sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Greece captain paid tribute to George Baldock in spine-tingling pre-match speech ahead of England win

Home> Football> Football News

Published 12:06 11 Oct 2024 GMT+1

Greece captain paid tribute to George Baldock in spine-tingling pre-match speech ahead of England win

Greece captain Anastasios Bakasetas delivered an emotional pre-match speech.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Greece captain Anastasios Bakasetas paid tribute to George Baldock in his pre-match team talk before his side produced a historic 2-1 victory over England at Wembley.

Baldock was found dead in a swimming pool at his house in Athens on Wednesday evening.

A post-mortem ruled that the cause of death of the former Sheffield United star, who was 31, was 'drowning in water'.

Police say they have no initial indication that the death was suspicious.

Advert

The right-back was contracted to Panathinaikos, and had started for them against Olympiakos on Sunday.

Baldock, who was born in England but was of Greek descent, was able to represent the Greece national team from 2022.

He was not called up to the squad for the match, with the defender having recently recovered from injury.

Greece players paid tribute to their former team-mate, who collected 12 caps, after the match by holding up his shirt in a group photo, and also after they scored.

Getty

Before the match, meanwhile, Bakasetas gave a spine-tingling speech about Baldock to his squad.

He said (translated to English via @Thrylos7Intl): "We know our team's strength, and what we've done to get here.

"We fear no-one. And we'll prove it from the start. We understand this game's importance.

"Many of us know what George meant, and the kind of man he was.

"George was always the example for this team, because many times he put his heart and soul into it, prioritising the team above all else, even sacrificing his physical wellbeing.

"Today, in the game, he'll be our inspiration. Each of us will give our all to honour him as he deserves.

"Let's all be ready. Come on, let's go!"

Greece secured their famous victory following a brace from forward Vangelis Pavlidis, who plays his club football for Benfica.

Ivan Jovanovic's side have now won all three of their Nations League B matches, and sit three points ahead of England in their group's table.

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@EthnikiOmada / Getty

Topics: Football, England

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

Recommended reads

Mark Selby lifts lid on backstage talks over Crucible as landmark agreement reachedGettyBarry Hearn sends message to Ronnie O'Sullivan over snooker future as Crucible prediction madeGettyTyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGettyTyson Fury targets Jon Jones clash as next move after boxing confirmedGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

5 mins ago
an hour ago
2 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • Getty
    5 mins ago

    Donald Trump plan could force World Cup stars from five nations to pay to enter U.S.

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just 72 days away.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    an hour ago

    FIFA confirm in statement that Arsene Wenger's 'daylight rule' to be used in top-flight competition

    Wenger believes the rule will help the flow of a game and promote attacking play.

    Football
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    European giants 'submit' stunning Cole Palmer offer as Chelsea unhappiness revealed

    Cole Palmer is reportedly unhappy at Chelsea and has an offer on the table from one of Europe's big guns.

    Football
  • Getty
    6 hours ago

    Bosnia and Italy in wild spy-gate row ahead of crucial World Cup play-off

    The sides will compete for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this evening.

    Football
  • England stars Mary Earps and Katie Zelem win Pointless jackpot after smashing capital city question
  • England Receive Surprise New World 'Ranking' After Serbia Win
  • How much each England Lionesses' player will get paid for reaching Euros final as Sarina Wiegman scenario emerges if they win
  • Thomas Tuchel 'Calls Out' Three England Players for Performance in Andorra Win