the greatest achievements come when victory seems impossible

Greece to beat Germany? Surely your prediction is one from the heart? Absolutely not. It is neither on heart, nor hope, but the difference between heroic victory and disaster can certainly be terribly thin. I will blend in the words of Winston Churhill in applying my reasoning for a Greek upset tomorrow. "I have myself full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made as they are being made, the Greeks shall prove themselves”.

Greek National Coach, Fernando Santos

To achieve a great result, you must have belief, even against the greatest odds, even when there is little support, even when victory seems impossible. Remember, while the Germans have speed, technique and hopefully NOT a referee on their side, it still will be eleven vs eleven. The Germans do not play in the style of Brazil, nor do they have a phenomena like a Ronaldo or Messi. Hence, if the above is applied, then the impossible, becomes possible. Furthermore, my prediction is not based on the heart but, what is the right thing to do under these circumstances. Sport has no room for politics, but what Greeks face today is more important than politics and certainly more important than my standing in a tipping competition.

I myself will not be watching the game, nor will I know the score till after midday Saturday. The irony is that I will be in an exam on Ancient Greece, however I am more than comfortable with my prediction and whatever the outcome may be. I hope that it will be a great game regardless and may the phantom of Homer prevent anyone from telling me the score before I enter or leave the exam room.

Below is some footage from Greece's manager Fernando Santos, responding to a question that a British journalist asked him how the political confrontation with Germany is driving his players. Santos does not answer the question in relation to his players, nor engages in any chest thumping rhetoric, but gives a stern response that we need to reflect on. Mr Santos is Portuguese, which makes his answer and the feeling within the dressing room more significant. Unfortunately, the question is in English while the response comes back in Portuguese and Greek. If someone finds footage with an English translation, pass it on.

Portugal 3  Czech Republic 1, Germany 1  Greece 2