Samaras: We can lift spirits of Greek nation

“I don’t like to say big words or throw promises around,” the Celtic striker said.

“We are all thinking about the [deciding Euro qualifier] against Croatia and how we managed to help people celebrate and escape from their daily problems for a while. That is what we will try to do again. I do not know how far we will go and what we can do but with our joy of playing football we want to give joy to Greeks.

“We are a young team and the atmosphere in the squad is outstanding and that is where everything starts.”

Euro 2004 champions Greece face co-hosts Poland in the tournament’s opening game in Warsaw tomorrow.

Eight years ago Greece caused a huge surprise by claiming an unlikely success in Portugal, while also riding a wave of enthusiasm ahead of the Athens Olympics a month later. Now the country is on the brink of bankruptcy and, with talk of a potential euro zone exit swirling, is facing a second general election in less than two months with sharp public spending cuts angering Greeks.

“I see all the messages we get sent from our fans and that is additional motivation for us,” said defender Avraam Papadopoulos. “We want to make the people happy who are with us during good times as well as bad times.”

Greek football association president Sofoklis Pilavios says that the squad had learned to ignore the financial and political turmoil in the country and concentrate on their game.

“The Greek team has always learned to separate itself from the club level. Many of the boys play in clubs in Greece but many also play abroad,” Pilavios said.

“They have learned to play differently and I think they will make all the Greeks happy . . . [giving them] joy, pride and strength.

As well as Poland, Samaras and Co also face the Czech Republic and Russia in Group A. “I believe in the team and that we’ll do well,” Pilavios added.