Chance for Antzas and Houtos
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Article summary
Greece have named Paraskevas Antzas and Lambros Houtos in their squad to face Slovakia next week.
Article body
Injured pair
Antzas and Houtos, a defender and a striker respectively, have been selected following injuries to regulars Sotiris Kyrgiakos and Demis Nikolaidis. Greece coach Otto Rehhagel said the pair would be given a chance to stake their international claims in the match, being played in Zilina on 30 April, which provides a warm-up before tough UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine in June.
Strong opponent
"We will measure our strength against a strong opponent, prior to the important matches in Spain and against Ukraine in Athens," said Rehhagel. "Given the injuries of Kyrgiakos and Nikolaidis, we have the chance to welcome some new faces and to see their degree of readiness."
Tough matches
Greece are third in UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 6 but are level on six points with second-placed Ukraine. Spain lead the way with ten points from their four matches. Greece travel to Spain on 7 June before they play host to Ukraine on 11 June.
Greece squad
Amanatidis, Antzas, Venetidis, Giannakopoulos, Houtos, Vryzas, Georgiadis, Kafes, Dellas, Zagorakis, Tsartas, Lakis, Fyssas, Karagounis, Seitaridis, Bassinas, Nikopolidis, Dabizas, Halkias, Haristeas.