MATCH 30 PREVIEW : CZECHS WISE TO GREEK SUPRISE

After arriving in Portugal without a win at a major championship, Greece are one game away from the UEFA EURO 2004™ showpiece, although they must first overcome the competition's form team, the Czech Republic, on Thursday night.

Morale high
The Czechs come to the Estádio do Dragão in Porto with the supreme confidence that four straight wins brings. Squad morale is also high thanks to coach Karel Brückner's man-management skills. All but one player - third-choice goalkeeper Antonín Kinský - has been given a run-out at the finals. However, Greece will also feel positive, especially as they return to the stadium where they silenced hosts Portugal on the opening day.

Giannakopoulos fit
The Greeks have striker Zisis Vryzas available again after suspension and he may to return to the starting lineup for his 50th cap at the expense of Themistoklis Nikolaidis. A more certain starter is fit-again Stylianos Giannakopoulos, who could come in on the right side of midfield with Konstantinos Katsouranis or possibly Angelos Basinas dropping to the bench.

Lively full-backs
It is highly unlikely that Otto Rehhagel, the German coach whose success has prompted calls for him to be made an honorary Greek, will change anything in defence. Full-backs Giourkas Seitaridis and Panagiotis Fyssas have particularly caught the eye, along with 28-year-old central defender Traianos Dellas.

Greece (possible): Nikopolidis; Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, Fyssas; Giannakopoulous, Zagorakis, Basinas, Karagounis; Charisteas, Vryzas.

Czech Republic (probable): Cech; Grygera, Bolf, Ujfaluši, Jankulovski; Poborský, Rosický, Galásek, Nedved; Koller, Baroš.

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