Greece’s Vangelis Pavlidis dedicated their historic win over England to George Baldock, who tragically passed away this week. He also said that the team gave their soul for the teammate who lost his life. Notably, Greece secured a historic 2-1 win over England in the Nations League at Wembley. The match saw Pavlidis scoring a brace, which included a stoppage time winner as well. Upon registering the win, the Greek footballer carried out an emotional celebration and paid tribute to the late footballer.
Notably, the British-born Greek international George Baldock passed away by drowning in a swimming pool at his home in Glyfada. The 31-year-old had just joined Panathinaikos from Sheffield United. He earned 12 caps for Greece, with his final appearance coming in March.
Team Greece pays tribute to George Baldock
Before the kick off, a minute of silence was observed in the memory of the late footballer. And while it was Greece’s first-ever win against England, the mood at the final whistle was, as expected, sombre. The winners then honoured Badlock by lifting a shirt with his name during their celebrations. Not only this, but after the match, Pavlidis said that it wasn’t a day to talk about football and their thoughts were with Baldock’s family.
“It was a very special day and match for us. Our thoughts are with George. We are professionals and had to play the match. We gave our soul for him tonight. Today is not a day to talk about football. He was part of our team. We will miss him very much. Also to wish strength to his family and not talk about football. The whole day was numb. We won tonight and don’t want to celebrate. There are just no words,” Pavlidis was quoted as saying by Reuters.