The Greek team are through to the final of the All Nations Cup after defeating Italy 2-0 in the semi-final on Saturday, November 12.
Greece took control from the start of the match and dominated the first half. They were rewarded in the 44th minute with a brilliant goal by George Mells, taking a 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
The Greek team continued their dominance in the second half and in the 75th minutes Dennis Menelaou rose from the pack to header the ball into the right-hand corner, giving Greece an unassailable victory.
Greece will next play South Sudan in the All Nations Cup final on Saturday, November 19.
The President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis OAM, was ecstatic after the win.
“I entered the rooms pre-match and addressed the boys. I explained to them how proud they’ve made us feel with all their performances so far and how they’ve all played as a team and represented the Hellenic spirit in the best possible way,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
“Having gone down to 10 men against Somalia in the quarter final, they never gave up and showed what can be achieved if they all stayed united. I expressed to them that whatever the result against Italy, we have all gained enormously in this journey as one. Against Italy, they didn’t let us down and produced a dominant performance and were deserved winners.
“The final will be a must-attend event for all, especially us Greek Australians. This tournament has brought all of us together and the GCM is so proud of this team and all the coaches.”
Team Manager, Kon Kyranakis, also couldn’t praise the boys highly enough.
“What an amazing display of team football and I believe it’s all about peaking at the right time of the tournament. Come the final, I’m confident we can go to another level and lift the All Nations Cup. Ζήτω η Ελλάς,” Mr Kyranakis said.
Con Tangalakis also said: “The team has developed a great spirit and culture and definitely has the ability to go all the way and win the tournament. Considering the team was put together so quickly and in such a short period of time, they have already won over the hearts of all Greek Australians.”
George Katsakis, who has managed the boys together with Tangalakis, was overwhelmed at the end of the match.
“I knew I had something special on my hands with this group of players from the very first wintry night when we all came together and trained with a sense of passion that really caught my eye,” Mr Katsakis said.
“The performance against Italy was incredible and I cannot wait until next Saturday’s final against South Sudan, when our team has the opportunity to achieve something that will be very special for our community.”
The Vice President of the GCM, Michael Karamitos, had this to say following the win.
“Having been there from day one at training to experiencing a euphoric semi-final win, I cannot express how proud I am watching these group of young men, wearing the Greek jumper, playing for their country of origin,” Mr Karamitos said.
“It has galvanised the GCM by creating an amazing atmosphere and I encourage as many Greek Australians as possible to come and support the boys in next week’s final. The GCM cannot speak highly enough of this team and what it has achieved so far and is so proud to be associated with such an event as sports brings people together from all ages.
“I would like to thank all our coaches and players as well as our sponsors Steve Tsalikidis from Windsor Management Insurance Brokers and Chris Pavlidis from Athletes Foot Camberwell.”
READ MORE: Greek team triumph over Republic of Somalia in All Nations Cup quarter final.
