The Pirate Ship Sets Sail Again

In the 2004 UEFA European Football Championship, Greece shocked the world by beating the talented Portugal team (also the host country). In doing so, they earned the name "Pirate Ship" by Greek supporters who derived the moniker from a 16th century replica ship that Portugal used in the opening ceremony. Supporters felt that for the Greeks to win, they had to be pirates and steal the victory. Steal it they did and Greek football was squarely put on the map — skyrocketing from 35th to 14th in FIFA World Rankings. This massive triumph in 2004 is considered Greece's biggest single achievement in team sports history. 

Only one glorious achievement could surpass the Euro 2004 magic. A finals appearance and victory in South Africa would probably single-handedly fix the ailing Greek economy. Coach "King" Otto Rehhagel would be instantly installed as the new Prime Minister of Greece. I might even have to move to Athens, or better yet an island in the Cyclades, and launch a new frog studio there. 

This coming Saturday, a new quest starts for the Greeks against South Korea. If they can firmly establish their staunch defense and opportunistic counterattacking style in this match, they might just get out of their group along with Argentina. If they can do that, anything can happen as they proved in 2004. Whether you refer to them as the 'Pirate Ship', the 'ethniki' (national team), the 'galanoleyki' (the blue and white), or the 'phalanx' (referring to their unyielding defense line), the Greeks are going to be a fun team to follow in the World Cup. Good luck or — Καλή τύχη! Greece!

And if the 12 Gods of Olympus do exist, now would be a good time to prove it.