It's time for Euro...

With Sweden's 'Euphoria' still swimming in our heads after the great Eurovision party we are now embraced with Euro 2012. Countries are competing with professionalism for the great trophy presenting their best and most talented players and even those not usually interested in football will be transfixed to their screens.

In Cyprus the Euro is eagerly awaited and pubs and cafeterias decorated with multi-coloured flags will gain the money they lost in the dead winter season, beer, dishes and dips being consumed with delight. Since Cyprus didn't qualify, all our eyes will be turned to Greece which has attracted more than its fair share of world attention in the past year. Last night's game between Greece and Poland was an eventful and promising one which could have ended in a mini celebration. It was unlucky.

Flashback. Euro 2004. Eight years ago. It was a great year for Greece as she won the Euro 2004 and was preparing to host the Olympic Games. Cyprus was taken along in the excitement. After Greece winning the Euro 2004, in a patriotic gesture Cypriots lined the streets and waved the Greek flag with pride. Truck drivers honked their loud horns down the coastal road in Limassol brimming with people in a state of delirium. I remember because I was in the centre of it all and took part in the celebrating.

The Euro 2012 now comes at a pivotal time for Greece.On the brink of disaster, Greece faces a long and dark road which may also be a very lonely one.Elections are to be held next Sunday. What will be the outcome? Nobody truly knows, but everyone is bracing themselves for the worst, a possible return to the drahma. In this time of turmoil, there is no mood left for patriotic flag waving as we saw back in Euro 2004 confidences being deflated. It is so strange how things change, how a nation can go from greatness and glory to rock bottom. Many throughout history have tasted that bitter defeat, Germany being one.

Greece.Our histories, struggles and our joys have always been so closely intertwined and the hot and stultifying breeze of discontent and economic upheaval has already reached our shores. In the midst of football celebration and expectant flag waving all with good intention, Greece goes to vote once again and faces cumbersome decision making where it must choose whether it really is time for Euro.