XXX-18T Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 Cyprus may have lost 2-1 at home to France in a recent Euro 2004 qualifier, but those 90 minutes were a personal triumph for Yiannakis Okkas. The forward opened the scoring early on with a delicate chip that left French keeper Gregory Coupet completely stranded, and generally was a man inspired. His clever movement, speed and ability with the ball at his feet meant he often proved too hot to handle for France's much- vaunted centre-backs, Marcel Desailly and Philippe Christanval. The PAOK Salonika forward's dribbling skills posed a conundrum that the former rarely solved, while the latter seemed a nervous wreck every time Okkas came near him. 'Yes, I thought I had a good game tonight,' said the 24-year-old. 'Despite their poor World Cup, the French are still one of the best international teams around, and it's a matter of great pride that we gave them a lot of problems.' Since quitting Cypriot champions Anorthosis Famagusta for PAOK Salonika in summer 2000, Okkas has worked hard to shed his image of a richly talented but erratic performer. Now, it is only a question of time before he cashes in with a transfer to Western Europe. The forward has been linked in the past with Juventus, Udinese, West Ham and Blackburn; thanks to his display against the French, there should be even more scouts beating a path to PAOK's Toumbas stadium, especially with the asking price likely to be no more than œ2million. PAOK could use the money since the collapse of the main pay-TV deal in Greece and some injudicious financial decisions have left the club with a mountain of debt. In fact, Okkas very nearly did not start the current campaign in PAOK colours. Unhappy about the non-payment of their salaries, theforward and fellow Cypriots Yiasemakis Yiasoumi and Yiotis Engomitis filed a suit to have their contracts with PAOK declared null and void. However, majority shareholder Giorgios Batatoudis somehow found the money to meet the arrears, and the Greek Economic Court of Appeal ruled against Okkas and company. Although not entirely happy to still be at PAOK, Okkas has not been sulking. He was outstanding in his club's 4-1 win over Panathinaikos on the opening day of the season and scored with a magnificent lob in the 5-3 aggregate success against Portuguese side Leixoes in the UEFA Cup first round. He is playing for a move and should soon have his wish. FACT FILE Club PAOK Salonika (Gre) Country Cyprus Born December 11, 1977, in Larnaca Previous clubs Nea Salamina, Anorthosis Famagusta International debut February 1997, v Poland International caps 45 (9 goals) Honours Cypriot League 1998, 1999, 2000 (Anorthosis); Cypriot Cup 1998; Greek Cup 2001 Back to index Current Issue The current issue Subscribe to World Soccer Manage or renew your subscription Advertisements Poll: Who will win the Champions League? Chelsea Liverpool Milan Inter Juventus Lyon Bayern Munich PSV whatever :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drakos13 Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 Cyprus may have lost 2-1 at home to France in a recent Euro 2004 qualifier, but those 90 minutes were a personal triumph for Yiannakis Okkas. The forward opened the scoring early on with a delicate chip that left French keeper Gregory Coupet completely stranded, and generally was a man inspired. His clever movement, speed and ability with the ball at his feet meant he often proved too hot to handle for France's much- vaunted centre-backs, Marcel Desailly and Philippe Christanval. The PAOK Salonika forward's dribbling skills posed a conundrum that the former rarely solved, while the latter seemed a nervous wreck every time Okkas came near him. 'Yes, I thought I had a good game tonight,' said the 24-year-old. 'Despite their poor World Cup, the French are still one of the best international teams around, and it's a matter of great pride that we gave them a lot of problems.' Since quitting Cypriot champions Anorthosis Famagusta for PAOK Salonika in summer 2000, Okkas has worked hard to shed his image of a richly talented but erratic performer. Now, it is only a question of time before he cashes in with a transfer to Western Europe. The forward has been linked in the past with Juventus, Udinese, West Ham and Blackburn; thanks to his display against the French, there should be even more scouts beating a path to PAOK's Toumbas stadium, especially with the asking price likely to be no more than œ2million. PAOK could use the money since the collapse of the main pay-TV deal in Greece and some injudicious financial decisions have left the club with a mountain of debt. In fact, Okkas very nearly did not start the current campaign in PAOK colours. Unhappy about the non-payment of their salaries, theforward and fellow Cypriots Yiasemakis Yiasoumi and Yiotis Engomitis filed a suit to have their contracts with PAOK declared null and void. However, majority shareholder Giorgios Batatoudis somehow found the money to meet the arrears, and the Greek Economic Court of Appeal ruled against Okkas and company. Although not entirely happy to still be at PAOK, Okkas has not been sulking. He was outstanding in his club's 4-1 win over Panathinaikos on the opening day of the season and scored with a magnificent lob in the 5-3 aggregate success against Portuguese side Leixoes in the UEFA Cup first round. He is playing for a move and should soon have his wish. FACT FILE Club PAOK Salonika (Gre) Country Cyprus Born December 11, 1977, in Larnaca Previous clubs Nea Salamina, Anorthosis Famagusta International