Greece find out what they need to do to repeat World Cup history
Ahead of their final group game against England, Greece have found out their schedule for next year and what they need to do to qualify for the 2025 World Cup in France.
Greece will line up against Norway and Ukraine in Group A of the 2023 European Championships B. Group B comprises of Germany, Czech Republic and Netherlands.
Each nation will play the other in their group, and either the winners of each will move on to the final qualifying tournament in 2024, or there will be a play off between them, subject to the total number or European berths available in 2025, which will be determined after the quarter finalists for the current tournament are known.
Coach Steve Georgallis said: “We are looking forward to playing Norway and Ukraine in what will be a very competitive group. Our game against Ukraine in Athens will be our first official home men’s international match since being recognised by the Sports Ministry.
“It will be something special for everyone involved in the Greek Rugby League. Full credit to Ukraine for continuing to fly the rugby league flag despite such adversity in their homeland.
“We are very excited to be playing in Norway for the first time. Following our inaugural appearance in this Rugby League World Cup, we are keen on doing well in the next European Championship and trying to qualify again.”
Maximum impact
Greece have been one of the stories of the ongoing World Cup, due to the adversity they have faced to even play the sport, which was banned in their country.
Their first ever World Cup game was against France in Doncaster on October 17, with Siteni Taukamo making history by scoring their first try.
They will bow out of the competition following the game against Shaun Wane’s England at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
But they now know what fixtures they have to look forward to next year. Greece will welcome Ukraine on Saturday October 28, before travelling to Norway on Saturday November 4.
ERL general manager, David Butler, added: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce the Euro B schedule almost a year in advance, and give the six competing nations time to make their preparations. Such a good lead in time allows each Federation to put into place the necessary logistics to ensure their playing squads are ready and, importantly, to promote their fixtures for maximum impact.”
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2023 European Rugby League Men’s Championship B Fixtures:
Saturday 21st October 2023
Ukraine v Norway* (Group A)
Germany v Czech Republic (Group B)
Saturday 28th October 2023
Greece v Ukraine (Group A)
Czech Republic v Netherlands (Group B)
Saturday 4th November 2023
Norway v Greece (Group A)
Netherlands v Germany (Group B)
Saturday 11th November 2023
Euro B Final (If required)
*To be played in Norway given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine
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