The “Ethniki” is all set for a huge clash against football giants England at Wembley Stadium as they strive for the impossible: score an historic upset.
Greece takes on The Three Lions at their famous home ground in London on Friday morning at 5.45am (AEDT) in the third matchday of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League.
The “blue-whites” started their League B campaign very strongly last month with wins over Ireland and Finland, though their true challenge lies in how they can perform against the group favourites.
Greece coach Ivan Jovanovic admitted the magnitude of the contest which is far greater than most.
“I’d be a liar if I said we are treating the England match like a simple game. It is definitely a serious match. They are one of the best teams,” Jovanovic told media ahead of the clash.
The Serbian manager remarked that they have been one of the most successful nations in recent years, going deep in numerous tournaments, and that they pose a huge challenge for the Greeks in their bid to finish top of their group.
“The game is of huge importance, not only because we are playing against England, but also in terms of points for the development of the group. And I believe we can respond well.”
The “blue-whites” will be without star striker Fotis Ioannidis after he was injured against Olympiacos, who impressed greatly in last month’s games with three goals.
“Certainly the loss of Fotis is big, because he showed in both the first two games that his goals played a very important role in the development of both matches,” Jovanovic said.
The Serbian coach stressed that they have capable replacements in Vangelis Pavlidis and Anastasios Douvikas who will be able to fill the gap left by Ioannidis.
“I believe that both Pavlidis and Douvikas are guys who play at a very high level in Europe and can respond well to our game,” Jovanovic said.
Greece can take some comfort in the fact that they currently lead the group on goal difference and so even a draw against the English would help them preserve their place.
Nevertheless, it will still require a mighty effort to grab even a point in England.
The “Ethniki” will also face Ireland at “Karaiskakis” Stadium on Monday morning at 5.45am in another tricky (yet significantly less daunting) fixture.
The match will be pivotal for Greece as they endeavour to finish in the top two positions by the end of the group stage, which would not only guarantee they remain in League B but would also afford them a shot at qualifying into League A via the promotion play-offs.
