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> Mundial 2014

Greece’s manager and captain bid farewell

Greece's loss against Costa Rica also marks the retirement of Portuguese manager Fernando Santos and Greek captain Giorgos Karagounis

Newsroom June 30 07:29

Greece’s World Cup hopes were dashed after Costa Rica beat them 5-3 in the quarter-finals in Brazil, in a penalty shootout in Recife. Adding to the loss are two departures from the Greek national team with the retirement of Greece’s Portuguese manager Fernando Santos and Greek captain Giorgos Karagounis.

Mr. Santos was visibly upset with the referee claiming that he was the victim of a double-standard when he was banished to the stands at the 90-minute mark. He spoke to the camera of state-owned NERIT (New Hellenic Radio, Internet and Television) station, saying that many achievements were noted over the last four years. “I was very proud that I represented Greece but today is a day of mourning,” he said.

On his part, Mr. Karagounis announced his retirement from an international football career that spans 15 years with 139 caps. The 37-year-old midfielder told reporters that it was his last game for Greece. “We wanted to stay on another week or even longer but you can’t change it now,” he said, adding that the national team has “grown up” and that it was no small thing to make it to the “16”.

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