Greece ease to friendly win over Cyprus

[Makedonia25]

Greece ease to friendly win over Cyprus
PATRAS, Greece -- A much-changed Greece side easily defeated Cyprus 2-0 in a friendly on Monday, as the European champions started their warm-up for the defense of their trophy next month.


Greek players celebrate after Sotoris Ninis (second left) becomes the youngest player to score for Greece.

Coach Otto Rehhagel was missing players from Greek champions Olympiakos, who were involved in the Greek Cup final over the weekend, as well as others from abroad who had obligations, and had to use a number of younger players.

One of Rehhagel's new players was 18-year-old midfielder Sotiris Ninis, who became the youngest to score for the national side by finding the net on his debut after five minutes.

Ninis took a pass from Panathinaikos clubmate Dimitris Salpiggidis and blasted the ball under Cypriot goalkeeper Antonis Georgallides to give the hosts a perfect start.

The Greeks had to wait until the hour mark to add to their tally when Benfica midfielder Kostas Katsouranis scored from the penalty spot.

The penalty was awarded after midfielder Giorgos Karagounis was tripped in the area by Cypriot defender Marios Ilia.

Greece had numerous other scoring opportunities, including Katsouranis hitting the crossbar with a header in the 20th minute.

The win was the eighth in a row for Greece, as they prepare to defend their Euro 2004 title this summer in Austria and Switzerland.

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/fo...eece.friendly/