debut February 1997, v Poland International caps 45 (9 goals) Honours Cypriot League 1998, 1999, 2000 (Anorthosis); Cypriot Cup 1998; Greek Cup 2001 Back to index Current Issue The current issue Subscribe to World Soccer Manage or renew your subscription Advertisements Poll: Who will win the Champions League? Chelsea Liverpool Milan Inter Juventus Lyon Bayern Munich PSV yes and you wonder why those teams never followed interest......they were interested when he ran with the ball, and as soon as he tried to shoot or pass they recalled the scouts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vasili0s Posted April 22, 2005 Share Posted April 22, 2005 The question is what have you done for me lately ? That article was from years ago, and still does not fail to mention his tendency of "erratic performances" :yawns: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bides Posted April 22, 2005 Author Share Posted April 22, 2005 taken his team to the cup semi final.................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vasili0s Posted April 23, 2005 Share Posted April 23, 2005 You've proven alot bides, mainly how blinded you are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drakos13 Posted April 23, 2005 Share Posted April 23, 2005 taken his team to the cup semi final.................. yes without the worthless Okkas OSFP would have never made it to the GREEK CUP SEMI FINAL....... Its such a rare occasion they make it this far :tdown: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XXX-18T Posted April 23, 2005 Share Posted April 23, 2005 yes without the worthless Okkas OSFP would have never made it to the GREEK CUP SEMI FINAL....... Its such a rare occasion they make it this far :tdown: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bides Posted April 23, 2005 Author Share Posted April 23, 2005 You've proven alot bides, mainly how blinded you are. He didnt save them with his goal against Kallithea he didnt score two goals against Kastoria.. He didnt set up Djordevic for the only goal the other game.... He didnt prolong his crappy team against Sochoaux in Europe.... Whta the heck did Giovanni do all year.. Your blinded he hekps in other ways even though he is not producing as much..... When he plays with Mihalaki with the National team he has no problems in scoring goals, maybe its just your crappy team..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drakos13 Posted April 23, 2005 Share Posted April 23, 2005 He didnt save them with his goal against Kallithea he didnt score two goals against Kastoria.. He didnt set up Djordevic for the only goal the other game.... He didnt prolong his crappy team against Sochoaux in Europe.... Whta the heck did Giovanni do all year.. Your blinded he hekps in other ways even though he is not producing as much..... When he plays with Mihalaki with the National team he has no problems in scoring goals, maybe its just your crappy team..... yeah actually he does have problems scoring goals with Cyprus.....i have only seen him play twice this year with Kypro and he had the exact same characteristics of not scoring and sucking. His goal vs Kallithea? you mean that peice of crap that went in with tons of luck cuz the goalkeeper nearly jumped over okkas? he didnt do anything that game please, enough. enough of okkas talk...he sucks, and he proves it every game. He can dribble and THATS IT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bides Posted April 23, 2005 Author Share Posted April 23, 2005 yeah actually he does have problems scoring goals with Cyprus.....i have only seen him play twice this year with Kypro and he had the exact same characteristics of not scoring and sucking. His goal vs Kallithea? you mean that peice of crap that went in with tons of luck cuz the goalkeeper nearly jumped over okkas? he didnt do anything that game please, enough. enough of okkas talk...he sucks, and he proves it every game. He can dribble and THATS IT. WE know he is your favourite player Drakos its ok Im sure Okkas appreciates it LOL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CH-Thrylos Posted April 23, 2005 Share Posted April 23, 2005 He didnt save them with his goal against Kallithea he didnt score two goals against Kastoria.. He didnt set up Djordevic for the only goal the other game.... He didnt prolong his crappy team against Sochoaux in Europe.... Whta the heck did Giovanni do all year.. Your blinded he hekps in other ways even though he is not producing as much..... When he plays with Mihalaki with the National team he has no problems in scoring goals, maybe its just your crappy team..... i dont remember anybody in here mentioning at any time that giovanni has made great things this year. about our crappy team (league goals): rivaldo: 9 giovanni: 9 djole: 5 anatolakis: 4 castillo: 4 georgiadis: 3 okkas: 3 georgatos: 2 stoltidis: 2 kafes: 1 how does it come that anatolakis, a defender, and castillo who plays way less than okkas have more goals than him? even the bourdello giovanni of this year has three times as much goals as him? or georgiadis who has been out for most of the season? okkas has scored 9 goals all in all this year. 3 in the league, 4 in the cup and one each in cl and uc. we all agree that he is working a lot on the field and that he is helping as much as he can. why cant you just accept and admit it that he sucks in front of the goal. if he would make more goals out of the chances he gets he could be among the leaders in the league. but he isnt. period Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYC_Olympiakos