Greeks make Euro 2012 exit with pride in tact

Derek Gatopoulos - The Associated Press

GDANSK, Poland (AP) — Greece came close to making a sorry exit from the European Championship, before fighting back to at least rescue the footballing pride of a nation that has been exhausted by crisis.

The 2004 champions reached the last eight before eventually losing 4-2 to Germany in Gdansk on Friday — a sporting clash that was played out amid the eurozone crisis and ultimately produced more celebration than bitterness.

"We leave with pride. We fought as much as we could," said Greece striker Dimitris Salpigidis, who set up Georgios Samaras' equalizer before scoring a late penalty.

• Already a subscriber?
  Sign in to read full article.
• Not a subscriber?
  Subscribe now and get full access!

June 23, 2012