Alketas Panagoulias, a legendary figure of Greek football, passed away on June 18 at the age of 78, at his home in Virginia, USA. Panagoulias led Greece to the first major international tournament, the 1980 UEFA European Championship, and its first ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup in the USA in 1994. Having begun his career as a left-back for Aris Thessaloniki FC in 1949, Panagoulias' first coaching position came with New York outfit Greek American Atlas. He also coached the US national soccer team in 1983-1985.
"Greek football mourns the loss of Alketas Panagoulias, who was a pioneer in his field. This brings sadness to the football family in our country," the Hellenic Football Federation said in a statement. Honouring his memory, Greek players will wear black armbands during the Euro 2012 quarter-final game against Germany tonight.
Source: Greek News Agenda
22.06.2012
