Three points against Spain will help eliminated Greece nothing but feel better and prove themselves in their final show at the Euro 2008 on Wednesday.
The 2004 Europe shock winners, who suffered an early knockout after two opening defeats by Sweden and Russia, will aim to shake off the mantle of the only team yet to score at this year's tournament while taking on group winners Spain.
"Our aim is not to finish our matches here without points," said defender Yannis Goumas on Sunday as Greece prepared for their last Group D match.
"This will not be an indifferent game for us. We must go out and honour our flag and our national strip so as to make this experience here less bitter."
But Otto Rehhagel's men were fully aware of the strength of Spaniards, coming out with a backup lineup though.
"No matter who they play, the Spaniards' quality is very high," striker Ioannis Amanatidis said. "It won't be an easy game, regardless."
The Greeks will not have to deal with strikers David Villa or Fernando Torres as Luis Aragones will probably rest all of his starters save Andres Iniesta before Sunday's quarterfinal against the Group C runner-up Italy.
"With first place guaranteed my initial thought is to change almost everyone and give some of the other players a chance to show they are ready," said Aragones.
Rehhagel will have to field several second string players as well but his changes have been forced because of injury.
Defenders Giourkas Seitaridis and Vassilis Torosidis are out, striker Fanis Gekas has a fractured cheekbone and midfielder Giorgios Karagounis is doubtful.
Spain also have injury problems.
Regular center back Carles Puyol hurt his right foot in the 2-1win over Sweden, as did midfielder David Silva and substitute Santi Cazorla, but hopefully they can recover in time for Sunday's quarterfinal.
Spain boast a strong overall record against Greece, having won six and lost only one of their previous nine encounters.
A draw at Euro 2004, however, was probably the most significant result.
Spain tied 1-1 with Greece in their second outing before a 1-0 defeat by Portugal sent them spinning out of the tournament.
Source：Xinhua
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