News from Group D - Euro 2008
Spain:
Spain striker Fernando Torres has rubbished reports of a rift between himself and coach Luis Aragones.
The Liverpool forward looked unhappy and appeared to refuse to shake the hand of the veteran coach after being substituted during the second half of Spain's 4-1 opening group win over Russia.
But Torres has denied reports of a fall-out with the hardline tactician after playing down the incident.
"There is no problem. I have spoken to the coach and know it was just another change. I have no problems with him," he said. "It seems a shame that so much importance is placed on this when Spain won 4-1. "The rules of the dressing room that Luis taught me when I was 16 are those that have worked for me now and what is said in the dressing room stays there. "I would never make a rude gesture to a coach and the squad are completely behind him."
Russia:
Russia coach Guus Hiddink has demanded an improvement after accusing his players of giving Spain 'gifts' in their opening 4-1 Group D defeat.
Russia take on reigning European champions Greece in Salzburg on Saturday knowing anything other than a victory could bring a premature end to their European Championship campaign.
You could say we took our wallets out of our pockets and gave them to the Spanish team," claimed Hiddink.
"We were too nice and gave them gifts. We were childish and naive in falling for their counter-attack ploy.
"We weren't outplayed - we gave the game away. We need more experience and to learn very quickly.
Sweden:
Sweden will be without Niclas Alexandersson for Saturday's Group D meeting with Spain after the full-back picked up a calf injury.
Coach Lars Lagerback has already seen winger Christian Wilhelmsson ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a hamstring problem picked up in the 2-0 victory over Greece on Tuesday.
Veteran full-back Alexandersson strained a calf muscle late in the same game but is expected to miss only one group game.
"Had it been a more serious strain my Euro would have been over," he admitted.
"Having the opportunity to return is a good feeling. Hopefully our tournament will be a long one too."
"For most of the players it's their first appearance in a major tournament."
