Spain and Greece go into their final European Championship group game today with similar approaches amid very contrasting circumstances.
Spain are looking for a perfect finish to the group stage, while 2004 champion Greece want to salvage some pride and avoid a scoreless and pointless exit.
The teams meet in a replay of a group match at Portugal four years ago that helped propel Greece’s improbable run to their first major trophy.
The stakes are far different now, with Spain through to the quarter-finals after victories over Group D rivals Russia and Sweden while Greece are in danger of being the first defending champions to exit the European Championship without scoring.
“There is certainly a motivation for Wednesday’s game — it could be no other way. It’s still a big game,” striker Nikos Lymberopoulos said. “Our aim is to have a very good performance and to win the game. We must keep our heads up and maintain our humility.”
The disappointing defense of the title will be capped by the international retirements of goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis and defender Paraskevas Antzas. Greece’s tactics — playing too defensively against Sweden and then unsuccessfully opening up against Russia — plus the weight of expectation heaped on the experienced team was too much too carry.
“It’s been a tough group for them, but they want to go out with a good taste in their mouth,” Spain defender Raul Albiol said. “They’ll come out looking to have a good game and to beat us.”
Albiol should start alongside Juanito Gutierrez in front of backup goalkeeper Pepe Reina as coach Luis Aragones gives his starting team a chance to rest and recover from injuries. Regular center back Carles Puyol picke up a knock in the 2-1 win over Sweden, as did midfielder David Silva and substitute Santi Cazorla.
Although they may be spared facing the likes of Fernando Torres and David Villa that won’t change a thing in the Greeks’ approach.
“No matter who they play, the Spaniards’ quality is very high,” striker Ioannis Amanatidis said. “It won’t be an easy game, regardless.”
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