Greece v Spain - MATCH REPORT
Greek philosophy denies Spain
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| Greece's goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis (background) looks the ball kicked by Spain's striker Fernando Morientes (foreground) going in his goal, 16 June 2004 at Bessa stadium in Porto, during their Euro 2004 group A football match of the European Nations championships in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Francois Xavier MARIT |
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| Greece's forward Angelos Charisteas (foreground) celebrates with his teammate Greece's defender Traianos Dellas (background) after scoring the equalizer goal, 16 June 2004 at Bessa stadium in Porto, during their Euro 2004 group A football match against Spain at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Javier SORIANO |
The silky skills of Spain were not enough to give them a second win in five days as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Greece side on Wednesday to leave Group A at Euro 2004 wide open.
Both teams now have four points and should either Portugal or Russia lose Wednesday they will be out of Euro.
Fernado Morientes opened the scoring with a cool finish in the 28th minute only for Angelos Charisteas to prod home an equaliser in the second-half.
Greece came under the cosh in the opening exchanges with Valencia's Ruben Baraja orchestrating almost every move from the centre of midfield and Joseba Exteberria and Vicente making excellent use of the wings.
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| Spain's striker Fernando Morientes (C) celebrates, 16 June 2004 at Bessa stadium in Porto, after scoring the opening goal during his team's Euro 2004 Group A football match against Greece at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Dimitar DILKOFF |
Spain's pressure eventually told as Spain captain Raul sliced his way into the penalty box before his deft backheel set up Morientes, whose wicked right-footed shot gave Antonios Nikopolidis no chance.
Roared on by the vast majority of the 25,000 crowd, home of Portuguese first division club Boavista, Spain should have increased their advantage when Raul headed Joaquin's right-wing cross over the bar.
Georgios Seitardis' deflected shot almost crept in before Morientes made way for Juan Carlos Valeron, scorer of Spain's winner against the Russians.
Spain continued to spurn chances and they paid for their profligacy in the 66th minute when a swift Greek counter-attack ended with Charisteas sliding the ball in off Casillas' leg.
Joaquin tormented the Greek defence as Spain went all out to restore their lead and Valeron saw his half-volley blocked, but Greece dug in to snatch a hard-earned point, much to the delight of their travelling fans.