Rehhagel hails Greece farewell

Rehhagel: Greece pride

Defending champions bow out with no points

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel was happy with the way his side bowed out of Euro 2008, despite suffering a third successive defeat.

The defending champions had already lost their grip on the crown they won in astonishing fashion four years ago after defeats to Sweden and Russia in their opening fixtures.

But they produced a much-improved display against Spain, taking the lead through Angelos Charisteas in the 42nd minute with their first goal of the tournament.

But second-half goals from Ruben de la Red and Daniel Guiza sent Greece home without a single point to show for their efforts.

Rehhagel, who was at the helm for their momentous triumph in Portugal, felt his players had signed off in style.

Goodbye

He said: "I told my players we must say goodbye in a proper fashion and that's what they did today.

"After the game I don't want to put the blame on individual players.

"We didn't have the necessary luck and the Spaniards showed more alertness.

"But we wanted to take our leave in dignified fashion and we achieved that."