Greece v Spain

Greece v Spain

18/06/2008

Current European Championship holders Greece went in to this game knowing there was nothing they could do to stay in the competition after loses to both Russia and Sweden, and on the opposite side of the spectrum, Spain knew that they were already guaranteed first place after impressive wins against the Russians and the Swedes.

Spain started off the better team, and with many changes made to their side they still looked threatening. Cesc Fabregas was in the middle of the action, creating good opportunities for the Spaniards, but the best shot of the first half came from an audacious effort from the centre circle from Xabi Alonso, with the keeper back pedalling and the ball hitting the inside of the post.

It wasn't fair when Greece scored: a cross from Giorgios Karagounis finding it's way to Charisteas, who leapt higher than the Spanish defenders and scored a thumping header.

It took a while for Spain to reply, but they did just that soon after the interval when Ruben de la Red drilled home an unstoppable shot from close range, leveling the scored with the Spanish looking on top.

It was late in the game when Guiza was left unmarked, and he expertly headed the ball past the veteran keeper to put the game out of the Greek's control.

Overall a pretty disappointing game, with neither team being very inspiring. Greece will be especially disappointed though, as they go home losing every game and only scoring one goal in the whole campaign.

Sweden also go out of the tournament, but Spain go through on top of the group with Russia closely behind.

Final Score:

Greece 1 – 2 Spain