The wish and trust of a legend of 2004, the Antonis Nicopolidishas the National team in view of tomorrow’s “final” qualification at Euro opposite to Agriculture in Tbilisi. The veteran goalkeeper spoke to the Athenian Macedonian News Agency about the great challenge facing the Greek team.
-You saw the national team up close against Kazakhstan. What are your impressions?
“It was a very good game. The boys did a great job and finished the game from the first half. That’s what they had to do. We are definitely a much better team than Kazakhstan, but these games are very important.”
-The national team is preparing for the most important game in recent years. What do you think about the match against Georgia?
“The children must gather. It is a very difficult game, against a team that has 2-3 units that need a lot of attention. They will compete in a field full of tension, passion and difficulties. Let’s not forget that they are playing a game that for the first time could take them to a final tournament, something they have never done before. I have confidence in the children, as they have the experience, the quality and the ability to cope with these difficulties and manage to reach the final phase”.
-It is a given that there are several differences, the biggest being that we are playing away from home, but does the match against Georgia remind you of the match against Northern Ireland, which we won at “Leoforo” and qualified for the Euro? Do these “finalists” need extra preparation?
“They certainly have a lot in common. The most important thing is that with one win you advance to the final phase, but on different terms. The children travel to a difficult country and will face a team that has the same goals. Remember that Northern Ireland lacked motivation, while Georgia play everything. The difficulties are different.”
-What message would you like to send to our internationals?
“Believe in themselves, believe in the team and the coach and everything will be fine”!
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
