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Very promising last 2 friendlies from the Ethniki. Gosh, i hope we qualify for the upcoming WC. The pain from missing out so narrowly on the Euro still hurts daily. A wc quali might help me forget that.

Greetings from Maui, Hawaii. Happy New Year to all the forum members and all the PAOK fans. Also Happy 100th Birthday to PAOK in 2026.

So much more satisfying that goal difference is the first tie breaker. Never thought I’d be saying that for a low scoring team historically like us but I’m cautiously optimistic. BRING THE HEAT BOYS. THE 11 YEAR TOURNAMENT DROUGHT ENDS WITH THIS CAMPAIGN. PAME PALIKARIA

Bakasetas is hanging around for another qualifying campaign, you better believe that. He wasn't initially called up for these games but called up as a replacement once Konstantelias was injured, that doesn't scream to me well planned out goodbye testimonial. I maintain Bakasetas has a role to play(off the bench), and to a lesser extent Kourbelis and even lesser extent Masouras. The team's defensive issues can't possibly be laid to blame at Bakasetas' feet. We created a bucket load of chances, as you mention in an attacking sense we have really turned the corner. Defensively we have massive issues. Individual errors which need to be rectified by the players themselves but also our structure and system doesn't seem to provide adequate protection. Jovanovic needs to sort it out and ASAP. You can't be going 3-0 up with 30 minutes to play and the match turns into a rodeo. We must get better at seeing out matches and playing out time to get the result. Otherwise no matter how beautiful we play or how many goals we score, qualifying for a major tournament will remain a pipe dream.

The minute there’s a little hype around this team and they start pulling in crowds they lay a massive egg in big games. They did it with the game against England here, they did it against Georgia and now Denmark.

It goes without saying, this game will be far tougher than the one against Belarus. The Danes who have been mainstays at major tournaments for the last 7 or so years, have been able to build that solid record of qualification on a strong defence. They have been typically tough to break down and have had plenty of results by keeping a clean sheet. So it will be the first real test for our young guns and all their attacking flair. I expect Denmark will look to keep it tight and allow us to have the bulk of possession. Our attack has been blowing teams away, so an early goal and who knows. But I would anticipate a cat and mouse game. I don't expect Jovanovic to make any changes to the starting 11 that we saw today. Even though plenty (myself included) wanted to see Konstantelias instead of Bakasetas, you can't deny Bakasetas has performed time and time again for the Ethniki. He had another good game against the Belarusians, so I don't think he will be dropped for this one.

Looking at a Scottish forum. They clearly think we are the best team in the group. Hopefully we make their words come true…

This is how a big football nation that is serious starts their campaign against lesser nations. So far so good pame! Karetsas 3rd minute goal lol. What a start..

A win here & a tie in the Denmark - Scotland game would be huge

Squad for this match and against Denmark: Βλαχοδήμος, Μανδάς, Τζολάκης, Μαυροπάνος, Χατζηδιάκος, Ρέτσος, Κουλιεράκης, Ρότα, Βαγιαννίδης, Γιαννούλης, Τσιμίκας, Σιώπης, Ζαφείρης, Μάνταλος, Κουρμπέλης, Μασούρας, Πέλκας, Τζόλης, Μουζακίτης, Κωνσταντέλιας, Ιωαννίδης, Παυλίδης, Μπακασέτας, Καρέτσας, Δουβίκας.

Triantis officially commits his future to Greece!

The real question's going to be, what do we do against Denmark? Everything we've seen under Jovanovic has been encouraging though

Big success for PAOK's basketball team, which qualified to the final of the FIBA Europe Cup after defeating Cholet BC 90:88 in France erasing the 1 point deficit from the first semifinal game (88:89) in Thessaloniki. After 29 years PAOK BC will play once again in an European final: 16-Apr-2025: Bilbao Basket - PAOK 23-Apr-2025: PAOK - Bilbao Basket

After years of lacking a quality striker, all of sudden the Ethniki has 3 playing at a high level + Tzimas about to join a Premier League side. And you can throw in Kostoulas to that mix, although I am not sure that he actually has a natural position and I don't think he is an out and out striker. As a general rule, I don't think Greek footballers should be moving at such a young age to England. It didn't work out for Tzolis, Tsimikas really had to bide his time and was almost unsighted for a whole season until becoming a trusted depth player. Mavropanos went to Arsenal super young and eventually had to move to Germany for 2-3 years before moving back to EPL. I just don't think it suits our young players, especially so early in their professional careers. Different to go back as a more seasoned professional who has spent a few years playing abroad. Which is why I think moving to Germany should always be the priority. Beyond that, Portugal, Belgium and even Holland are a good smaller step-up before making a bigger leap. These countries and leagues have a reputation for developing talent and being patient. Unlike your England's, Spain's and Italy's which are a lot more cut throat. I hope Tzimas is the exception, Brighton has become known for signing talents and on selling them for a big profit. There is always added pressure and expectation when you come with a decently sized price tag. Good luck to the kid and I am sure he will get his shot with the Ethniki in the near-ish future.

KALO PARADEISO STA ADERFIA MAS

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!!

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

Our only chance now is getting 2nd as the chance at first is done. What looked to be a dream start by winning and having Scotland and Denmark draw, now looks to be a bad result for us. Would have been better if Denmark beat Scotland. To have at chance at 2nd and a playoff we need to beat Scotland twice and hope for at least a draw in Denmark. (Tough task) I’m still excited about this young team regardless of the result tonight. It’s by far the most skilled team we’ve had and as these kids grow together they will eventually learn how to handle these big games. We need to find a way to take 2nd I can’t handle missing another tournament..

Let's pump the break on all this negative talk. Konstantelias is uber talented, that is why PAOK is getting offer of $20M plus. We had not faced a team that was patient like Denmark and could counter like that. I am sure Jovanovic will see what we did wrong and fix it. We are a young team, these things take time..

