While neither of the Irish nations are in the World Cup, one young fan from Armagh has pinned his hopes on Greece because of his favourite footballer Georgios Samaras.
Jay Beatty – one of Celtic's best know fans, who even received Neil Lennon's league medal earlier this summer – was on tenterhooks for Samaras' penalty against Japan a couple of nights ago, and now that they are safely through, Samaras has sent his a message to show his appreciation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGSFGtbq9pA&feature=youtu.be
Samaras has since got onto the Greece FA to organise a trip for Jay – who suffers from Down Syndrome and a heart condition – to Costa Rica's last 16 match:
There are no words. I feel his love so much. This love I feel, is also felt by many people in Greece. There’s a Facebook page for him to come to Brazil.
This morning, in a talk I had with the head of the EPO, we said we will arrange his tickets to come and watch the match with Costa Rica. Well will talk with the boy’s father, we’ll tell him about everything and we’ll see.
Yet another great World Cup story.
Hat-tip: Seán Ó Ceallaigh and the Scotsman
