Greece snatches late victory
reece stretched its lead at the top of Euro 2008 Group C with a dramatic 2-1 win over Moldova, courtesy of an injury-time goal from substitute Nikos Lymberopoulos, in a qualifier on Crete on Wednesday night. The win, which follows Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Hungary, gives Greece 18 points from seven games, five more than Turkey, who have a game in hand, Norway and Bosnia. Also Wednesday night, Norway defeated visiting Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina, at home, struggled to overcome Malta for a 1-0 win. Though not satisfied with his team’s performance, Rehhagel stressed that lowly rivals were not necessarily easy to beat, though the two latest wins will take some pressure off the German coach. «I’ve certainly experienced lots of situations such as this before. It’s difficult when you’re up against opponents with nothing to lose. Italy won 2-1 at Faroe Islands and Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Malta by just 1-0,» said Rehhagel, while warning that Greece still had work to do to secure its place in the Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland. «We’re not looking at the standings yet. The second round has just begun. If we win the next three games, then we’ll take a look at the standings.» The seven-team group’s winner and runner-up qualify for the Euro 2008 finals. After striker Angelos Charisteas put Greece ahead on the half-hour, the national team appeared headed for an easy victory. Greece, mediocre in the second half, was unable to stretch its lead and was made to pay when Moldova substitute Viorel Frunza equalized 10 minutes from time. The alarm sensed by the Greek team generated purpose which was rewarded in the fourth minute of stoppage time when the long-serving striker Nikos Lymberopoulos – a frequent late scorer throughout his career – sneaked the ball into the net after a long pass into the box from right-back Yiourkas Seitaridis. Responding to Moldova’s last-minute defeat, coach Igor Dobrovolsky said it helped to instill wisdom into his young team. «I’m glad we conceded a goal in the 94th minute. The boys are young, we’re building a new team. Coming at that stage of the game, it is a lesson for all of us,» said Dobrovolsky. For its next encounter, following the summer break, Greece will be hosted by Norway on September 12. Also Wednesday, Greece’s Under-19 team qualified for next month’s European Championships with a 4-0 home win against Sweden. Greece, which captured top spot in its qualifying group, struck three times in the game’s final 10 minutes. The draw for the tournament, to be held in Austria from July 16 to 27, will be held next Wednesday. Eight finalists will compete.
