Luis Aragones made nine changes to the Spanish side, and Xabi Alonso almost made himself a hero by scoring from the halfway line. Incisive play in the Spanish midfield ended with Alonso firing wide, and the Liverpool midfielder then had another chance from Xavi’s free-kick. However it was the Greece who made the breakthrough against the run of play, Angelos Charisteas headed home Karagounis’ free-kick for the shock lead. Xabi Alonso continued his one-man onslaught to score, and was desperately unfortunate to see his 35-yard cannon off the inside of the post. Spain equalised on the hour mark, Daniel Guiza’s set up Ruben de la Red, who smashed home an unstoppable half-volley. The Greeks, to their credit, came close to reclaiming the lead, but Charisteas could only find the outside of the post around rounding Pepe Reina. Guiza flashed a shot across Nikopolidis’ goal, before Guiza secured the comeback in the 88th minute, heading home Sergio Garcia’s cross.

Tags : Uefa Euro 2008 Tournament, euro2008, uero2008

Special offer : Buy discount soccer products. On sale now !