Thursday Sep 29 2005 10:44
Several members of the Greece squad have talked of their hopes of causing another upset when they face the Czech Republic in the semi-finals of Euro 2004.
A 1-0 quarter-final victory over reigning champions France has raised hopes of further glory in Portugal and forward Demis Nikolaidis is excited by that prospect.
He said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"Never have we succeeded before in going so far in a competition. We will do everything we can to get to the final."
However, Nikolaidis may have to settle for a place on the bench against the Czechs, with Zisis Vryzas returning after suspension to partner Angelos Charisteas in attack.
Midfielder Stylianos Giannakopoulos, who plays his club football in England with Bolton Wanderers, added: "We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We have already earned a place in the annals of Greek football history.
"This is the best moment in all our careers and that is also what our fans are saying."
Amazingly Greece had never won a game in a major tournament before their success this summer, beginning their glorious run with a 2-1 win over hosts Portugal in the opening game of the competition.
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