Greece 'no pushovers' - Santos
Greece coach Fernando Santos has warned that they will be no pushovers in Euro 2012 while a repeat of their success at the tournament eight years ago could lift an ailing nation desperately in need of a boost.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: June 05, 2012 06:38 PM IST
Greece coach Fernando Santos has warned that they will be no pushovers in Euro 2012 while a repeat of their success at the tournament eight years ago could lift an ailing nation desperately in need of a boost.
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"The players deserve to be in the Euro competition and they give me confidence that we can please the Greek people," he said in comments reported by the Greek media on Monday.
"I know we will show will and desire. It will be very difficult for any opposing team to beat us. Nobody is very much better than us," he added.
Greece, the surprise winners of the 2004 tournament in Portugal, have been drawn in Group A and play the opening match of the tournament against co-hosts Poland in the capital on Friday. They also face the Czech Republic and Russia.
A good run in the tournament will be positive news for Greece, which has been hit by financial woes and political paralysis for months.
Team captain Giorgos Karagounis reportedly said on Sunday that all the players were aware that they needed to put a smile back on people's faces at home.
"The atmosphere in the national team is always good. We all know what we can do in a few days. We want to give joy to the Greeks. We will do our best, without stress and pressure, and hopefully bring back beautiful memories," he was quoted as saying.