Wednesday June 16th

Greece Avoid Defeat

Greece held Spain to a 1-1 draw in their second group match. Both teams had enjoyed narrow victories in their opening matches. The first half was littered with fouls and produced 5 yellow cards, but very few chances. The highlight of the first half came when Morientes beat Nikopolidis with a low shot from inside the area in the 28th minute. Early in the second half Zagorakis saw one shot go just over the bar and another hit straight at the goalkeeper, while in the 54th minute Spain's Raul failed to keep a header down. Greece equalizes in the 66th minute when Haristeas received the ball in the box, chested it forward and slotted it home between the goalkeeper's legs. In the last 15 minutes, Helguera's header and a shot by Vincente didn't trouble Nikipolidis in the Greek goal.

Portugal Sink Russia

Russia became the first team to be knocked out of the competition when they lost 2-0 to hosts Portugal. The Portuguese got off to a good start when Maniche received the ball in the box, turned and volleyed home after only 7 minutes. Portugal were unable to create any more chances in the first half. As the first half was coming to a close, Ovtshinnikov had to rush out of his area to meet Pauleta, and was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball. He became the second Russian player to be sent off in this tournament. In the first 15 minutes of the second half Portugal had 2 shots on target to Russia's one, but both goalkeepers made the necessary saves. In the 64th minute some good football resulted in a shot by Figo being pushed onto the post by substitute keeper Malafeyef, but Deco hit the rebound high over the bar. Gomes also wasted an opportunity in the box, but in the last minute Ronaldo who had brought excitement to the crowd since replacing Figo, crossed the ball for Rui Costa to toe poke it in and secure victory for the home team.