In preparation for the crucial Euro 2024 playoff Path C semifinal between Greece and Kazakhstan on Thursday, the Greek national team has unveiled its squad, which includes several players from Olympiacos.
The winner of this match will progress to the final stage of the playoffs, moving a step closer to securing a spot in Euro 2024 Group F alongside Portugal, Turkey, and the Czech Republic. The game is slated to take place at the OPAP Arena in Filadelfeia, Greece.
Manager Gus Poyet has assembled a near-complete squad for the semifinal, with only Dimitris Giannoulis sidelined due to injury. Notably, Petros Mantalos and Dimitrios Kourbelis are set to return, providing a significant midfield boost.
Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas is expected to rejoin the starting lineup, offering width on the left flank. Spearheading the attack will be AZ Alkmaar's Vangelis Pavlidis, who has been in outstanding form.
3 Olympiacos players called up by Greece for Euro 2024 qualifiers
In his selection, Poyet has opted for three Olympiacos players for this international break. They include 34-year-old goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis, 25-year-old central defender Panagiotis Retsos, and 30-year-old winger Giorgos Masouras.
🔴⚪🌍 Καλή επιτυχία σε όλους τους παίκτες μας, που θα αγωνιστούν με τις Εθνικές ομάδες Ανδρών των χωρών τους! / Good luck to all our players who will be competing with their Men's National Teams!#Olympiacos #NationalTeam #InternationalPlayers #CallUps #GoodLuck pic.twitter.com/XrWbObrEAd
— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacosfc) March 20, 2024
A notable absentee from the squad is Olympiacos captain Kostas Fortounis, a 31-year-old attacking midfielder. It's worth mentioning Liverpool's 27-year-old left-back Kostas Tsimikas, a product of Olympiacos' youth academy.
The presence of Olympiacos players in the Greek squad adds depth and experience to the team, bolstering their chances in the upcoming crucial fixture. Paschalakis, Retsos, and Masouras bring a wealth of talent and familiarity with high-pressure situations, which could prove invaluable in securing victory against Kazakhstan.
With the squad now finalized, anticipation is building for the highly anticipated clash at the OPAP Arena. The Greek national team is aiming to deliver a strong performance and secure a vital victory on home soil, propelling them closer to their Euro 2024 aspirations. As the excitement mounts, fans eagerly await kickoff to see their team in action and support them on their quest for success.