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  1. Its a disaster! Here in Canada gonna have to listen to all the build up without our beloved Ethniki. A lot of these minnow footballing nations with no history will be here, including Canada and USA lol... I was so looking forward to going to the matches in Toronto if we were playing there or NYC. Just so ANNOYED! This is our longest tournament drought equaling the Euro 1980 to World Cup 1994. I have a feeling it will be longer. I really do not have much confidence in seeing us make Euro 2028 especially after Greece got this draw. We managed to f up the greatest draw possible getting Denmark the weakest pot 1 team and Scotland from pot 2 and we made a total mess of it. Qualification done after match day 4? Even Poyet got us to the playoff in the Euros and we finished a respectable 3rd behind giants France and Holland and competed until the very last match day. This is very similar to the Euro 2016 qualification debacle that was intitally over seen by Ranieri that tool. Now Greece are playing in A league of the NL its going to be tough to say the least to get a back up ticket for the Euro 2028 playoffs. Just PISSED!!
    3 points
  2. I hate that I’m even saying this, because let’s be honest it’s basically over. We need an absolute miracle now. Scenario 1: Greece would have to run the table and beat Denmark, Scotland, and Belarus. Let’s say somehow, they pull off the upset and beat Denmark. Beating Scotland back in Athens and taking care of Belarus shouldn’t be too difficult. That would give Greece 12 points. If we assume Denmark and Scotland both beat Belarus, they’d each move to 10 points with one game left against each other. If that happens, we wouldn’t need help from anyone else: If Denmark and Scotland draw, they’d both finish on 11 points and Greece would take first place. If one of them wins, Greece would finish second and still grab a playoff spot. So, realistically, Greece still controls its own destiny, but only if they win all three games. Scenario 2: If Greece draws with Denmark, then we’d need Denmark to beat Scotland. That would leave both teams tied for second, meaning it all comes down to goal differential. Scotland currently has a big advantage there, so we’d need to absolutely smash Belarus and beat Scotland by a few goals to make it through. Not liking our chances at all but if they pull off a miracle on Sunday somehow beat Denmark that all changes. Group Standings Denmark- 7 Scotland - 7 Greece - 3 Belarus - 0
    3 points
  3. I hope players like Bakasetas, Kourbelis, Mantalos and that age group choose to retire from the national team. Not saying it’s there fault for today game alone but they haven’t helped or lead this team, over the course of 10 years to any major tournament. Just play the youth now and build a solid team for the future because the talent is there.
    2 points
  4. All so preventable too, it is the most frustrating part. We aren't ready, we aren't far off but individual mistakes are costly and we have been punished by just about everyone we've made over 3 games. 9 goals conceded in 2 and a half games is not going to cut it at any level.
    2 points
  5. We gave up two goals today on stupid mistakes, same as Thursday. It's unbelievable.
    2 points
  6. I also don’t see what Kourbelis has done so special in the last 3 years either. Ever since leaving Panathinaikos he has hasn’t done anything significant for the clubs he’s played for. Alexandropoulos is more of a box to box than a defensive midfielder and statistically has better defensive contributions this season. Also better going forward with the ball. Just look at both players goals they both have scored in their careers in the past. Alex has better quality goals. Not saying Alex is the answer but I would say he’s better and he’s the same size. You’d rather go for the better option. Also Triantis 2 goals and 2 assists this season plays in America ok, but still contributes more as a player in both defence and attack. All 3 don’t play at the highest level but we have to make improvements in that area. Point is we have other players of the same size that can do the job he is doing and possibly better. Seen too many errors from an experienced player. Mouzakitis is better than all of them I agree.
    2 points
  7. I don't think we should fully blame the coach. This team is mostly made up of youngsters, and they're the future – and the future looks bright. I really think Kourbelis is the weak link in this team. He's declined a lot, and Masouras is slowly declining as well. We used to have a great defense and a captain with loads of experience at the top level. We're missing those aspects. The coach has a ceiling, but isn't totally to blame. The only thing to blame is the selection of Kourbelis. I'm not singling him out – he's been okay in the past, but nothing more. This is a wake-up call for the Greek league. There needs to be a rule in place regarding the number of foreigners being signed. All teams, except Olympiakos, need to start integrating young Greeks with talent. It would benefit their clubs financially and help the national team in the long run. I still think we should've started the same team that beat Scotland in the Nations League. Out with the players who are 30 years old, and use the team that beat Scotland as the starting 11 going forward. Then, tinker when things need to be tinkered with. I'm disappointed that this could mean we miss another major tournament. If Scotland somehow miraculously draws against Belarus, there's still a chance – that is, if we win our remaining three games.
