Euro 2012: Greece determined to overcome Germany and avoid winding-up order in quarter final A game played amid the backdrop of political bickering is in keeping with the theme of the tournament. A series of press conferences have veered between footballing debates and parliamentary committee meetings on matters of race and fiscal prudence. Since the quarter-final nations were paired, Germany have sought to impose a ban on use of the word euro that is not suffixed by a 2012. Then their Chancellor, Angela Merkel - reviled in Athens for the perceived overt pressure she is placing on the Greek economy - announced she was attending Friday's fixture. It could be seen as the greatest act of provocation against the Greeks since the seduction of Helen of Troy. In Germany her presence is shrugged off. Merkel visited the team hotel a few days before the tournament and always intended to see a game, regardless of the opponents. The Greeks, whose media demanded "Bring Us Merkel!" after their victory over Russia, view her presence as incendiary, but there is an element of frenzy whipping at play to motivate the players. Merkel said she hoped the Greeks" newly elected prime minister, Antonis Samaras, would also attend. It remains to be seen if they will be discussing tactical or austerity plans during a pre-match corporate dinner. Fernando Santos's side need no extra surge of nationalism, but there are plenty willing to cultivate it to maximise their efforts. There have even been suggestions German spies have infiltrated the Greek hotel, reporting the essential information that Santos is an avid smoker and striker Giorgos Samaras dyes his hair. "It is true I smoke too much," said the deadpan Portuguese-born coach. The reason for this is because I smoke when I have time to think and reflect. And because I like to smoke. Santos has spoken of his side playing with more than "hearts and emotions" but accepted Greece are without "the soul of their team" in their suspended captain Georgios Karagounis. Joachim Low commended their "art of survival." Santos began the tournament seeking to distance his side from the legends of eight years ago, but now he feels comfortable enough to embrace the legacy. "The 2004 victory is a source of inspiration," he said. That team showed extreme resolution and strength, written off before that tournament but reaching the final and winning it. This team has similar qualities and hopefully we can do the same or at least the best we can. There is no coach in the competition who does not have the picture of the final in his mind. If I did not have that dream I would quit coaching and go fishing. Throughout the week, the German camp has swerved the political issue, and whatever antipathy exists in Athens for their taskmasters, there is an insistence it is not reciprocated. The Germans will not allow themselves to feel bruised by Greek vengeance for economic toil. Whatever the outcome, the victors may claim certain liabilities have been met. Santos believes history often favours the slaying of a superpower. "If we see the game from a historic point of view this would be good, because ultimately Goliath lost to David," he said. I'm happy to accept the role of David if history repeats itself.