Battling Greeks stay on course

Both teams now have four points from their opening two games and retain serious hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

Spain settled first and deservedly led at the break after Morientes’ 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 defence 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.

The match ebbed and flowed between both penalty areas in an exciting second half.

Raul had a great chance to put Spain 2-0 ahead before Haristeas equalised 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-metre 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 capitalise 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, while Spanish defender Carlos Marchena was booked for a late tackle on Karagounis and is ruled out of his side’s game against Portugal. (Reuters)