Spain’s coach considers dropping record goalscorer Raul for Greek clash

SPAIN coach Inaki Saez has conceded that he is considering dropping the country’s record goalscorer Raul but said he would keep his decision secret until kick-off in today’s Euro 2004 match with Greece.

Once thought untouchable in the national team, Raul failed to score against Russia on Saturday and was replaced by Fernando Torres with 20 minutes to go in a match which Spain eventually won 1-0 with a goal from another substitute, Juan Carlos Valeron.

Saez said: “I know there has been a big debate in Spain between supporters of the Raul and (Fernando) Morientes duo and those who would like to see Torres in the centre-forward position, not forgetting the fans of Valeron. So I’m going to reveal something to you. As there is a public debate, I had one too with my assistant coaches and we have decided, for the first time, that we will not reveal the lineup of the team before the match.”

Greece were unfancied going into the tournament but stunned host nation Portugal with a 2-1 victory in the tournament-opening match on Saturday.

The key to the match will be how well the Greek defence, so solid against Portugal, deal with Spain’s attacking abilities. Full-backs Yourkas Seitaridis and Takis Fyssas dealt with Portugal’s Luis Figo, Simao Sabrosa and later Cristiano Ronaldo with few problems, while centre-backs Traianos Dellas and Michalis Kapsis were in towering form.

Greece will need to be impeccable at the back once again and the players are confident they can succeed.

“Our strongest point is the defence,” striker Demis Nikolaidis said. “We didn’t have much chance of winning against Portugal but in football anything can happen.” Greek coach Otto Rehhagel has given few clues about his possible line-up.

Probable teams

Greece: (4-4-2): Nikopolidis; Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, Fyssas; Giannakopoulos, Basinas, Karagounis, Tsartas; Haristeas, Vryzas (or Papadopoulos).

Spain: (4-4-2): Casillas; Puyol, Marchena, Helguera, Bravo; Etxeberria, Albelda, Alonso, Vicente; Morientes, Raul.