Unspeakable grief became an epic –

Three days after the historic victory at Wembley, our national team welcome Ireland today, with the shadow of Baldock’s death still hanging heavy

The sadness of his untimely loss George Baldock turned into a night of triumph for Greek football in Wembley with the historic victory of our national team over England (2-1). A 31-year-old boy was lost and his untimely death mourned his teammates, who wrote a shocking football saga, honoring his memory with this huge success. When the Italian referee Andrea Colombo whistled for the last time in the “temple” of football, the approximately 3,500 Greek fans and our internationals did not celebrate. They were calling George Baldock’s name and crying. They couldn’t handle so much pain and burst into sobs. In everyone’s mind it was not one of the most important successes of the “blue and white”. On everyone’s mind was the late George Baldock.

Deposit of soul

Before the big game of the 3rd round of the Nations League the dressing room was freezing and the atmosphere smelled of sadness. The children knew that they had to set their hearts on stone and fight. They put on the black armband, put their heartbreak on the field and played for George, friend or “brother” to some of them.

Their guide was not the challenge, as stated by Ivan Jovanovich before the black manta of their teammate’s death was learned. Their guide was George and they gave their lives. “We know the specificity of the game. Many of us know what George stands for and what a child he was. George was the example for this team and gave his soul. He put the team above all else and even sacrificed his physical integrity. In-game will be our example. Each of us will sacrifice ourselves to honor him, as he deserves. Let’s go, let’s go…” were the shocking words of the leader Tasso Bakaseta before the start of the match. His voice touched the most sensitive chords of his teammates, who showed the greatness of their souls within 90 minutes. Our internationals were psychologically broken on the verge of collapse, which did not show during the game.

Such was their tactical commitment and the belief that their coach’s plan would work that they made England suffer inside their “palace”. They beat her boyishly and dedicated this historic victory to the late George. And all of us as spectators of this unforgettable evening felt the greatness of the Greek footballers.

New starting point

Their legs were not weighed down by the fateful event, they did not bend even after England equalized in the 87th minute. They wanted victory for their “brother” and they got it on a night that will be remembered for many years and for different reasons. On the one hand death and darkness and on the other the light brought by his “children”. Jovanovic. The clear-headed federal coach gave a tactical recital and inspired his players, who brought down the Goliath. The national team’s previous major victory (with the exception of Euro 2004) was against Spain 21 years ago. So maybe last Thursday’s double will be the starting point for the “blue and white” to return to a cycle of successes and qualifications in major competitions.

Our national team, with three wins in as many games, is alone first in Group B of the Nations League. Today he welcomes at “G. Karaiskakis” (21.45) against Ireland with the goal of another “three points”. And this will be dedicated to George…

Read also

SYRIZA: The Central Committee decided to exclude the candidacy of Kasselakis – Passed with 138 votes

The golden shack of Mendoni – In Documento that is in circulation – Together with Docville

The first reaction of Kasselakis after the EC decision: “Our voice is the conference”

SYRIZA for Marinakis: His reference to the concert about Tempi is shameful

Nikos Moraitis: The voice of an insect is now his voice