Queens Greeks will be cheering

If all goes according to plan for the Greeks on June 7, expect a lot of “opas,” broken plates and line dancing around Queens. In a few weeks, Greek-Americans will get the rare opportunity to see their national team play on American soil.
Despite the game’s “friendly” status, its significance is not lost on Greek fans.
“I think it’s important for the team to come to New York, and Queens especially,” said Manny Panagopoulos, a 25-year-old Greek-American from Flushing. “There are lots of Greeks here who support and follow them, and we deserve to watch them live.”
In Astoria, it is easy to recognize if Greece has won its most recent soccer match. Horns are honked, Greek radios are blasted, and all across the streets, white and blue flags are draped across white and blue jerseys. On 30th Avenue and 31st Street in Long Island City, hundreds of Greeks paraded and closed streets in 2004 after the team’s Euro Cup championship. The cafes and restaurants lining these streets are packed to this day each time the national team takes the field.
“Greeks go crazy with soccer,” said Nick Xagorarakis, 24, from Astoria. “If the team wins, they scream, curse and drink. If they lose, they scream, curse and drink. All of Astoria is really bustling every time the national team plays.”
The atmosphere inside Citi Field is sure to be electric, with two very passionate fan bases in one stadium.
“I think it will definitely be fun in the stadium,” said Leonidas Korachais of Bayside. “Greeks are loud and rowdy and I think the Ecuadorian fans will definitely match our fans’ intensity.”
Regardless of the score at the end of the game, Greek fans will be pleased they were able to watch their national team compete without having to endure a 10 hour flight to do so.