Greece hero reveals why England clash is far more important for his country – but insists they won’t play for a draw
GREECE legend Giorgos Karagounis insists tonight’s clash is far more important for his country than it is for England.
The Greeks haven’t been at a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where Euro 2004 winner Karagounis was pulling the strings in midfield.
But they would be thrown a lifeline in their bid to reach the 2026 showpiece if they top their Nations B group all while missing out on the top two berths in qualifying.
Ex-Fulham star Karagounis told SunSport: “The game will be more important for Greece because topping the group would boost our chances for the World Cup.
“Statistics tell us that it’s harder for Greece to qualify for a World Cup while England shouldn’t have too many difficulties getting there.
“Beating England is always prestigious especially in front of your own public. Winning would also be massive in terms of confidence heading into the ‘real’ games, the World Cup qualifiers.
“Success in the Nations League is nice but after 12 years have to qualify again for a major tournament.
“But now there’s more pressure on Greece after their great performance at Wembley. People’s expectations have risen and they now expect a similar result. The enthusiasm is back and there will be 70,000 fans in the stadium.
“A draw will do but we have to try and win because settling for a stalemate is dangerous as it heightens the risk of losing.
“You should always go into every game to win, never mind if you play a top team like England.”
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More of the same as in their shock 2-1 two fortnights ago and the Greece should be home and dry.
Asked if Greece can do the double over England like his legendary crop gloriously did over hosts Portugal 20 years ago, Karagounis said: “Yes, why not? My prediction is a Greece win or a draw.
“But we need to have the same game plan as in England and show the same level of concentration, grinta and mentality. The players need to believe in themselves, show respect but not be scared.
“It won’t be easy for Greece because maybe England underestimated us and won’t make the same mistake twice. But likewise it will be difficult for them to win in Greece, many of their players are missing…
” The team is confident now and there are a couple of young players who have elevated the quality of the team. Winning at Wembley does a lot for the morale and confidence.”
Yet times have changed. While Otto Rehhagel parked the bus before trying to nick one on the break or on set-pieces, now Greece go for the jugular.
Ex-midfielder Karagounis said: “Greece are now playing really well and have a propensity for attacking football. They go for it, create goal chances and don’t just try to defend like in 2004.
“Against England we scored five goals but only two counted.That proves that we didn’t just defend, it was a “super-attacking” display.”
Karagounis banks on talisman Christos Tzolis and Pavlidis, who scored twice in the reverse fixture, to do the job again.
He said: “Tzolis is one of a new wave of players who have given the squad that X-factor. He also has a good shot from distance and can replicate my goal against Portugal at Euro 2004. Bagasetas too has shown that he can score from outside the box.
“Pavlidis has proven that he’s a great footballer and plays at Benfica. But we shouldn’t compare him to Charisteas. They are different players with different characteristics. Pavlidis is an orthodox centre-forward while Angelos played as a winger at times and also defended.”
Karagounis’ life has never been the same since he netted the opening goal of Euro 2004.
He said: “That goal changed my life as it came in the first game against Portugal at their home. Everybody was saying that it was impossible for us to win as they were packed with superstars and had the fans behind them.
“The pressure was on Portugal because they were expected to beat Greece. My goal after seven minutes was a shot in the arm. There and then our dream started to gather pace.
“Those three points were invaluable as they set us on our way to the quarterfinals where we knocked out France, the reigning European champions and team to beat at that time with players like Zidane and Henry.
“Once we got over the France hurdle, we were confident that we could go all the way and win the trophy. At home and abroad I’ve never had to buy a drink again when I met Greeks.
“We gave the whole country belief, showing that if you’re united you can win even if you’re not the best. Greece can now surely draw inspiration from us for.”