Charisteas ends Greek wait
Wednesday, 17 November 2004
[1] Two first-half goals from Angelos Charisteas helped Greece secure a 3-1 victory against Kazakhstan in Athens on Wednesday to kick-start their Group 2 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Charisteas double
[2] After losing at the hands of Albania and drawing with Turkey and Ukraine in their opening three qualifiers, Greece had to win to keep in touch with the leaders and their nerves eased when Charisteas struck first on 24 minutes.
Katsouranis third
[3] The centre-forward then put the result beyond doubt when he doubled Greece's advantage moments before the interval. Substitute Konstantinos Katsouranis added a third five minutes from time for the European champions before Ruslan Baltiev grabbed a consolation from the penalty spot for Kazakhstan.
Zagorakis milestone
[4] It was Greece's first competitive victory since they defeated Portugal in July to win UEFA EURO 2004™ and it was the perfect way for captain Theodoros Zagorakis to celebrate his 100th cap, which was marked in a brief ceremony before kick-off.
Ukraine top
[5] Greece now have five points from four games - the same as Georgia who drew 2-2 at home to Denmark on Wednesday. Denmark, Turkey and Albania all have six points, five behind leaders Ukraine who overcame Turkey 3-0 in Istanbul.
Denmark next
[6] Greece will look to build on this result at home to Denmark in their next Group 2 fixture on 9 February, while Kazakhstan, still without a point, are next away to the same opposition on 26 March.