Title defense starts for holders Greece
VIENNA (Reuters) - Greece open their title defense by taking on Sweden at Euro 2008 after a much-fancied Spain side start the Group D action against Russia on Tuesday.
Spain's Primera Liga is widely acclaimed as having the best football in Europe in terms of technical skill but the national team have been perennial underachievers at major tournaments.
Unbeaten in their last 16 games, they again have everything needed on paper for a prolonged run at the finals.
Two quality strikers in Fernando Torres and David Villa, a blend of steel and creativity in midfield with Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas plus a decent defense that includes Carles Puyol in the centre is a great package.
Russia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink starts the campaign with a fine personal record in major tournaments but without one of his key men, playmaker Andrei Arshavin who is suspended for the first two games.
In Tuesday's match at Innsbruck, he will look to Roman Pavlyuchenko, the scorer of both goals in a vital 2-1 win over England in the final stages of their qualifying campaign.
CHAMPIONS START
Written off before the start of Euro 2004, Greece return to the finals as European champions with something to prove -- that they deserve their place at football's top table.
Their German coach Otto Rehhagel built a team that were difficult to break down and became masters of the 1-0 victory. Defender Giourkas Seitaridis made it clear before the match that there were no plans for a radical rethink.
"We know it will be a match with tight defenses and fast counter-attacks," he said. "I don't see many goals being scored but hopefully we will score one."
Sweden's hopes in a tight group have been lifted by the return of striker Henrik Larsson from international retirement, though coach Lars Lagerback is unlikely to keep the prolific 36-year-old on for 90 minutes, if he starts in Salzburg.
Spain kick off the action against Russia at 1600 GMT, followed by Greece's game with Sweden at 1845.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
