Poget: “If you told me in the draw that we would be here, I wouldn’t have believed it…”

Greece achieved a “double” (0-2) of great importance against Ireland and Gustavo Poget certainly welcomed the victory of the blue and white with great satisfaction. The Uruguayan coach showed his satisfaction and joy both for the result and for the progress of the national team in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

“Initially, the opponent’s system was a surprise because it was not the known system. I saw some details. We knew the Irish would start with a lot of intensity. After we got past that point, we tried to balance the game, bring it to our feet. The key was the second goal. It’s different going into the first half 1-0 and different 2-0, so we went into the second half with confidence. You always need the goalkeeper’s saves as well and we defended very well“, initially stated the 55-year-old technician at the press conference.

To a question about how much the national team is getting stronger, he answered: “Tonight’s game was very important. Against Gibraltar we had to win, we also beat Ireland. We had to take the step forward today which was away from home and after the defeats against France and Holland. I give credit to my players because there was very good management, when we had to go forward we did it, in defense we were as we should be. We saw a proper and complete team tonight and we have a place and the basis for the match with the Netherlands. Thanks to the Ireland fans for the atmosphere and I hope that on Monday we will play in a full stadium that will help the National».

Concluding, on the fact that France and Holland narrowly defeated Ireland, he said:As a team we learn and grow. The players have understood that to go to the EURO we have to go one step further. Monday’s match is very important. We will have to do a lot of things right on Monday to win. Of course we brought ourselves to this position through the victories and the work that has been done. If you told me in the lottery back then that we’d be in this situation now, I wouldn’t have believed it either».