Accessibility links

Breaking News

Germany-Greece Euro 2012 Match Takes On Political Overtones


The German tabloid "Bild's" headline says: "Bye-bye, Greece. Today we won't be able to save you!"
The German tabloid "Bild's" headline says: "Bye-bye, Greece. Today we won't be able to save you!"
In one of the more anticipated games so far, Germany plays Greece in Gdansk in the second quarterfinal of the Euro 2012 soccer championship.

Although the Germans are heavily favored to win, the game is seen by many as Greece's chance to get back at Germany for what many Greeks see as unfairly harsh austerity terms imposed by Berlin in exchange of a bailout package to salvage Greece's economy.

Adding to the drama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to attend the German-Greek showdown.

Newly appointed Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras will skip the game though, having undergone an eye operation on June 22.

Greece was the surprise winner of Euro 2004 in Portugal -- with German coach Otto Rehhagel at the helm.

Based on reporting by dpa and Reuters

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG