Share

Greece drop Samaras

Athens - Greece coach Claudio Ranieri has dropped striker Georgios Samaras from the national team after a dismal start to European Championship qualifying.

Samaras, who plays for West Bromwich Albion, is one of Greece's best-known players following his six-year spell at Celtic and after helping the national team reach the second round at the World Cup in Brazil.

But the 29-year-old forward was left out of the provisional squad of 17 overseas-based players named on Thursday ahead of a home qualifier against the Faeroe Islands on Nov. 14 and a friendly match against Serbia four days later.

Under Ranieri, Greece has performed poorly in Euro 2016 qualifiers, losing at home to Romania and Northern Ireland and being held to a draw by Finland in Helsinki.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE