russia, but they are beatable. Let the odds-makers give us a 100-1 chance again. How did that turn out for you clowns last time?
2. Perfect balance between youth and experience
Somehow Karagounis (Panathinaikos), the old man who always draws a foul, is still on the squad. Dimitris Salpigidis (PAOK) will be leading the charge along with youth sensation Giannis Fetfatzidis (Olympiakos), giving the team a new attacking approach that differs from Otto Rehagel’s sit-back-and-counter style.
3. Two words: Fernando Santos
The national team’s coach and resident calculated killer has pushed this team to even higher heights than before, leading the squad to a first-place and unbeaten finish in the qualifying rounds.
4. NOTHING TO LOSE, EVERYTHING TO GAIN
If we lose, it’s not that big of a deal. It would be the same as if we had never gone. If we win, we regain a great deal of respect on the world stage as a team and as a country.
The next question is where can we watch all of the EURO 2012 action? There are plenty of places, but let’s be serious folks. You want to watch it Greek style.
Savvas on Drexel University’s campus is a great pizza, food and bar spot where you can sit down for a coffee with friends and enjoy the buzz of Drexel’s campus in the spring months. But now things are a bit more serious. We are talking EURO Cup.
From what the buzz on the street is, they will have big-screen TVs showing all the matches, but more importantly the Greek games. I, for one, will be there enjoying a frappe in the first half and a beer in the second half.
Other places showing the matches include the Plough and the Stars in Olde City and Fado Irish Pub in Center City. But honestly, would you rather watch the games with your own or with others? The call is yours.
In closing, this happens once every four years. It’s an opportunity not only for soccer fans, but for Greeks everywhere to get together and support our people and our squad.