MATCH 18 PREVIEW : GREECE READY TO POINT THE WAY

Rehhagel caution
Rehhagel has understandably been trying to keep his players focused this week, saying: "Everyone seems to think we are through, but nothing has been achieved yet." Hellenic Football Federation president Vassilis Gagatsis, meanwhile, also remained coy. "I don't mind who we get," he said. "We'll gladly take on France, Croatia or England - the most important thing is that we get through."

Midfield absences
A victory would guarantee Greece top spot and a meeting with the Group B runners-up, but they go into the game without two influential midfield players: the suspended Georgios Karagounis, and Stylianos Giannakopoulos who has a calf problem. Rehhagel should keep the same back four after central defender Traianos Dellas, outstanding against Spain, shook off a minor back injury.

Similar lineups
As against Spain, Konstantinos Katsouranis and Theordoros Zagorakis will play midfield holding roles, while Vassilios Lakis is set for his first start on the right and Angelos Basinas must fight it out with Vassilios Tsiartas for the left midfield spot. Striker Zisis Vyrzas has not yet scored in Portugal but should hold off competition from Themistoklis Nikolaidis to partner Charisteas in attack.

Greece (probable): Nikopolidis; Seitaridis, Dellas, Kapsis, Fyssas; Zagorakis, Katsouranis, Tsiartas/Basinas, Lakis; Vryzas, Charisteas.

Russia (probable): Malafeev; Anyukov, Sennikov, Sharonov, Bugayev; Alenichev, Loskov/Semshov, Kariaka, Bystrov; Kerzhakov/Bulykin, Sychev.

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