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Today at 19:00 Lithuania time, the European Championship Group A match between the national teams of Spain and Greece will be played. The chances of these two European countries in this match are evaluated very differently: Greeks, according to experts, will try to surprise everyone for the second time in a row, while the Spaniards, considered favorites of this match, will try to avenge the Greeks for the humiliation during the qualification tournament for this European Championship. In the qualification group, Greeks finished in first place, while the Spaniards, remaining second, had to play playoff matches against Norway. Until last Saturday's match, Greeks had not scored a goal in the European Championship, so it's not surprising that most of the national team players, including team captain Theodoros Zagorakis, called it the best moment of their career. Meanwhile, Rehhagel, the German leading the Greek national team, has been trying all week to prepare the players for the match against the Spaniards. "The victory against Portugal was great, but it means nothing if we don't make it to the quarterfinals," Rehhagel stated. Rehhagel should not make drastic changes to the starting lineup. Although it is worth mentioning that defender Nikos Dabizas fully recovered from a back injury, and Demis Nikolaidis has healed from a leg injury. It is believed that if Rehhagel decides to play with five defenders, Dabizas will be in the starting lineup, but it is more likely that Greeks will play in a 4-1-3-2 tactical formation, with Dellas and Kapsis in the center of defense. Zagorakis will most likely be in the midfield position, with Basinas as a central midfielder. Giannakopoulos should play on the left attack, while Karagounis on the right. In attack, the duo will probably be Nikolaidis and Charisteas. Spanish national team coach Inaki Saezas praised the Greek central midfielders and stated that his team will have to rely on full-backs playing on the wings - Vicente on the left and Etxeberria on the right. Saezas also mentioned that he will not change the tactical scheme, indicating that Spain will most likely play in a 4-2-3-1 formation. It is believed that the coach will not risk Marchena, who received a yellow card in the match against Russia, and may replace him with Cesar Martin. It is also said that in order to strengthen the attack, Saezas will bring Xabi Alonso to the field instead of Baraja. It is expected that Valeron, who scored the only goal in the first match, will today be in the starting lineup replacing Fernando Morientes. In this case, Raul will be in the attacking position. Projected starting lineups: Spain: Casillas; Raul Bravo, Helguera, Marchena, Puyol; Albelda, Xabi Alonso; Vicente, Valeron, Etxeberria; Raul. Greece: Nikopolidis; Fyssas, Kapsis, Dellas, Seitaridis; Zagorakis; Giannakopoulos, Basinas, Karagounis; Nikolaidis, Charisteas.
