Euro 2008
2008-06-18 - Greece vs Spain
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
UEFA Euro 2008 - Group D
Stadion Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg
Wednesday 18th June 2008 - KO 19:45
GREECE
A 2-0 defeat by Sweden and a 1-0 loss to Russia ended the champions' title defence, but they are determined to finish with a flourish against section leaders Spain.
However, I get the feeling that the bubble has well and truely burst for the Greek team, who are now also seeing the veteran players "handing in their notice" and announcing retirements in between the final group games.
From 2004 Champions to early elimination in 2008, it's hard to see the players picking themselves up well for this final game.
Manager Otto Rehhagel may pick a younger side for this match, with a view to building for the 2010 qualifying campaign.
SPAIN
Spain have already done enough in their first two games to justify their odds as one of the favourites to win the tournament and they come into this final group game with no pressure after securing the group win with 2 wins.
However, Spain were in this situation 2 years ago at World Cup 2006, and after choosing to rest the entire first choice for the 3rd group game, Spain slipped up in the 2nd round losing 1-3 to France.
At the time it was widely felt that all the changes had been a factor in the Spanish team losing tempo and rhythm - we might see that Spain actually field a stronger side than expected here.
HEAD TO HEAD
Spain boast a strong overall record against Greece, having won six and lost only one of their previous nine encounters.
Greece and Spain also met in qualifying for UEFA EURO 2004.
Spain prevailed 2-0 in their opening qualifier in Athens in September 2002 but Greece then surprised the Spanish with a 1-0 victory in Zaragoza on 7 June 2003.
Stelios Giannakopoulos's 42nd-minute goal gave Greece their first win against Spain and they went on to top the group ahead of their opponents.
TEAM NEWS
Greece have injured defender Giourkas Seitaridis and striker Fanis Gekas - who fractured a cheekbone in the defeat to Russia - already missing.
Greek Football Association spokesman Michalis Tsapidis has also revealed that playmaker Giorgios Karagounis has been carrying a leg injury since the beginning of the tournament and may also be missing while Giorgios Karagounis is also doubtful.
Spain's Carles Puyol, Santi Cazorla and David Silva were all absent from training on Monday. They all received treatment for minor knocks from the 2-1 win over Sweden.
Puyol is suffering from an injury to the sole of his right foot, while Cazorla has a swollen left foot and Silva has sprained his left ankle.
All three players are expected to be available for the quarter-finals but are likely to be rested for Wednesday's final group game against Greece.
THE VERDICT
It's difficult whiel waiting on something concrete from coach Luis Aragones but I think that the situation two years ago may ensure that we see 7-8 regulars in the starting line-up.
If so then I'll take Spain to make it three wins in a row.
