For the first time in several years there has been more than enough reason for Greeks to take to the streets of the country’s towns and cities to celebrate.

A dramatic 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast put Greece’s national team through to the knock out rounds of the World Cup in Brazil for the first time ever.

The squad will next meet Costa Rica.

“This team has shown us that it’s got guts and I’m delighted. Congratulations to our national team,” said one man.

“This victory has empowered all Greeks, it’s a message for us to endure hardship and always be positive.”

Giorgos Samaras’s injury-time penalty secured the teams victory.

Greece’s greatest success to date has been their 2004 European Championship win against Portugal.

Euronews’ correspondent in Athens Stamatic Giannisis said that “the national teams World Cup victory has given Greeks a great morale boost during a period of high unemployment and austerity.”