THERE will be two unfamiliar sides on view when Greece take on Spain in what is effectively a dead rubber in Group D on Wednesday.
Spain are already assured of qualifying for the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 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 which secured their opening two wins.
That would mean a start in midfield for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, who has impressed twice after coming off the bench.
Also in line for a 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.
"It is a dream to have him in the side," said Guiza.
"He is an impressive player, he has goals, quality, everything. We are proud to have him here."
Greece, meanwhile, have had injuries added to insult with a rash of absentees depleting coach Otto Rehhagel's options.
Giorgios Karagounis has been carrying a leg injury throughout the tournament 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 Rehhagel, who led the side to glory at Euro 2004, heading into 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 deep into the tournament if they continue to show the sort of form which saw them dismantle Russia 4-1 in their opening game.
"I don't know how far Spain can go, but if they play well, they have the chance to go a long way," he said.
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 which secured their opening two wins.
That would mean a start in midfield for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, who has impressed twice after coming off the bench.
Also in line for a 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.
"It is a dream to have him in the side," said Guiza.
"He is an impressive player, he has goals, quality, everything. We are proud to have him here."
Greece, meanwhile, have had injuries added to insult with a rash of absentees depleting coach Otto Rehhagel's options.
Giorgios Karagounis has been carrying a leg injury throughout the tournament 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 Rehhagel, who led the side to glory at Euro 2004, heading into 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 deep into the tournament if they continue to show the sort of form which saw them dismantle Russia 4-1 in their opening game.
"I don't know how far Spain can go, but if they play well, they have the chance to go a long way," he said.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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