Wednesday, June 16, 2004

MATCH 09 PREVIEW : GREECE CONTINUE GLORY BID

Finest hour
Prior to Saturday's shock result, Greece had never scored a goal in a major tournament, let alone claimed a victory, so it was hardly surprising that several players, including captain Theodoros Zagorakis, described it as the greatest moment of their careers.

Fully focused
But Rehhagel, their German coach, has been working hard this week on keeping his players' minds focused. "Beating Portugal was a great achievement but it will mean less if we fail to qualify for the quarter-finals," he warned.

Duo fit
Rehhagel is unlikely to tamper significantly with his lineup, although defender Nikolaos Dabizas and forward Themistoklis Nikolaidis are both fit again. Dabizas, who has recovered from a back injury, will step in should Rehhagel revert to a five-man defence, although Traianos Dellas and Mihalis Kapsis are expected to continue their partnership if Greece stick with their 4-1-3-2 formation.

Striking options
The midfield will be anchored by Zagorakis, while Basinas is likely to play in the centre, Stylianos Giannakopoulos on the left and Karagounis on the right. In attack, Rehhagel could opt for the canny Nikolaidis and not Zisis Vryzas as Angelos Charisteas's strike partner. "I am 100 per cent fit and ready to play," Nikolaidis, who has shaken off a calf strain, said on Tuesday.

Greece (probable): Nikopolidis; Seitaridis, Dellas, Kapsis, Fyssas; Zagorakis; Giannakopoulos, Basinas, Karagounis; Nikolaidis, Charisteas.

Spain (probable): Casillas; Puyol, Marchena, Helguera, Raúl Bravo; Albelda, Xabi Alonso; Etxeberria, Valerón, Vicente; Raúl González.

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