Greece’s players “gave everything” for their late team-mate George Baldock, who died the day before their historic win over England at Wembley.
A touching video released by the Greek Football Association (EPO) shows the Greek players making a vow to give everything for George.
Captain Tasos Bakasetas is heard saying to his teammates: “We know what George meant for us and we also know what a nice guy he was. He was an example for this team. He gave everything for Greece. You should be the example for the game tonight. Everyone should sacrifice himself to honor him as he deserves.”
Greece’s respect for Baldock
by V=Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic said the unexpected victory was fuelled by the players’ desire to pay their respects to Baldock.
“The whole team and everyone here has gone through a very difficult 24 hours. It [Baldock’s death] is something that shouldn’t happen. In times like this, football comes second,” Jovanovic said.
Goalscorer Vangelis Pavlidis who scored twice as Greece beat the Euro 2024 finalists 2-1 on Thursday evening – the day after their players learned of Baldock’s death, said after the game that players have it all to honor his memory.
A minute’s silence was held in memory of Baldock before the Nations League match, and Pavlidis held his black armband aloft after scoring the game’s opening goal before the team collectively raised Baldock’s number two shirt in celebration.
“It was a really special game for us because of George and of course we gave everything for him and for his family,” Pavlidis told ITV.
“We just said that we have to play for him. It doesn’t matter the score today, we want to play for him and we give everything for him.”
England-born Panathinaikos defender Baldock, 31, drowned in a swimming pool at his home in Glyfada, southern Athens, on Wednesday evening.
Baldock’s family said they were “heartbroken” by the sudden passing of “our beloved George”.
A statement read: “George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate and person.
“Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.
“We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son. You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.
“As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched.”
The Greek National Team‘s historic victory against England evoked memories of the summer of 2004 and the glorious days of Greece’s Euro triumph in Portugal.
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