Samaras: No pressure on Greece
By: Mark Henderson on 22 Jun, 2012 17:10
GEORGIOS Samaras says it would be a dream come true if Greece managed to overcome Germany tonight (Friday) and reach the Euro 2012 semi-finals.
The Celtic striker played a starring role as his country took the scalp of group favourites Russia last weekend to progress to the knock-out stages of the competition.
And having achieved that objective, Samaras insists his countrymen, who stunned the footballing world by winning the event eight years ago, can play without pressure as they face the pre-tournament favourites in Gdansk.
"We achieved our initial goal and we´re not stressed about what happens next," he said. "We´re here to enjoy ourselves. If we qualify, it will be a dream come true. But let´s not compare this team with the one that won in 2004.
"Football is a game and we play because we enjoy it – we like it. Tonight we will take to the pitch, enjoy being in the quarter-finals and try to make the most of it."
And Samaras insists outside events will have no bearing on the quarter-final encounter. His focus is winning a football match and giving his homeland something to celebrate.
“You cannot compare football and politics, it’s as simple as that," he said. "We are a team, 23 players. We don´t play for ourselves, but for 11 million people who are hoping for us to do something worthwhile, so that they can get out in the streets to celebrate.
"We managed to do that against Russia and that´s what we will try to do again tonight."
