Spain's Silva strikes gold in Greece
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Article summary
David Silva reflected on "a great day" after his two goals helped Spain to a 3-2 friendly victory away against the reigning European champions Greece.
Article body
Forward David Silva was the main man for Spain after his two goals helped them to a 3-2 defeat of European champions Greece last night.
High acclaim
The friendly match in Thessaloniki was the international farewell for Theodoros Zagorakis, the man who lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy at UEFA EURO 2004™. Zagorakis, who retired from the national team last October with 119 caps to his name, was recalled to lead the team out at the Toumba Stadium. The 35-year-old midfielder played for 18 minutes before being substituted to a rapturous ovation. After that, the contest was all about Silva.
'Great day'
Greece took the lead twice through Fanis Gekas and Kostas Katsouranis, but after Carlos Marchena had drawn Spain level the first time, it was left to his Valencia CF team-mate to finish the job. Silva's first goal showed his predatory instincts from close range before he latched on to Cesc Fabregas's pass in the dying moments to hit a second. "It is very nice to score, and even more so for the national team," said Silva. "I always try to do my best and today I had a great day. It was difficult at the beginning, Greece started very well, but fortunately we fought back and won the game in stoppage time."
