We’re up to the task, says Blaszczykowski
“We are up to this task. For sure one thing that will not be lacking in us is determination and will for the fight,” Blaszczykowski said yesterday.
“We can talk about all sorts of things today, but tomorrow we have to go out and show what we have in our shorts.”
Speaking in a quiet and determined tone, the Borussia Dortmund winger thanked media and the coaching team for two and a half years work that he said had produced a team that would now bear fruit.
He promised that the side would “give everything” to improve on poor Polish performances at the last European Championship in Austria and Switzerland in 2008 and 2006 World Cup in Germany.
“We can say with no doubt that this is the game of our lives,” he said.
Coach Franciszek Smuda said his team, undefeated in six games but has not played competitively in more than two years, was capable of reaching the tournament’s quarter-finals.
“We say that this is a team for the 21st century, it plays excellent football. A team with a future has been born, and for sure we can look to a future of good results and good play.”
Greece opened their 2004 triumph with victory over hosts Portugal, and they will once again be looking to spoil the party.
They have lost just one of 21 games under Fernando Santos and were unbeaten during their qualifying campaign. Santos has injury concerns over defender Vassilis Torosidis, who has a knee problem, and Sotiris Ninis, who is set to overcome a shoulder issue to feature. Captain Giorgos Karagounis played a part in the surprise 2004 victory, and the 35-year-old midfielder says it is vital that Greece come out of their first match with at least a point.
He said: “If you cannot win then you must not lose because it is the first match.
“We know what we are capable of as a side and we will try and produce it on the pitch. Since there are so few games you cannot afford to make any mistakes.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
