Euro 2004

Spain 1 - Greece 1

A disappointing draw with Greece in their second group game left Spain with work to do if they are to qualify for the quarter finals. After much speculation, Iñaki Sáez finally decided to put out the same line up as he did for the match with Russia, with no place for Valerón or Xabi Alonso. But even so they dominated the opening minutes, and took the lead on the half hour mark when Raúl won the ball of Kapsis and set up Morientes with a clever back-heel pass. Raúl himself had a couple of chances early in the second half but couldn't find the target, and Sáez resorted to super-sub Valerón once again. But this time it went against him, and only a minute later Charisteas picked up a long pass from Tsartas to fire the equaliser past Casillas and leave both sides on four points. Unless Greece lose heavily against Russia in their last match on Sunday, Spain and Portugal will have to fight it out for the one remaining group A place in the last eight. A point will see Spain through, but with a partisan crowd against them it won't be easy. (16.06.04)