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Karagounis drafted in by Benfica

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Karagounis plays for Greece in the Confederations Cup against Japan

LISBON, Portugal -- Greece midfielder Giorgos Karagounis has joined Benfica from Inter Milan on a three-year contract, the Portuguese champions said on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old, who scored the opening goal of Euro 2004 in Portugal, was one of two players sought by Benfica's new Dutch coach Ronald Koeman to reinforce his squad.

No financial details of the deal were given.

Benfica have made their worst start to a season since 1977, with one draw and one defeat and no goals in two games.

The Lisbon side are 14th in the 18-team Portuguese standings.

Anatolakis ends absence

Olympiakos defender Giorgos Anatolakis is recalled to the Greece squad after a six-year absence for the World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan on September 7.

The 31-year-old was the only surprise in the squad named Tuesday by coach Otto Rehhagel, whose 20 players include 14 from last year's European Championship-winning squad.

"It's an honor to be invited to the national team," Anatolakis said. "Despite my absence, I've always felt I was by the team's side."

Greece are currently third in European qualifying Group 2 with 15 points -- one fewer than Turkey and eight behind Ukraine who both also play this Saturday.

"We have to win, that's it," said Michalis Kapsis, a teammate of Anatolakis at the Greek champion. "This is a crucial game."

Anatolakis, who made the last of his 10 international appearances in 1999 against Finland, fills in for injured defenders Traianos Dellas and Yiannis Goumas.

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