By TATE STEINLAGE
It has rarely been pretty, but Greece has found a way into the round of 16.
A do-or-die match versus the Ivory Coast ended in thrilling fashion as the relentless Greeks found a way to push forward to put itself in a position to earn a penalty.
Georgios Samaras drew the stoppage-time penalty after being clipped on the heel, and then buried the opportunity in full confidence. It was a fitting finish for what proved to be somewhat of a breakthrough game for Samaras and the Greek attack. The 29-year-old helped his country take a stunning 1-0 lead over the Ivory Coast right before halftime with a takeaway pass to substitute midfielder Andreas Samaris for the easy goal.
As the lone forward, Samaras also drew six fouls and finished with 18 successful passes in a 90-minute effort.
Samaras beat out teammates Andreas Samaris and Panagiotis Glykos for the honors.
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What did you make of Samaras’ effort? Can this be a jumpstart for the Greek attack in the knockout rounds?
Share your thoughts below.
Did you not see the replay where it shows he tripped over his own feet on that penalty? The Ivory Coast player did not touch him. “Klutz of the Match” would be more like it.
Why would Glykos even be in the running for man of the match over Lazaros Christodoulopoulos? Glykos was solid but made a couple mistakes and by no means man of the match quality. Very bizarre lol
Good choice– Samaris and Glykos were also outstanding as you have noted, but to take a penalty like that in those circumstances requires special cool and class. I doubt it bothered Samaras a bit that Barry guessed right. That was never getting stopped.