Battling Greeks earn draw with Spain
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-06-17 08:43

Greece have continued to upset the odds at Euro 2004, coming from behind to force a battling 1-1 draw with fancied Spain in their second Group A match.

Spanish coach Inaki Saez reacts as Greece scored a goal during their Euro 2004 Group A soccer match against Greece at the Bessa stadium in Porto June 16, 2004. [Reuters]

A 66th-minute goal from Angelos Haristeas cancelled out an early strike by Spain forward Fernando Morientes to leave the Greeks, who pulled off a shock 2-1 win over hosts Portugal in the tournament's opening match, top of the standings.

"We have a huge opportunity to move into the next stage and the boys must take it," said Greece coach Otto Rehhagel.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel shouts at his players during a Euro 2004 Group A soccer match with Spain at the Bessa stadium in Porto June 16, 2004. [Reuters]

"The Spaniards had a better circulation of the ball and they were pressing us more but we fought on, took a great risk with three strikers and finally got the equaliser."

Greece and Spain both have four points from their opening two games and retain serious hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

"We played a very good first half and got the goal," Spain coach Inaki Saez said. "They scored an equaliser that was really a surprise but we continued to create chances. We didn't have any luck in front of goal but we're on the right lines."

Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas goes to kick the ball out of the net after Greece scored a goal to equalise.[Reuters]

Although Greece's seven-match winning streak in competitive matches ended on Wednesday thousands of delighted fans remained in the Bessa stadium after the match cheering their team's achievement.

The two sides, who met in the qualifying competition and each won in the other's country, played contrasting styles, with Spain largely taking the match to Greece by attacking down the flanks, while Otto Rehhagel's men were content to soak up the pressure and counter-attack whenever they could.

After a sluggish start, the game came to life and a draw was ultimately a fair reflection of play, even though Spain created more scoring chances.

But the outcome means both teams need just one point from their final group games when Spain play Portugal and Greece face Russia on Sunday to ensure their places in the last eight.

Spain dominant

Spain's Joaquin (R) reacts after missing an opportunity to score as captain Raul claps his hands. [Reuters]

Initially, though, Spain settled first and dominated the match and Morientes' goal, his 23rd in his 35th international, was just reward for their superiority.

Both teams were full of confidence after winning their opening matches but Spain's was boosted even more after Morientes struck.

Raul, his former Real Madrid team mate, set up the goal after intercepting a loose ball from Michalis Kapsis on the edge of the box after 28 minutes.

Raul, darting everywhere and causing the Greek defence problems throughout, back-heeled the ball to Morientes who cleverly made space, gliding past two defenders before powering a drive past Greek keeper Antonis Nikopolidis.

Greece's goal came out of nothing when a long raking pass from the right by midfielder Vassilis Tsartas found striker Haristeas, who controlled the ball well and fired past goalkeeper Iker Casillas for the equaliser.

The match ebbed and flowed between both penalty areas in an exciting second half.

Raul, named man of the match, had a great chance to put Spain 2-0 ahead before Haristeas equalised but sent his free header high over the bar.

In the main, though, Spain just about controlled the game and with defender Carles Puyol and midfielder David Albelda outstanding, Greece were largely restricted to speculative long-range efforts.

Typical was a 30-metre drive from Greek skipper Theodoros Zagorakis which just flew past the post.

Winger Joaquin was excellent for Spain after replacing Joseba Etxeberria at halftime, but Spain failed to capitalise on a stream of dangerous crosses.

The first half proved costly in terms of bookings for both teams.

A second yellow card of the tournament for Georgios Karagounis means he will miss Greece's next match against Russia on Sunday, while Spanish defender Carlos Marchena was booked for a late tackle on Karagounis and is ruled out of his side's game against Portugal.

In all seven players were booked, five Greeks and two Spaniards, and Greece are likely to be fined by UEFA for incurring so many yellow cards in one game.

In fact Greece had more players booked than shots on target, but that could not dampen the celebrations of their players and fans.

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