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Football

Greece stun Spain after fightback


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Fernando Morientes savors the moment after firing Spain in front

PORTO, Portugal -- Angelos Haristeas cancelled out a strike by Fernando Morientes to give Greece a battling 1-1 draw with fancied Spain and keep them top of Euro 2004 Group A.

Spain looked set for their second straight win after leading through Morientes on 28 minutes but never-say-die Greece gained a point to follow their shock win over Portugal.

"We had the game within our grasp," said Spain coach Inaki Saez. "We made our only error in the second half and it cost us."

Greece's German coach Otto Rehhagel said: "We have a huge opportunity to move into the next stage and the boys must take it.

" We wanted to play with the same passion (as during the win over Portugal) but the boys exaggerated and we quickly ended up with three yellow cards."

Spain settled first and deservedly led at the break after Morientes's classy strike.

His former Real Madrid team mate Raul set up the goal after intercepting a loose ball from Michalis Kapsis on the edge of the box.

Raul, darting everywhere and causing the Greek defense problems throughout, back-heeled the ball to Morientes who cleverly made space, gliding past two defenders before powering a drive past Greek keeper Antonis Nikopolidis.

Greece's goal came out of nothing when a long raking pass from the right by Vassilis Tsartas found Haristeas, who controlled the ball well and fired past Iker Casillas for the equaliser.

Raul earlier had a great chance to put Spain 2-0 ahead but sent his free header high over the bar.

In the main, though, Spain just about controlled the game and with Carles Puyol and David Albelda outstanding at the back, Greece were largely restricted to speculative long-range efforts.

Typical was a 30-meter drive from Greek skipper Theodoros Zagorakis which just flew past the post.

Winger Joaquin was outstanding for Spain when he replaced Joseba Etxeberria at halftime, but Spain failed to capitalize on his dangerous crosses.

The first half proved costly in terms of bookings for both teams.

A second yellow card of the tournament for Georgios Karagounis means he will miss Greece's next match against Russia on Sunday

And Spanish defender Carlos Marchena was booked for a late tackle on Karagounis and is ruled out of his side's final group game against Portugal.


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