Hosts Feel the Heat as Greek Clash Looms

The European Championships gets underway on Saturday with the hosts Portugal taking on Group A opponents Greece in the opening match at Porto's Estádio do Dragão. For the home side, nothing less than victory will do in front of their own supporters who ache for a Portugal team capable of putting years of under-achievement to rest.

The domestic success of Porto, the country's top league side, in both of the top European club competitions over the past two seasons has heightened expectations to fever pitch in the soccer-mad nation. Many fans are now convinced that the national side can replicate Porto's form and finally win a major international tournament.

Portuguese coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will be feeling the pressure even more so now as his players look for that all important first win against the Greeks, who few expect to make an impact on the competition.

Scolari's players are well aware of the expectations of their home nation. "Pressure is usual in football," said Portuguese defender Beto in an interview with CNN. "We are confident and united to begin the championships with a win, responding to the expectations of our country."

Portugal wary of first opponents

But Beto and his teammates will be wary of the Greeks who held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in a friendly last year and also finished ahead of Spain in their qualification group. "They are a strong team, with a solid defense and a dangerous counterattacking game. We know what we have to do to win, but for sure, we will face difficulties," the defender added.

The coach will understand the concept of pressure better than most. As Brazil chief in the 2002 World Cup, Scolari had a legacy of great Brazilian sides breathing down his neck as his samba stars looked to reclaim their title from France. He succeeded in that attempt and will be looking to get the best out of the remnants from Portugal's "golden generation" as well as the new stars and emulate that feat at Euro 2004. With a full-strength squad, Portugal is in good shape as the tournament begins.

The opposition, however, are also firing on all cylinders as the tournament begins. Greek coach Otto Rehhagel has welcomed back striker Demis Nikolaidis and defender Traianos Dellas from injury in the Greeks "nothing to lose" assault on the European Championships. "The pressure is on them," said Rehhagel of his team's opponents on Saturday. "All the players have to do is place their hands on their heart and give the best for their country."

Most important game for Greece in 20 years

The German coach believes that Greece faces its biggest match in two decades against the hosts and is under no illusions. "On Saturday we have our most important game in the last 20 years," Rehhagel told German sports agency SID. "For a Greek team to be in the European championships after such a long time and to face hosts Portugal is fantastic."

Rehhagel will send his men out against the likes of Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Brazilian-born Deco, the instigator of Porto's recent successes, and admits that the task is a mighty one. "I am nervous before such an event," confessed Rehhagel. "We are not just up against Portugal but against 60,000 fans."This will be a unique experience for some of the players."

Opening match may fail to sell-out

However, news from the Portuguese Football Federation may aid the Greeks in their challenge. A statement on Friday expressed concerns that the crowd for the opening game may be well under capacity. Federation chiefs admitted that tickets were still available for the Group A clash.

The failure to sell-out the 52,000-seater Estádio do Dragão raises questions on the enthusiasm the Portuguese people have for the tournament. A recent poll revealed that half of the population believes the event is not worth the €800 million ($948 million) that has been spent on revamping 10 stadiums in eight cities, especially since Portugal has economic woes.

Portugal's economy has struggled since 1999 when it was awarded the event during a boom period. Last year, the nation of 10 million people had the worst performing economy in the European Union and the government is struggling with its budget.

Possible teams:

Portugal (4-4-2): 1-Ricardo; 2-Paulo Ferreira, 4-Jorge Andrade, 5-Fernando Couto, 3-Rui Jorge; 6-Costinha, 8-Armando Petit, 7-Luis Figo, 10-Rui Costa; 9-Pauleta, 11-Simao Sabrosa

Greece (4-4-2): 1-Antonis Nikopolidis; 14-Takis Fyssas, 5-Traianos Dellas, 4-Nikos Dabizas, 2-Yourkas Seitaridis; 10-Vassilis Tsartas, 20-Giorgos Karagounis, 7-Theodoros Zagorakis, 8-Stelios Giannakopoulos; 11-Demis Nikolaidis, 9-Angelos Haristeas.

Referee: Pierluigi Collina (Italy) Linesmen: Marco Ivaldi, Narciso Pisacreta