Greece break their World Cup curse and keeps hope alive

As I was sitting in my usual cafe in Toronto's Greek town waiting for the game to start, streams of people were filing in trying to find a seat.  Blue and white was the dominant colour, chants could be heard coming out of every establishment along the Danforth. I promised myself not to get drawn into the euphoria and keep my expectations low. All I wanted to see was the starting line-up, and fingers crossed Otto Rehhagel will put out a starting XI capable of causing problems for Nigeria. 

When the line-up flashed on the screen I noticed that the team was intent of fighting to the bitter end and leaving nothing in the tank. Sotiris Krygiakos got the start but as a right back. Sokratis Papastathopoulos was a great addition as the holding midfielder directly in front of the back four. Kostas Katsouranis and Girogos Karagounis also started and were looking to make up for their poor effort in the opener. I was sad to see Sotiris Ninis on the bench, however the sight of Dimitrios Salpingidis made me breath easy. Rehhagel was holding nothing back and slowly my optimism grew.

The game started with energy and Greece were pushing early just like in the opener. Much of the possession was theirs but again lacked that final ball to threaten the Nigerians. Just when I felt things could be turning around my heart sank. A bad back pass by Loukas Vyntra forced Sokratis Papastathopoulos to commit the foul. Kale Uche's ensuing free kick opened the scoring after fooling Alexandros Tzorvas early in the half. Peter Odemwingie helped by dummying the cross, which sent Tzorvas the opposite way, but the Greek keeper's gaffe dug the hole even deeper. Another silly mistake was Greece's undoing once more; the supporters now started losing their cool as are hopes were slowly evaporating. I couldn't see a way back for Greece.

I love this game for many reasons, momentum can shift quickly and a moment of madness can be any teams downfall. Unfortunately for the Super Eagles that instant came in the 33rd minute. Sani Keita was sent off for kicking out at Vassili Torosidis; the crowd erupted with joy.  Every team needs a little bit of luck and finally Greece caught a break. A quick sub followed as Georgios Samaras entered the game to add to the attack and after that happened the game quickly shifted. Finally Greece was on the offensive and were creating chances all over the pitch. After being criticized for their poor play in the first game; Giorgos Karagoounis and Kostas Katsouranis seemed like different players. The service they provided from midfield was instrumental. Only a save by Vincent Enyeama and a clearance off the goal line by Lukmaan Haruna kept Greece from scoring, but we could all feel something was about to happen. 

The long wait was over; Dimitrios Salpingidis became the first Greek to score at the World Cup, beating Enyeama on a deflected shot late in the second half. The place erupted; people were hugging and even crying tears of joy. After having to endure all the jokes from friends about not being able to score and being the worst team at the World Cup, when that ball crossed the line I felt relieved.  From that moment on Greece were in control and dictated the pace of the game. Another goal was needed and the players responded to the pressure by pinning Nigeria in their own half and bombarding the net with chances. If it wasn't for Vincent Enyeama the score line could have been worse. The Super Eagles had one good chance and it came on the counter after Theofanis Gekas was robbed of a goal in close. Greece were caught pushing everyone forward and on the breakout Yakubu was denied by Tzorvas, but the rebound fell to Chinedu Ogbuke who missed an open net. Greece continued to press and everyone was on the edge of his or her seat hoping for a winner. The prayers of all Greeks were answered midway into the second half, Enyeama spilled a low shot by Alexandros Tziolis and Torosidis scored on the rebound. Greek town went bananas, a huge weight was instantly lifted and   hope was restored, Greece was back in the tournament.

The game ended and the party began on the streets. Drums could be heard and flags were being waved as all the supporters exited the cafes and bars along the Danforth to join in on the celebration. I know its just one win but it took us 16 years to get it. Despite needing a result against Argentina to progress and a little help nothing was going to dampen our spirits. The curse was lifted and if only for one day Greeks can rejoice worldwide.