    2 points
  8. Great last 2 posts from @Bardouuu and @HellasLEAF agree with both you guys. Scotland is clearly an aging squad without much pace or threat on the counter, we played them off their feet in March with the younger starting 11 and Jovanovic should've (easy in hindsight) backed as close to that starting 11 again this time around. He got spooked by the kids being completely dominated by the Danes and reverted to experience (Bakasetas, Masouras). Despite those errors, the team created more than enough chances to win the game. Scotland equalising immediately after we finally scored completely flipped the whole atmosphere. The crowd got going and the Scots started to believe. The team's inability to deal with a dead ball ultimately cost us, I don't know how much of that is on Jovanovic. Probably a little, with regard to structure at set pieces but really it is on the players. The first goal in particular, we had 3 opportunities to clear our lines, and lost every duel in that passage. I don't care if you're playing Brazil or Belarus, that just isn't good enough at this level. It would take a miracle from here, we have to win our last 3 to have any chance of a play-off spot. Clearly beating the Danes away will be awfully tough. Ironically, I think the more experienced and physical Bakasetas and Masouras should probably start this next game. Denmark need to win as they have Scotland breathing down their neck, the Danes will chase the win but I don't think they'll do this from the outset. They will be patient and try to press us high and deny us the chance to build up. I think the longer that game stays at 0-0 the more they will open up and we MAY be able to expose them. There is a path to victory in Copenhagen, but it will require a 100% improvement in performance from the first game against Denmark and a bit of a shift in tactics IMO.
    2 points
  9. This one stings from a diaspora perspective as well, we are never going to host a wc in Australia and this was probably the last time the Americans/Canadians were going to get an opportunity after the 94 debacle. A lot of us have family over there and many would have made the trip.
    1 point
  10. Jovanović Should not get a free pass as he had a dream draw and had the team on a huge high coming into these qualifiers, only to be eliminated by game 4 was a massive failure and because of that he should not be automatically renewed you can't reward guys for failure. He didn't adjust after the disaster against Denmark in Greece, they went on to allow 9 goals against in there next 3 games after they beat Belarus. I'm not saying he should or shouldn't be fired, but he needs to be held accountable as the coach and not automatically get a free pass. I do give the Coach credit for having the balls to call up the young players that we all have been screaming about for years and maybe they need some more time to adjust on the big stage. There's no question the team is talented but right now it's an awkward mix with guys like Bakasaetas, Mantolas, kourbelis which should not play for this team again. it's almost like the script has flipped and we've become better offensively and worse defensively and they need to do something to find a good balance of both. The mistakes made on the field that lead to goals were terrible a lot of stupid plays. The nations league might actually help the team prepare better by playing much better teams but right now this one is going to sting for a while until at least until the world cup is over.
    1 point
  11. We've got a decent squad, but depth is lacking in midfield, particularly at CDM/CM. Up front, we're fine, with players like Ioannidis and Tzimas impressing. I think Ioannidis should be the one starting but that’s me. With Tzimas even taking his place when the time is right. On the wings, we have options like Karetsas, Kostoulas, Konstantelias, Tzolis, and Pnevmonidis. In the younger players, Mouzakitis, Zafeiris, Triantis, and Alexandropoulos stand out. However, it's time to move on from experienced players like Kourbelis, Mantalos, and Siopis. A new captain is needed, someone with top-level experience. Tzolis and Mavropanos are potential candidates, with Koulierakis also in the mix. Bakasetas's time might be up; while he's passionate, his overall play hasn't been impactful enough. Since Ivan took charge, the young players have stepped up, showing promise in attack. However, individual mistakes have cost us, and the older players haven't consistently delivered. A clear-out might be necessary to make way for younger players and bring in fresh talent from decent leagues.
