Greeks around the world did not have a lot of opportunities for celebrations amid the gloom of a political and economic crisis that has hit their motherland in the last four years. The victory of Greece’s national soccer team against Russia (1-0) which sent Greece to the Euro 2012 quarterfinals gave the members of the Greek Diaspora around the world something to cheer about.
Danforth in Toronto was no exception as thousands took the streets of Greektown filled with pride. Greektown turned into a sea of blue and white Saturday when Greece won 1-0 over Russia.
Many Greeks were watching the game at bars and restaurants of the area when Karagounis scored the winning goal.
“You could hear cheers and ‘Goaaaal!’ from afar,” said a resident of the area.
After the end of the game Greeks poured onto the streets carrying Greek flags and singing the Greek national anthem filled with pride. Cars honked their horns non-stop as the party raged on in the streets with people climbing on top of tables and waving flags.
Police officers were present to keep an eye on the massive – but peaceful – celebration.
