Over 70% of Greeks now believe that Germany wants to bring in a "Fourth Reich". On the German side, incomprehension reigns at the Greek reaction to the policies introduced after the crisis, and they refuse to send further billions to a country which is clearly overburdened with the reforms. Many Germans who in previous years spent their holidays on Greek islands have booked their holidays elsewhere this time. And now, the football. One of the few Germans still considered untouchable in Greece is Otto Rehhagel. As the manager of their football team, the German led the Greeks to victory in Euro 2004 and since then has been a hero. In an interview with the Bild newspaper, Mr Rehhagel said: "Germany shouldn't underestimate Greece." In fact, numerous players in the Greek squad have already announced that they will be especially motivated against Germany. Otto Rehhagel in Athens German Otto Rehhagel was revered after masterminding Euro 2004 success Ahead of the duel, Greece's newspapers have been taking aim at Ms Merkel once again. Hardly anybody is talking about the German team and its footballing abilities. The Live newspaper quipped: "The referee should give Merkel a fright and toss a drachma coin at the beginning of the match." And Gata sports newspaper joked: "The first measure that our new government has to push through on the urging of Merkel: we have to lose against Germany on Friday." The German press has also drawn humorously on the eurozone crisis. Bild newspaper said on Tuesday: "Be happy dear Greeks, the defeat on Friday is a gift. Against Jogi Loew, no rescue fund will help you." And Berliner Kurier newspaper printed a cartoon depicting a government spokesman telling the German press "our stance on Greece remaining in the eurozone depends entirely upon how the quarterfinal goes". People in the streets of Athens are also feverishly awaiting the game - and repeatedly drawing parallels with politics. So far, Greece's matches have hardly been accompanied by any big celebrations, but the bars are expected to be full on Friday. Nikos Petsas, a 56-year-old salesman, says: "I'm worried that a lot of Greeks are confusing politics with sport with this match. I've put money on the Greek team, because we're in a better position psychologically. Our players have lots of fire in their bellies." Postman Dimitris Tzikas, 46, says: "There are no problems between Germany and Greece. But with the crisis, Mrs Merkel has chosen to break us as a country. "The Greek players must run and fight against Germany, so we can win the match. For our country it's much more than a football match." The news that Merkel was going to be sitting in the stands caused much joy among Greek journalists.
not a chance,germany far far to strong,greeks have done brilliantly. why do we still wet ourselves when it comes to playing germany that ghost has long been exorcised,do reckon italy far harder,lets see.
Would you not enjoy a Germany England semi over and England Greece one with the latter destroying any entertainment and going for a penalty win from the start?
agree ,but just can't see it,flyers right " want to see nail biting good footie" PS was'nt gdansk german (prussian) once? could be a home game
Love to see the Krauts come unstuck after leaving their three strikers out, arrogance never leaves them...
Come on the Geeks......ah I mean Greaks or maybe Greeks. If Germoney wins tonight, Athens will burn........AGAIN
Na mate. I've given up. This Euro Tournament has been a right pain in the behind on this Board. Some battles ye just can't win. Signing out of this one.
The Greeks are a disgrace to football. The most boring and defensive international team Ive ever seen.
