Greece formally requested for the England match to be postponed but their wish was not granted. However, they went on to stun the Three Lions.
The Greek Football Association (GA) requested the postponement of their UEFA Nations League match against England, following the unexpected death of defender George Baldock but did not get their wish before they went on to secure a memorable win.
Despite the emotional turmoil experienced by the Greek squad, UEFA firmly insisted that the match proceed as scheduled.
Baldock, who recently joined Panathinaikos after a successful stint at Sheffield United, tragically passed away at the age of 31, leaving his teammates and the football community in shock.
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The loss had significantly impacted the Greek team, with players expressing concerns about their emotional readiness to compete in such a high-stakes fixture.
The Greek FA had been in "constant contact" with UEFA, pleading for the match to be postponed to allow players to grieve and reflect on their loss.
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However, UEFA's response underscored their commitment to maintaining the competition schedule, citing logistical challenges and the need for consistency in the tournament's operations.
In a statement, the Greek FA conveyed their profound sadness and emphasised the deep sense of loss felt not just by the team, but by the entire footballing community.
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“The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family,” the association stated, acknowledging the challenge of playing under such distressing circumstances.
As the match approached, the Greek team had openly shared their struggles to concentrate on the game, describing their emotional state as "very difficult."
The team wore black armbands in tribute to Baldock, and a moment of silence was observed in his honour.
Greece ended up winning 2-1, making it their first win against England in 10 attempts. What a way to win and what a time to do so.