This was a good lesson. We went away from what got us here. We beat England in Wembley and can't beat Denmark at home? Taking Karetsas out was the wrong move. Kourbelis should not start going forward.

What a game!! We look good!! When was the last time we could actually score goals like this…ever??? Remember when we had Santos, we had a good team but every game was 1-0…

Good call..

0-0 so far in Copenhagen I sense a 4th goal is coming for Greece soon

prwta8lhma kai kupello ston Purgo ton Leuko !

Please please take this form into the qualifiers!

Jovanovic deserves all the credit for having the balls to role with the kids who are shaping this team. So exciting to watch.

I hope in 2 years from now Greece will be competing in the semifinals of the Nations League during the month of June.

All we are say-ing, 'give kids a chaaance'...

Squad for the two upcoming friendlies: Βλαχοδήμος, Μανδάς, Τζολάκης, Μαυροπάνος, Χατζηδιάκος, Ρέτσος, Κουλιεράκης, Ρότα, Βαγιαννίδης, Γιαννούλης, Τσιμίκας, Σιώπης, Ζαφείρης, Αλεξανδρόπουλος, Κουρμπέλης, Μασούρας, Πέλκας, Τζόλης, Μουζακίτης, Κωνσταντέλιας, Ιωαννίδης, Παυλίδης, Φούντας, Καρέτσας, Δουβίκας, Μπακασέτας.

Last year i decided to start supporting our team economically even if living and working in Athens means probably i will not go to watch any game in Thessaloniki So i bought 2 season tickets for basketball which now i'm gonna renew-rebuy This year i think i will also buy my first season ticket in football And become a member to AC Erasitexnh SUPPORT OUR TEAM BUYING A SEASON TICKET !

Zeca announced his retirement and plays his last match tomorrow. As Pana has secured #2 I have no doubt he gets some playing time. So he ends with 34 caps and 2 goals for the Ethniki.

I believe if your good enough your old enough. As shown in our last game the young guys can go. They’ve even lifted the team at a higher level. Χριστός Ανέστη

nikh prokrish me thn 2h 11ada

Hopefully a better showing this time. We had a ton of absences last round. This is important to me because I think we've shown we actually can compete at this level. Let's see if we can score a few goals.

congrats to our team we want the double !

The last time this happened, Greece end up winning EURO 2004 : D

That starting 11 was a joke. Whats the point of using players that wont be part of our next cycle? Farewell games? Did these "legends" win us a euro or take us to a major tournament to deserve an extra game? Jovanovic has ended up being a massive dissapointment.

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.

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.

That lineup was doomed from the start.

I believe going forward Mouzakitis has to be starting over Kourbelis. The kid is one of the most sought after young mids right now. You cannot be starting Kourbelis over Mouzakitis. He was directly responsible for their first goal with his giveaway. Tzolis is our best player right now on the NT but he gave the ball away like 4 or 5 times unacceptable. Tzolakis had a complete brain fart on the 3rd goal. What was he doing? I also find Tsimikas to be a bit of a defensive liability that's why I prefer Giannoulis. We definitely need a win in Scotland to get us back into 2nd place. I hope all the players are fit for the October games.

One of the more interesting football accounts on twitter and instagram updated their direct qualification probabilities after yesterday's games. Before, Denmark was slightly favored to win the group. Obviously it is still early days but Monday will be potentially huge, one way or the other. This is probably the most evenly matched group (statistically) in UEFA qualifying.

Greece 4-0 Belarus HT Standing O from the crowd in Piraeus and deservingly so!

That link is right and I used it to buy tickets when Hellas played Scotland earlier this year in Nations League. I live in Canada but obviously of Greek descent but I don't have AMKA. You don't need it for National Team games. I think they asked for passport number when purchasing the ticket on that link but that was it. I got the tickets on my smartphone and scanned them at the gate security and was in no problem.

FT 5-0 very good performance. I needed that as much as the team.

The player is vacationing in Crete, so no direct flight from Mexico is needed.

Diego Biseswar was in attendance at today's match vs the Cypriots, there are a handful of short clips here as they gave him an impromptu interview. God, what a classy player he was. Couldn't run, maintained a gut, but what an artist. https://www.sdna.gr/podosfairo/1333055_mpisesbar-sto-sdna-moy-eleipse-o-paok-elpizo-na-eimai-akomi-stis-kardies-sas

Team has announced Pavlenka's extension, through June 2027. Giorgos Lagonidis (from our B team, CB) will shortly be a free agent and has been announced by Volos as their newest poached signing. I believe I saw a blurb about Chatsidis (who was promoted to our B team in January, playing ST) being extended as well. I have a feeling Mythou (who was scoring for fun all last season) will find himself in our senior team as an unused third option as well. Mythou, btw, is 18 while Chatsidis is 19. -edit- late breaking news (on instagram, ew) that Meite has agreed to our latest offer and will be signing with us again. Is it really possible we'd have a signing and two renewals completed before day 1 of training? -edit again- even more late breaking news that we have a "verbal agreement" with Greg Taylor https://inpaok.com/866905/ektakto-proforiki-symfonia-me-teilor/

Totally agree. The young ones have proven they are ready. They turned the 1st leg around against Scotland and dominated in the 2nd leg! The 3-0 win could’ve been more. We are still waiting on the inclusion of both Kostoulas and Tzimas too.

Just read between the second and third red line, re debeli. Basically Red Bull Salzburg must finish 2nd or 4th in order to be in CL or CoL and clear our path if Oly wins the cup. If OFI winst the cup the scenarios can be deleted and forgotten. So, that's a fee (coming to you) of only € 150,00 excl. VAT because you are my friend.