Aragones may turn to Fabregas for Greek test

THERE will be two unfamiliar sides on view when Greece take on Spain in what is effectively a dead rubber in their Euro 2008 Group D clash today.

Spain are already assured of qualifying for the quarter-finals as group winners having beaten Russia and Sweden, while holders Greece, after defeats to the same opposition, have no chance of progressing.

Spain coach Luis Aragones, who is thought to be close to agreeing a deal to take over at Fenerbahce after the tournament, has hinted he could field an entirely different XI to the side from their opening two wins.

That would mean a start for Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, who has impressed twice after coming off the bench.

Also likely to start is Real Mallorca forward Dani Guiza, who is desperate to get on the scoresheet.

He told Marca: “To score a goal would be a dream for me.”

Guiza, who is yet to make it off the bench, understands why he is down in the pecking order behind Fernando Torres and, in particular, David Villa, who has scored four goals in the tournament so far.

Guiza said: “He is an impressive player, he has goals, quality, everything. We are proud to have him here.”

Greece, meanwhile, have had injury added to insult with a rash of absentees depleting coach Otto Rehhagel’s options. Giorgios Karagoun is carrying a leg injury and is unlikely to play.

Striker Fanis Gekas fractured his cheekbone against Russia while defenders Giourkas Seitaridis and Vassilis Torosidis are both nursing groin problems.

Goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis and defender Paraskevas Antzas, who announced in the wake of the defeat to Russia they would be retiring from international football, could make their last appearances for Greece.

There was some good news for Greece though, as the Hellenic Football Federation confirmed they would stick by Rehhage heading into the next World Cup.

And Gekas believes it is time to start preparing for the qualification campaign. He said: “We have not achieved big results in Euro 2008, but the game is still a part of this tournament, and one must look now at the World Cup qualification.”

Gekas backed Spain to go far in the tournament if they continue to show the sort of form which saw them dismantle Russia 4-1 in their opening game. “If they play well, they have the chance to go a long way,” he said.