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Rediff.com  » Sports » Bring on Spain, say confident Greeks

Bring on Spain, say confident Greeks

June 13, 2004 22:58 IST
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Greece savoured their "sensational" victory over Euro 2004 hosts Portugal and are now confident they can beat Spain, according to coach Otto Rehhagel.

"Last night we enjoyed ourselves a bit, celebrating only with our joy and not with wine," he said on Sunday.

"We know the Spaniards are the favourites in the next game but I know that the victory against Portugal has given us extra wings.

"Now we have a great opportunity and we must grab it. There is this opportunity waving at us and we must grasp it."

Greece beat Portugal 2-1 in the tournament's opening match on Saturday, throwing Group A, which also includes Russia, wide open.

"I told the boys that if you win (against Portugal), people around the world will see you, this will be an historic victory which people will talk about for decades," the German said.

"It indeed is a sensational win but which has now created new expectations." Greece play Spain on Wednesday in Porto.

Right back Yourkas Seitaridis is nursing his right foot after a knock and Giorgos Karagounis, who scored an early goal against Portugal, is suffering from a minor ankle injury.

The two did not take part in Sunday's practice at Rio Ave stadium, north of Porto.

"(Trainos) Dellas is also not 100 per cent," Rehhagel said, although the central defender trained.

The good news for Rehhagel was that central defender Nikos Dabizas has started light training, after missing most of his team's preparations for Euro 2004.

Greece beat Spain away 12 months ago in the qualifying competition for the European Championship, forcing them into the play-offs.

"All the guys are only looking forward to Wednesday," defender Takis Fyssas said.

"I want to say this very clearly - we are not in seventh heaven, we are not floating in the clouds, our feet are down on the ground and our minds are focused on the game against Spain."

"We all celebrated yesterday, eating together and then spending some time in our rooms talking about the match, but that is in the past," he said.

"Come Wednesday everyone will again be ready to go to battle."

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Source: REUTERS
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