Success takes time and work; and for the Greek national football team, success has been plagued by years of waiting and the loss of a fellow team member. However, this white dove of a national team spread its wings during this year’s UEFA Nations League, by being the first team to beat England in Wembley stadium in nearly 50 years, securing their place at the top of the table, and paying respects to their fallen teammate.

Historically the Greek (Hellenic) national team has not seen much success on the international stage, having sporadically qualified for the UEFA Euros and only having won the now non-existent Balkan Cup. However, Starting in 1980, the tides began to change. As the underdogs, the Hellenic team smashed through to the knockout rounds, making it to the knockout stages. Though they lost to West Germany, this was a large step in the right direction, propelling them into the world stage for the first time in decades.

Greece’s first major success came on July 4, 2004. Against all odds and at an away game in Lisbon, the Blues bested the Portuguese 1 – 0, winning their first Euros tournament. Known as the Golden Generation of Greek footballers, these 11 men defied the odds and made the head. The team’s captain, Angelos Charisteas, stated “This is a unique moment, which many of us may never experience again and I believe we deserved it”. This win was a catalyst, putting Greece’s name on the board.

Now, more than 20 years later, the Blues make their international debut once again for the UEFA Nations League tournament. And once again, against all odds, they make the world stage. After moving past managerial challenges and changing to a new head coach, Ivan Jovanović, the Blues have seen unprecedented success.

The first success came after smashing their rivals, England, when they became the first team in nearly half a century to beat the English on their own home turf, Wembley Stadium. The astonishing 2 – 1 victory came with a bittersweet edge, however, as the team mourns the loss of their dear teammate, George Baldock. After presenting the win in his honor by raising his jersey post-match, the Greek team made the headlines once again. Now at the top of their group, Greece’s trajectory heads them towards more success in the tournament.