Brklyngrk

So I would imagine - Giakoumakis/Pavlidis/Douvikas?? I think that makes sense giving that Giakoumakis has been tearing it up and Pavlidis has been playing well even though he hasn't scored as much as last year. A call up at least allows him to try him out with all the players. Let them practice together and see what happens.

Well - regarding Toro, seeing the competition, I can see why they would think that. We all have opinions on call ups and we all voice it amongst ourselves. As professional athletes, I am sure they all do the same especially when they see the talent. The key is not to make it public. Siovas/Fefta were made examples for their professionalism and rightfully so. Having said that, if they apologize, like Siovas did, then accept it and move on with the understanding that one more transgression and it's over.

Sokrates/Manolas did the ethniki a service. Under the coach at the time, preparation was a disaster. They voiced their concern and no one did anything. They were basically ignored. They had a three week camp and had not even scouted the opposition. The coach asked (I believe Siovas) do play left back at game time. A position he had never played in his life against Italy. Them speaking up was a service to the ethniki. They were the most senior and influential and the only ones who could make a change. The end result was that the coach was replaced and we got a clean slate. Say what you want, but JVS has been doing his best. He has made us more attacking and has the ethniki playing more offensive football. Under his watch, we have seen players like Tziolis and Limnios get call ups. While we couldn't break down Slovenia, he dominated that game and the gk made some great saves. Pre JVS, how often did you see a descent team (Slovenia) play with 10 men back against us? If attitude is a problem, then yes, by all means don't call them up. But if I remember correctly, that wasn't the case with those two. I believe he wanted to start fresh and realized how much influence they had over the team. He wanted to exclude them to instill his vision of the team and try new players. We all deserve second chances and if they want to serve and follow the rules, call them up. Even Fetfa (who actually broke team rules), should be given a chance if he asks for one. Team above all else.

Over 2-1

Manolas/Papa were told they could be back. Ninis is still not that old. If they honor their commitment, I do not have a problem with them.

You want your best players. If you don't want to include Mitroglou/Papastathopoulos bc they are older, I get it. Papastathopoulos may offer some leadership/professionalism but I understand. Attitude and professionalism though are imperative. If you can't offer that, then you don't belong.

Why not? Leave politics out of it. They have a good team and will be a good test.

Those are good games against quality opponents...

Manolas/Sok did not have an actual falling out with JVS if I remember correctly. He called them up initially and when the qualifiers were out of reach, he said he was going with younger players. He hasn't called them since. I am sure he didn't care for their attitude but I don't believe it was an actual argument.

RW - Limnios hasn't played much in Germany. He looked a little ragged last time he started with the ethniki. Not sure though who is the best option? Fetfa is not happening but that would be a good one. CB - This one will be interesting. Ideally it would be Manolas/Siovas but we shall see what the coach picks. RB - Not sure, Masouras has never been called up before. Not sure if JVS will pick him. If not him, Bakakis? Is Ballock going to be picked? CM - One will be Kourbellis/Zeca, the other should be Mantalos. Galo would have been a good choice if he didn't get hurt. Subs - I hope he selects Douvikas. Maybe even Ninis is he continues playing well (was injured and just got back).

I had read that the construction got pricey and with the delays that happened, they felt that it was better to move on.

They need a consistent home where they can get a good crowd, hopefully Toumba is that place....

He signed a 2 1/2 year deal, apparently many foreign teams were interested but he chose OLY over them.

If this was done in the states, let's say for the NFL, there would be a FULL investigation done by both the NFL and federal agencies. The NFL's investigations are just as thorough if not more so than the police departments. Tom Brady was accused of using deflated footballs and he got suspended and fined.

Maybe a young Holebas. They are both good players with I believe Tsimikas being the better player. Giannoulis is still good and he has had some great games, especially the game against Benfica.

I thought he was taken out to give their team a boost.

Doesn't Vrousai and Masouras play the same position at OLY?

How did they play today? It is clear that they need more depth.

Great job! Not many podcasts out there where we can listen to conversations about the Ethniki!!

While they may have clinched, they may use the last game to test players who haven't played. Those guys will be eager to impress and earn a spot on the WC team. Spain has a lot of depth.

Limnios looked a little off during the last two games. Not sure if it's bc of his lack of game time at Koln. Don't get me wrong, he has been our best player this past year. Just looked a little rusty.

Croatia was a really good team and it showed at the world cup. Funny, this is the first time in awhile I am more worried about our defense than I am about creating chances. I feel Bakakis will get ripped apart if he starts. The other thing is I would like to see how we stand against quality opposition. Our last test against quality opposition was against Austria and we should have won. I would love to see Manolas/Siovas as the CBs, Fortounis at AM, Tziolis on the wing, Galanopoulos (if fit) over one of Kourbelis/Zeca, and somebody else other than Bakakis/Mavrias at RB (it has to be a legit rb and not a converted cb). Hopefully that isn't too much to ask for....

I think we also play up to our opposition. We played Belgium tough in both games in 2018 when they were the number 1 team. Anything is possible - the key is to solidify our defense now as we won't be dominating possession as have been used to. On the other side, we finally have guys who are fast who can create chances on the sides. These games won't be as closed as we have played the last few times.

Sweden play similar to how we played in the early 2000s, more defensive. Anything is possible. 2nd is doable if we play to our strengths. This will be a great test to see how far we have come.

For some reason, they played him at right back and he didn't play well. Got a yellow and was subbed out at halftime.