    1 point
  12. Diego Biseswar scored a goal for th Feyenoord legends against those of Celtic. The goal is at approx. 1.18.00. Nothing special but the bodycam that is used is funny and a real addition for viewers in my opinion. https://www.feyenoord.com/nl/news/primeur-bij-legends-match-met-live-bodycam-beelden-131025/
    1 point
  13. Its so frustrating that we have all this talent and its wasted for what to keep playing Kourbelis a guy who plays in the Saudi League and his never really done much for the NT. Also Masouras should not be on the team anymore he cant convert golden chances as we saw in Scotland. Bakasetas cant be a part of the team going forward he has given us some good matches over the last few years but we have better options. Its like the powers that be do not want us to qualify for a major tournament. The most talented roster in a relatively easy group and we are already eliminated with 2 match days remaining! SHAME!! It was a dream draw to get Denmark from pot 1 instead of Portugal and Scotland who are now where near us in talent. Last Euro draw we competed until the last match day in a group with France and Holland were Greece got a draw vs France!! This will go down as one of the biggest disasters ever! Looking around the other groups fing Kosovo, Albania, Skopia are all in a playoff spots at the moment. We may (hopefully not) see these teams at the world cup along with other world beaters like canada, USA, Uzbekistan and might Surinam. What f***ing joke. There needs to be MAJOR changes or the same thing will keep happening!!
    1 point
  14. Ioannidis is not bad. Don’t know why some criticise him. He puts himself in great positions and makes great runs. He created the most chances in the match. Ok he didn’t score which he should’ve but it wasn’t as clear cut as some think. He made the assist. Thank God we have Tzolis aswell. Rota in for Vagiannidis made no sense to me at all. Vagiannidis could’ve been useful going forward. But players like Kourbelis, Siopis, Mantalos and later on Bakasetas should be out of the team. Masouras aswell. There time is up. All players over 30 haven’t gotten us to a major tournament. Should never change the winning team that beat Scotland 3-0 in the the nations league.
    1 point
  15. We are trying to get to the World Cup with guys like Bakasetas, Masouras, Kourbelis, Rota, Ioannidis (not sure what the appeal is with this player, he sucks) over two important matches. They have failed in a previous attempt and have failed again. I respect their efforts and bringing the team to new ranking and Nations League but it's time to move on. Neither keeper is showing satiability. This can worry a backline. Kouleirakis is very good but not a big presence CB in the backline, our big CB Mavropanos starts at West Ham. He's good but not world class. You can see how we concede on set piece. Both wing backs are being changed each match and are decent but again not exactly world class. The most worrying thing is there is no true CM in the team. They go to Bakasetas but he is clearly limited and fading and they don't trust Delias and he is not exactly an imposing figure or top class. This World Cup run has exposed just how far away we are some exciting young talent aside.
    1 point
  16. What a disappointment. Started with such promise beating England then Scotland and promotion to group A of the Nations league. We really have a lot of talent on this NT. I don't know why he would tinker with that lineup that beat Scotland 3-0. We looked so good. Going forward we better not see anymore Kourbelis, Mantalos, Massouras. He has to bring in Triantis and some of the U21 talent (Tzimas, Kostoulas and Rallis) starting from the November games and integrate them into the team. Let all of these kids play in all of the Nation League games and gain experience and build chemistry so that they will be ready for Euro qualifying. Why do all of these coaches mess these things up? Mind you a lot of the blame is the players and not being able to defend set plays and so many brain farts in the last three games. Not all of the blame is on Jovanovic.
    1 point
  17. What a disgusting f***ing match! Greece were given a f***ing dream draw and our campaign is toast just pathetic mistakes in the last 3 matches from goal keeper, defenders and midfielders. The coach who I personally like has to resign. His starting lineups and tactics were a disaster. It is unacceptable not for Denmark but for Scotland to have 10pts and Greece 3 points! Greece have the most talent ever in attack for sure but we got way closer to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup (playoffs) with Tziolis and other much less talented players that many of us here criticized at length.
    1 point
  18. Really, this wasn't even being outclassed by a better team, which Denmark is. We played them evenly enough. Just stupid mistakes that prove we're not ready for the bigtime. But we're not far off. We HAVE to be at UEFA Euro 2028. Whether it's Jovanovic or someone else behind the bench. It's a must.
    1 point
  19. Individual mistakes and defending set pieces is killing us, until this is fixed we wont be able to get results, we created some good opportunities and could have made things interesting but the reality is we've copped 3 goals in each of our last 3 and thats not beating anyone.
    1 point
  20. Are these players under instruction to constantly play the ball back to the keeper? I said it last game we overplay too much and it should not be our style to try and start our buildups from the goalie.
