MATCH 02 REPORT : VALERON SPARKS SPANISH WIN

An inspired substitution from coach Iñaki Sáez helped Spain get their UEFA EURO 2004™ campaign off to a perfect start in Faro-Loulé as Juan Carlos Valerón came off the bench to score with virtually his first touch and seal three important points in Group A.

Valerón for victory
With Greece having unexpectedly defeated hosts Portugal earlier in the day, both sides knew that a victory would make qualification for the quarter-finals a distinct possibility. However, in the event Valerón's cool finish on the hour proved enough, while Russia ended with ten men as Roman Sharonov was dismissed for a second yellow card having brought down substitute Fernando Torres.

Fitness boost
Spain lined up as expected after David Albelda shook off a muscle strain to link up with Valencia CF team-mate Rubén Baraja in midfield, while Joseba Etxeberria, Raúl González and Vicente Rodríguez formed an attacking trio behind Fernando Morientes. Russia adopted a more cautious approach, with coach Georgi Yartsev opting for Dmitri Bulykin as a lone striker, allowing winger Rolan Gusev to come into a five-man midfield.

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