Posted April 24, 2005 Share Posted April 24, 2005 i dont remember anybody in here mentioning at any time that giovanni has made great things this year. about our crappy team (league goals): rivaldo: 9 giovanni: 9 djole: 5 anatolakis: 4 castillo: 4 georgiadis: 3 okkas: 3 georgatos: 2 stoltidis: 2 kafes: 1 how does it come that anatolakis, a defender, and castillo who plays way less than okkas have more goals than him? even the bourdello giovanni of this year has three times as much goals as him? or georgiadis who has been out for most of the season? okkas has scored 9 goals all in all this year. 3 in the league, 4 in the cup and one each in cl and uc. we all agree that he is working a lot on the field and that he is helping as much as he can. why cant you just accept and admit it that he sucks in front of the goal. if he would make more goals out of the chances he gets he could be among the leaders in the league. but he isnt. period surpised me to see Giovanni with 9 goals this year but alot of his goals came early on the season it just shows Okkas is way out of position he is a midfielder he is not a striker period Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bides Posted April 24, 2005 Author Share Posted April 24, 2005 i dont remember anybody in here mentioning at any time that giovanni has made great things this year. about our crappy team (league goals): rivaldo: 9 giovanni: 9 djole: 5 anatolakis: 4 castillo: 4 georgiadis: 3 okkas: 3 georgatos: 2 stoltidis: 2 kafes: 1 how does it come that anatolakis, a defender, and castillo who plays way less than okkas have more goals than him? even the bourdello giovanni of this year has three times as much goals as him? or georgiadis who has been out for most of the season? okkas has scored 9 goals all in all this year. 3 in the league, 4 in the cup and one each in cl and uc. we all agree that he is working a lot on the field and that he is helping as much as he can. why cant you just accept and admit it that he sucks in front of the goal. if he would make more goals out of the chances he gets he could be among the leaders in the league. but he isnt. period Agreed he makes and creates chances and he is working hard, but has trouble finishing... HE is way out position he should be in the middle of the field organizing the game or play on the wings... This is due to bayevic, if this guy could finish he would be amoung the best....No doubt in my mind.....Had some bad luck too he hit about ten posts this year and a few goals called back.. Monaco, Paok that were clear goals..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bides Posted April 24, 2005 Author Share Posted April 24, 2005 Your also forgetting how many teams he has been fouled and got penelty shots that does not come on the stat box... He was in the top five players being fouled the most in Champions League and number 1 in Greece..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drakos13 Posted April 24, 2005 Share Posted April 24, 2005 OKKAS ORGANIZING!!!!!!!!! :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: that guy SUCKS at stringing passes nevermind holding a midfield! the only position that guy will fit in is a wing player... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panathinaikos_Trifilli Posted April 24, 2005 Share Posted April 24, 2005 hes a good player for olym because he can run with the ball fast, maybe his shooting ability isnt the best in the world, in greece, in olympiakos, in the u-10 cypriot team, but he can run and keep the ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adonis Posted April 24, 2005 Share Posted April 24, 2005 Your also forgetting how many teams he has been fouled and got penelty shots that does not come on the stat box... He was in the top five players being fouled the most in Champions League and number 1 in Greece..... Is this guy serious! OMG Some of the Olympiakos fans are even bagging Okkas finishing! The guy is a katsiki in front of goals - and it just shows the fact that Giovanni has scored 3 times as many in the League!!!!!!! Get over the fact that Okkas is Cyprian and you'll truly see wat type of a player he is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :whistle: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOLLYWOOD Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 ill let this one slide :whistle: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bides Posted April 25, 2005 Author Share Posted April 25, 2005 Is this guy serious! OMG Some of the Olympiakos fans are even bagging Okkas finishing! The guy is a katsiki in front of goals - and it just shows the fact that Giovanni has scored 3 times as many in the League!!!!!!! Get over the fact that Okkas is Cyprian and you'll truly see wat type of a player he is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :whistle: What is Cyprian is that Chinese!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYC_Olympiakos Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 hes a good player for olym because he can run with the ball fast, maybe his shooting ability isnt the best in the world, in greece, in olympiakos, in the u-10 cypriot team, but he can run and keep the ball. i have constantly said this Okkas would be terrific on the wings sends the ball nicely to the box and where he can utilize his speed which is one of his great assets i don;'t think he can be in charge of a midfield not his thing we need to find somebody else for that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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