2022-2023 Nations League: Northern Ireland - Greece (2 June 2022, 21:45 EET, Windsor Park, Belfast)

[Dutch Eagle]

First match in a series of four before the summer break. The other two matches will be played in September.

Let’s see who Gus Poyet will select and if he can win his first official match for the Ethniki.  

[Alphonse]

Oh boy! 2.5 weeks to go!

[kolokotronis99tripoli]

We weren’t even in Pot 1 for League C ? We need to dominate literally don’t drop any points. Realistically won’t happen but I guy can dream and one more time boys I’m coming into this “tournament” with a positive outlook lol

[kolokotronis99tripoli]

Giakoumakis Limnios Pavlidis Tsimikas Vlach are all in great form (Giannoulis too just on a bad team). Exciting stuff! Hopefully coach will find a way to fit them all in to some capacity!

[kbxk508]

T. Fountas has been doing well in MLS - 6 appearances; 5 goals 1 assist. I always thought he's a useful player with a good eye for goal.

[PaokCT]

In 3 games in Northern Ireland, we have gone 1-2. Got swept vs them in the 2014-2015 Euro Campaign. Our market value is 123 million while theirs, 30 million. We have the clear advantage, but let's face it, we never make it easy. I see a 1-1 draw. Honestly, I'd be content with a draw cause we should be able to take care of them in Greece.

[kolokotronis99tripoli]

I really hope we come out and use the momentum our individual players have for a crazy unexpected 3-0 win. That would be a great start to Gussy’s coaching tenure. 

Edited May 27, 2022 by kolokotronis99tripoli

[ausgreek]

With Tzavellas being called up again, just call up Stafylidis as well, and be done with it.

[Jimmyp]

6 hours ago, ausgreek said:

With Tzavellas being called up again, just call up Stafylidis as well, and be done with it.

I don’t think the defenders will be the problem. I understand, he shouldn’t be there. I agree 100 percent. But I think it’s the attack that should be focused on. You can’t win if you don’t score. And that’s a big problem. 

[ausgreek]

7 hours ago, Jimmyp said:

I don’t think the defenders will be the problem. I understand, he shouldn’t be there. I agree 100 percent. But I think it’s the attack that should be focused on. You can’t win if you don’t score. And that’s a big problem. 

I hope Gaffer will have the team reflecting his playing style, given he has one. If the players can carry that out then they will win more. There is a continuation of previous regimes though, for whatever reason, injuries aside. None of Manolas, Sokratis, Siovas, Fetfa, Ninis and Fortounis. There is a reluctance in desiring technically gifted and experienced players anywhere near this squad, unless you are Tzavellas and Bakasetas.

[paokarag4]

Early reports saying Poyet has decided what the starting eleven will look like, no massive surprises but once again our midfield appears to be lacking. 

---------------Vlachodimos---------------

Kotsiras----Xatzidiakos--Mavropanos--Tsimikas

------Siopis----Bakasetas---Bouchalakis/Kourbelis

Douvikas------Giakoumakis-----Limnios

 

https://www.sport24.gr/football/ethniki-elladas-protes-dokimes-poget-me-giakoymaki-stin-koryfi-kai-provlima-me-masoyra.9650587.html

 

Masouras has a knock and it's touch and go if he'll be fit in time. Not sure about Douvikas on the wing but happy with the more physical Giakoumakis leading the line against what will be some physical center backs. Limnios had a terrific season numbers wise, became a starter for a top 4 team in Holland with over 8 league goals 4-5 assists, I am interested to see if he has had added any strings to his bow or is still the hard working/workman like winger he was when he left PAOK 2 years ago. 

Midfield doesn't look overly inspiring but its the best we have, I think Bouchalakis will struggle with the pace and physicality over the Northern Irish. Not that Kourbelis is super quick and I am honestly not sure what his form has been like since returning from that long term injury, but he I think can at least mix it with the Northern's physically and will throw his weight around. 

Looks unlikely at this stage Baldock will start, given he only joined up with the team a few days ago. He is probably suited to playing against these guys though, and he himself said that he has played against almost the whole NI squad throughout his years in England. 

[Blackhawk]

TV coverage for the game:

Alpha TV, Novasports Prime (Greece), Cytavision Sports 4 (Cyprus), Premier Sports 1 (UK), Optus Sport (Australia), DAZN (Canada), Fubo Sports Network (USA)

Greek Soccer TV Schedules: https://www.facebook.com/Greeksoccerontv

[Alphonse]

Which we had some better midfield, rest of it is ok

[J1078]

Βλαχοδήμος, Τσιμίκας, Ρότα, Μαυροπάνο, Χατζηδιάκο, Σιώπης, Μπακασέτας, Μπουχαλάκης, Λημνιός, Μάνταλο, Γιακουμάκη.

[Alphonse]

Def nervous… midfield just doesn’t give me the confidence I want 

[J1078]

1 minute ago, Alphonse said:

Def nervous… midfield just doesn’t give me the confidence I want 

Same.. That’s our biggest problem and has been for over 5 years now..

[Omonoia9]

NORTHERN IRELAND

 

1 Peacock-Farrell(GK)

2 Bradley

5 Evans

4 Ballard

3 Lane

17 McNair

8 Davis(Captain)

6 Saville

16 McCann

9 Lavery

18 Whyte

 

BENCH

 

12 Southwood(GK)

23 Carson(GK)

7 McGinn

10 Lafferty

11 Charles

13 Hume

14 McCalmont

15 McMenamin

19 Donnelly

20 Charles

21 McCann

22 Brown

 

Manager: Ian Baraclough(ENG)

[Omonoia9]

GREECE

 

1 Vlachodimos(GK)

21 Tsimikas

17 Hatzidiakos

4 Mavropanos

15 Rota

5 Bouchalakis

23 Siopis

11 Bakasetas(Captain)

20 Mantalos

18 Limnios

19 Giakoumakis

 

BENCH

 

12 Paschalakis(GK)

13 Athanasiadis(GK)

2 Baldock

3 Tzavellas

6 Kourbelis

7 Chatzigiovanis

8 Alexandropoulos

9 Douvikas

10 Tzolis

14 Papanikolaou

16 Pavlidis

22 Giannoulis

 

Manager: Gustavo Poyet(URU)

[J1078]

Mantalos and Liminos should not be starting bad move by Poyet. he should have Tzolis and Douvikas from the players available.

Edited June 2, 2022 by J1078

[kolokotronis99tripoli]

We’re gonna need some streams boys !

[PaokCT]

Found a link through Reddit soccer streams… 

 

This is a horrible game so far. Bunch of turnovers 

[trotsk13]

4 minutes ago, PaokCT said:

Found a link through Reddit soccer streams… 

Link??

 

 

[Ellada2004]

48 minutes ago, J1078 said:

Mantalos and Liminos should not be starting bad move by Poyet. he should have Tzolis and Douvikas from the players available.

Mantalos is a disaster!!

[kolokotronis99tripoli]

We have pace on the sides and are pushing the ball up but as soon a pass is given to a midfielder, our attack totally stalls. So annoying

[Ellada2004]

Greece are controlling the game. Our miss just need to get the ball to Giakoumakis he looks dangerous. N. Ireland offer nothing going forward.