Papadopoulos gets Greece chance
Monday, November 10, 2003
Article summary
Dimitris Papadopoulos's good form has earned the striker a call-up for Greece's friendly against Portugal.
Article body
Greece coach Otto Rehhagel has announced a 22-man squad for Saturday's friendly against UEFA EURO 2004™ hosts Portugal, which will also be the inaugural match at the Aveiro Municipal stadium, one of the venues for next summer's championship.
Significant inclusions
The most significant points of interest in the squad concern German-born Rehhagel's deicsion to select forward Dimitris Papadopoulos of Panathinaikos FC and midfield player Vassilis Lakis of AEK Athens FC.
Top scorer
It is the second time Papadopoulos, a mainstay of the Under-21 ranks, has been called up by the senior side. On the last occasion a year ago he won his first cap in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Athens. The 22-year old is currently the top scorer in the Greek top flight with seven goals.
Return from surgery
Meanwhile, Lakis, who has won 23 caps, returns after recovering from shoulder surgery in the summer. Greece have already qualified for the UEFA European Championship finals next summer.
Greece squad
Nikopolidis, Katergiannakis, Dabizas, Antzas, Venetidis, Seitaridis, Dellas, Kapsis, Fyssas, Lakis, Bassinas, Zagorakis, Karagounis, Georgiadis, Giannakopoulos, Katsouranis, Kafes, Tsiartas, Charisteas, Vryzas, Nikolaidis, Papadopoulos.
