Portgual v Greece - PREVIEW
Great expectations for Portugal
Portugal open Euro 2004 against outsiders Greece here Saturday with the burden of a nation's expectation weighing heavily on their shoulders.
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The so-called golden generation of players from Portugal's all conquering youth team of the early 1990s are only too aware that now is the time to finally convert all that promise into silverware before they and their fans turn grey.
Under Luis Felipe Scolari's command the hosts will be anxious to get off to a flying start the futuristic Dragon stadium in an open-looking Group A that also includes Spain and Russia.
Scolari took over with his stock at a premium after guiding Brazil to glory at the 2002 World Cup where the Brazilian's blend of inner mental strength allied to natural flair proved a winning combination.
He will be counting on the same formula working for a Portugal side that could be the last to feature Luis Figo, who has hinted at retiring from the international stage after the tournament.
Figo and his teammates are still smarting at being denied a place in the Euro 2000 final by a controversial penalty awarded to eventual winners France. Misery was to follow with an early exit from the 2002 World Cup.
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| Greece's coach, German Otto Rehhagel (L) gives advices to his players during a training session at the Rio Ave stadium, in Vila Do Conde, 10 June 2004, two days before the opening ceremony of the European Nations Championship. Greece will face Portugal in the Euro 2004 opening game. |
"That was a difficult moment for us because we were so close to making the final and then we got the wrong decision against us". reflected Figo.
Greece coach Otto Rehhagel is waiting to find out whether two key cogs in his back line - Traianos Dellas and Vasilis Lakis - will make it to the pitch after skipping midweek training. Another defensive option, Nikos Dabizas, is also doubtful with a back problem.
This is Greece's first Euro appearance in 24 years, the result of a major change in fortune since 'King Otto' arrived capped by their finishing top of their qualifying group that included Spain.
Teams:
Portugal: Ricardo - Paulo Ferreira, Fernando Couto (cap.), Jorge Andrade, Rui Jorge - Costinha, Maniche - Figo, Rui Costa, Simao Sabrosa - Pauleta
Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari (BRA)
Greece: Nikopolidis - Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, Fyssas - Basinas, Giannakopoulos, Karagounis, Zagorakis (cap.) - Vryzas, Charisteas
Coach: Otto Rehhagel (GER)
Referee: P. Collina (ITA)