Karagounis snatches win for Greece

Otto Rehhagel's Greece recorded a 2-1 victory over Cyprus in Larnaca as both sides continued their preparations for important UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying matches.

Konstantinou danger
Cyprus were the better side in an exciting first half and took a deserved lead on 23 minutes when Panathinaikos FC striker Michalis Konstantinou struck from the penalty spot after Georgos Theodotou tumbled in the Greek area.

Constant threat
Konstantinou posed a constant threat to the Greek defence and he could have added another couple of goals to his tally but two goalbound efforts were cleared off the line. Greece's only real chance of the half came just before the interval when Giorgos Karagounis - who also plies his trade with Panathinaikos - saw his header cleared off the line by Theodotou.

Greek revival
Cyprus coach Momcilo Vukotic made six second-half substitutions and Greece soon seized control of the game. The visitors pulled level on 53 minutes after Angelos Basinas' deep cross was headed into the net via the left-hand post of Nicos Panagiotou's goal by yet another Panathinaikos player Takis Fyssas.

Karagounis winner
Greece snatched a winner 20 minutes from time when Karagounis' shot from just outside the area deflected past substitute goalkeeper Michalis Shimitras.