Soprano76

I'll check out that YouTube page when I get a moment! I'm with you 100% on the ancient Macedonians being a Greek tribe. This is well attested and academically supported. I also am not too fond of the Prespa Agreement since it recognizes a distinct "Macedonian" language and ethnicity when neither of those exist. The following is tangential to the name dispute but 100 years ago, the wider geographic region of Macedonia was a demographic hodge-podge. Any serious person knows that "ethnic Macedonians" were not a thing until Bulgarians like Goce Delche spoke that narrative into existence. However, Greeks were certainly not the majority and were the 2nd or 3rd most numerous ethno-linguistic group in the region until the population exchanges. Ethnic continuity is quite a dicey thing and I internally debate this all the time, but I would wager a large number of ntopioi Makedones are descended from Slavs who were living in the area during the early 20th century. It's hard to say with the Pontians as well; to what degree are they descended from Greeks who settled in the Black Sea region 2500 years ago or to more recent Anatolian (Laz, Armenian, Turkic) peoples? However, this makes little difference to me. I consider the ntopioi Makedones and Pontioi as 100% Greek so long as they identify as such.

Interesting. Are they Pontian or ntopioi?

We are now halfway through the Football League season and the top 5 are as follows: 1. NPS Volos (38 pts) => promotion-------------------------------2. Kerkyra FC (29 pts) => promotion playoffs-------------------------------3. Apollon Larissa FC (27 pts)4. Panachaiki (24 pts)5. Platanias (24 pts)Panax have really made a push the past month or so are are close to a promotion spot. There's been some rumbling on the internet that if NPS Volos gets promoted they will merge with Olympiakos Volos; would be great news if so because the Superleague doesn't need any bourdelo clubs.

Update on some of the gamma ethniki groups:Group 1: AO Kavala in 2nd place (4 pts behind the lead)Group 2: Veroia in 2nd place (2 pts behind the lead with a game in hand)Group 4: Niki Volos in 1st (47 pts), Oly Volos in 2nd (44 pts)Group 5: Ethnikos Pireaus in 1st (2 pts ahead of 2nd place with a game in hand)Group 7: Egaleio in 1st (8 points ahead of 2nd place)Group 8: Kalamata in 1st (4 points ahead of 2nd place)Most teams have played anywhere from 15-17 games so far.

Cognitive dissonance is truly powerful. As is customary, it seems like the Skopian diaspora are much more radicalized than the people living in Skopia itself. If you want a laugh, take a look at the "Macedonian Truth" forum. They view any evidence backing the Macedonians being a Greek tribe as either fake or misinterpreted. They genuinely believe that the Greek government pays tens of thousands to academic around the world to lie about this stuff. It's amazing.

That red card kills. Half way here though!

Fetfatzidis coming to Aris?

Minor detail but Michelis is an Asteras product, no?

Good win against a tough team. Bravo Aris.

12-14 is a good spot. What you really need is successful clubs in larger towns like Larissa, Patra, Heraklion and Volos that can support a competitive club financially. Atromitos have had an impressive run recently but are never going to be at the bottom of Super League attendances.

I think it's better off that way. Their best players seem to be loanees so once they go back to their actual teams the talent will be a bit drained. I'd rather the European spot go to Aris or Xanthi.

Another goal from the Cookie Monster today... that's 20 on the season

Very disappointed with the way Aris has been playing lately. Was hoping for a top 5 finish from them.

Koulouris has really been something this year. He's nearing 20 goals in all competitions. Did he come out of nowhere or was he always an exciting prospect for PAOK? I hope he can sustain this form.

Why a replay?

HAHA so much for my selection of the Vikings to rep the NFC. Brady, Belichick and the Pats are the greatest dynasty in American professional sports and it's not even close.

Larissa deserve better than Kougias

Just get 19. 17 and 18 have little difference plus 19 has all La Liga stadiums (except Barca) and champ/Europa league broadcast

Olympiakos undoubtedly has the greatest pedigree in the continental competitions since I've started following Greek footy (2012ish). This reputation was also reinforced this season with Oly progressing from a difficult group, tying Betis and beating Milan in the process, whereas PAOK flamed out of a group with two cupcake teams.

I disagree with recalling Koulouris IMO. No need to stunt his development as he is playing really well right now. Plus I think Akpom and Karelis are enough for the Superleague (and an 8 point lead).

Great showings from Panachaiki and Kissamikos. As always, Greece does things ass backwards. Having a group stage and two-leg ties almost eliminates underdog runs like in other domestic cups or USA March Madness. A shame.

Καλά Χριστούγεννα παιδιά!!

All in all, no major "giant slayings" in the group stages. Perhaps the most surprising results was Gamma Ethniki side OF Ierapetra getting a draw with two SuperLeague teams. The round of 16 will include 13 SuperLeague teams and 3 Football League teams (NPS Volos, Ergotelis, Panachaiki).

Good to see. Hopefully PAOK can provide some good local players both for the senior team and NT in years to come. Especially if Nea Toumba becomes a reality...

After an embarrassing display in Europe this season by AEK and PAOK, Oly came through. With their win, Greece moved up to 13th in the coefficient rankings