    1 point
  21. And playing the best we had in years up until the start of this campaign
    1 point
  22. This is f***ing embarrassing. We are nowhere close to making tournaments.
    1 point
  23. Defence and goaltending is not up to par. We have some attacking players and not the defence it's the reverse.
    1 point
  24. This is f***ing embarrassing. We are nowhere close to making tournaments.
    1 point
  25. Good start from us, Tsimikas should've hit the target from inside the 6 yard box.
    1 point
  26. I would replace Bakestas with Konstantelias and Kourbelis who has no business playing in this game with Mouzakitis.
    1 point
  27. Looking at the stats of that game, it's pretty even!! In fact, Belarus has more shots on goal than Scotland!
    1 point
  28. Alexandropoulos has had a poor 2-3 years at club level. He has bounced around between Portugal, Belgium and now in the 2nd tier in Germany and hasn't been able to nail down a starting position since leaving PAO (played a good amount of games in Belgium last season but plenty were as a sub or he was hooked off at halftime.) Fair to say he hasn't developed as we would've hoped. Liatsikouras isn't worth mentioning as a possible replacement atm as he has not broken into Olympiacos first team yet. When he does that he will well and truly be on the radar but a kid playing B Ethniki is not going to displace a seasoned international, that is just reality. Mouzakitis should absolutely be a starter going forward. He has quality and is good on the ball, a modern central midfielder. Similarly so is Zaferis. Kourbelis has a role in the squad, he is experienced and a bigger body, the 2 aforementioned are on the smaller side. I believe Triantis is worth a look and we should be seeing him in the near future. Siopis also has his place in the squad, he is needed in certain games. Tomorrow's game is a tough one as to who you start in CM. I think I would start Siopis next to one of Zafeiris/Mouzakitis. I would argue a midfield 3, with the 3 names mentioned could be a decent option, and start without a number 10 and play with 2 number 8's instead. I don't think Jovanovic will do that though, he won't leave out both of Bakasetas/Konstantelias, one will start.
    1 point
  29. Theres already 3 DMs I can name that are better than Kourbelis. Alexandropoulos, Triantis and Liatsikouras (potentially) are better and have more height to them aswell. Siopis isn’t the answer although he has high stamina and a lot of running in him. We had less height in the game against Scotland in the nations league and won comfortably in there home stadium. Mouzakitis awareness and intelligent positioning helped us that game and his attacking ability and playmaking is also superior to all of our mids. Zafeiris covered a lot of ground that game too which is important to note. You never change a winning team. That team in the nations league game that won 3-0 should’ve been the starting lineup going forward.
    1 point
  30. Good points I am not putting all the blame on the coach as we have defensive issues in the old days under Rehagel and Santos and with the backs we had Greece would never lose that match. Our defending has been questionable to say the least but we have Kourbelis vs Denmark dribbling near our box and giving away the ball that leads to a goal. Then he gets the start again in Scotland? Why? what has he done for Greece? I remember him giving away a needless penalty in Finland in 2020 European qualifier and that cost us the match. How is he being selected when he plays in the Saudi league? It makes no sense and I am a PAO fan..
    1 point
  31. Its still crazy that Greece can actually top the group. We should have won that match vs Scotland and we would have been in a great position to get 2nd place at the very least, total domination and we get nothing from it. Who knows if Jovanovich gets the lineup right and we defend like Greek teams of old then we can win this match. If Greece can win in England they can win here. Our problem is we are giving up way to many silly goals. Scotland had no chances in open play there goals came of set pieces and our defense could not clear our lines. The third goal was a stupid mistake from Tzolakis two in the last two matches. No Tzolakis for this match and no Kourbelis and no Masouras very simple!
    1 point
  32. I wouldn’t blame jovanovic for this loss. The players messed this game up. The plan worked well, we had plenty of chances at goal and gave very limited opportunities to Scotland. Unfortunately the coach can’t get on the field and grab the ball for the goalie, and can’t fight for a header or stick a foot out to score a goal. We need to hold the players accountable. Denmark was clearly the better team. Scotland was not, but we handed it over anyway. Really, really tough, and painful loss. They build us up to break us down.. I don’t like our WC outlook whatsoever.
    1 point
  33. Denmark 3-1 Greece FT With the Scotland win, the ethniki aren't coming to America, or Canada, or Mexico
    0 points
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