Euro 2008: Greece 1-2- Spain (Full Match Report and Video)
Spain went in to this game guaranteed first place, after beating Russia (4 – 1 to Spain) and Sweden (2 – 1 to Spain). Greece, however, went in to this game knowing that there was nothing they could do to stay in the competition, after a disappointing campaign, losing both their initial games.
In the opening stages of the game Spain looked to be the better team, with Arsenal midfielder Cesc Febregas right in the middle of the action, and he was playing very well. Spain were playing attacking football and made the Greece defense look very nervous, but they started to cope with the make shift Spanish attacking duo.
Xabi Alonso, the player who has just left Liverpool, made a brilliant chance for himself from inside the center circle, with the Greece goal keeper back pedalling frantically, but it didn’t go in.
Then, against the run of play, Greece scored. After a cross from a free kick made by Karagouni, a brilliant header from Charisteas left Spanish goal keeper Reina no chance.
After the half time break, Spain took control again, and it was inevitable when Ruben de la Red smashed a lethal shot in the sixty first minute, giving the stunned Greek goal keeper no chance at all.
Greece maybe should have scored again a few minutes later, and had a couple more opportunities in the game, but they couldn’t stop Guiza from losing his marker and scoring a header in the last minute of the game.
Overall, not a very good game, and it was slightly boring at times, although the class of Spain got them through this game with a win, and it means they top the group going in to the quarter finals. Greece will be disappointed though, as they are current holders and only managed to score once in their whole campaign.
Tonight’s results mean that Spain top the group with three wins, Russia go through with them and Sweden and Greece follow, but leave the tournament empty handed.
Final Score:
Greece 1 – 2 Spain
Watch the three GOALS:
Sphere: Related Content
Comments June 19th, 2008
Greece went into this game knowing that if they lost they were out of the competition after the current holders lost by two goals to Sweden in a rather uninspiring game. Russia didn’t have a very good start, either. They lost by three goals to Spain in their first game, getting outclassed and not looking too good.
