Jovanovic’s hungry dogs and ‘baby face’ Mouzakitis

I find myself enjoying the football played by this national team. Not because he wins (usually), I’m not of that logic – after all, I appreciated the performance, despite the defeat against England – but because what he presents on the pitch fills me, makes me, it’s the spectacle I want to see.

Dominant, essential, with ideas, with distinct roles and players who reverently execute the coach’s plan. What our internationals did in Finland was by no means simple, it was a special test. Yes, very demanding, because on Thursday night a big one was lost… it must and many times the disappointment overwhelms you, suffocates you, especially when you don’t have time to think about the mistakes and correct them.

Jovanovic had spoken openly of disappointment before the game, he too was waiting to see the stamina of the group, he was anxious even if he tried to hide it. His players took him out white-faced, reacted exemplary, quickly returned to factory settings, they played like they should against Finlandthey were the best team, from the first minute to the last.

We had never won there, usually lost, we had to end the negative tradition as well. We did that too, we left the Finns in a secondary role, we didn’t want there to be the slightest… hint of questioning. The image of Greece was convincing, the appearance total, the numbers relentless. Possession reached 60%, we made 5 final shots on goal, they didn’t even make… half of them.

Like a big team

It’s not an impulse, it’s the feeling I had after the end of the match, the reaction of a big team. And while it has been preceded by a … cuff and the heads are between the knees, the return to the grass, brings again the hungry … dogs with the blue appearances completely prevailing. Few changes, two in number, one forced, Zafeiris was suspended, Siopis had to take a breather and Mandalos could circulate the ball better on the axis.

The lines were not long distances, the runs full of substance, either to press and steal balls, or to get into the spaces after regaining possession.

The first half ended without a score, but again the feeling that reached us observers was that of sweet anticipation, the goal that was… baking as we say. There was no stress, or at least you didn’t understand it.

And everything went their way in the essential 10 minutes 50′-60′, Bakasetas and Tzolis scored two beautiful goals, a fair development, all in all, the rest of the match went without any pressure.

A common mortal

And just before the final, Jovanovic brought from the bench the baby face, Christos Mouzakitis, who became the youngest Greek to wear the jersey with the national emblem in an official match. In every act we must see its extension. This snapshot, in 2024, is magnified by the enormous power of social media.

Thousands of kids imagine themselves doing the same, there are no elusive dreams, work and faith can achieve anything. This child in a few months is living his dream. He plays as a starter for Olympiakos, in Greece and Europe, he is called up to the National team and makes his first appearance.

He is neither two meters, nor a power monster, nor does he run the 100 meters under 10 seconds. He is a common mortal, who may have talent, but works hard every day and evolves.

End of misery

This cycle closes for the National team with many gains, which will multiply along the way. I don’t read the… glass of the future, I don’t have such capabilities. I see a group full of talent, players who believe in the coach, but also in each other. Historically these… ingredients have brought success to our country. March will give us a second chance, through the play-offs to get promoted to the first division of the Nations League, which has never happened before. And immediately after that, the process of qualifying for the world cup will begin. Obviously, it is too early to make long-term plans, but the group of players who represent us allows for optimism. Let’s leave the misery behind, we deserve better…