Appreciations to the Greek national team

"Is it that apparent?" I joked.

He was a Greek. He and a group of his friends had apparently travelled to South Korea to watch the World Cup games. "We are watching your group from a distance and envy you… Our football is a shambles. We very much want you to be the world champions and hope that the World Cup will at least come to our region."

I was delighted with his comment. They were words that discarded enmities, separated football from politics and which were uttered with the softness born out of being an Aegean.

With some pride, "I wish you the same," I said.

While watching the Greek national team in the Euro 2004 games, I remembered this conversation. Who knows where that Greek friend is now. When I was writing this article, Greece had yet to face France. That is, we have no idea of the result. He could perhaps not even recall my name, but I am sure that that Greek friend must now be up in the air with joy, irrespective of the result of the game.

Indeed, they deserve applause. The Greek team has been the surprise of the championships. They have been playing very impressive football and have a disciplined and solid style. What’s more, they don’t lose their morale. That is, even if they go a goal down, they don’t give up and continue their pursuit of an equalizing goal.

So, very much like the Greek football fan who wished good luck to Turkey, I too wish Greece good luck. I want Greece, not the tradional European countries you are more accustomed to, to win the European Championships. Even if it is to the other side of the Aegean, I want the trophy go to a country close to our country. I hope they did not lose the game last night and eliminated France. Even if they did not win, it is indeed a success to reach the quarter-finals.