Pride will be Greece’s goal

Greece is in danger of being the first defending champion to exit the European Championship without scoring.

Final farewell

The disappointing defense of the title will be capped by the international retirements of goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis and defender Paraskevas Antzas. “It’s been a tough group for them, but they want to go out with a good taste in their mouth,” Spain defender Raul Albiol said. Albiol should start alongside Juanito Gutierrez in front of backup goalkeeper Pepe Reina as coach Luis Aragones gives his starting team a chance to rest and recover from injuries.

The Greeks will not have to deal with strikers David Villa or Fernando Torres because Aragones will probably rest all of his starters save Andres Iniesta before Sunday’s quarter-final date against the Group C runners-up: Romania, Italy or France.

Greece have one victory in nine prior meetings with Spain. But a draw at Euro 2004 was probably the most significant result. Spain dominated that match at Porto and led through Fernando Morientes’ opening goal before Angelos Charisteas’ second-half equaliser rallied the eventual champions. They also edged Spain for a quarter-final spot because they scored one more goal.

Dani Guiza is expected to front a five-man midfield run by Cesc Fabregas, who came off the bench for the first two matches.

Injuries will also force Greece coach Otto Rehhagel to make changes. The German is leaning towards giving several players who have not appeared in the tournament a start, including Panathinaikos striker Dimitris Salpingidis.