Spain edge Russia 1-0 in Euro 2004
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-06-13 15:29

Second half substitution Valeron Juan Carlos became the team hero as he scored the only goal to hand the Spain a 1-0 win over Russia in the European soccer championship here on Saturday.

After a 0-0 first half, Spain made a big change on the 59th minute to bring Valeron and Xabi Alonso into the action, substituting Morientes and Baraja. Just one minute later, Veleron opened the scoring with his first touch, a right-foot strike from six yards after controlling Puyol's square ball.

Spain's Xavi Alonso (C) congratulates team-mate Juan Carlos Valeron (2nd R) as they leave the pitch with Russia's Alexander Mostovoi (R) and Vladislav Radimov (L) after their Euro 2004 Group A soccer match at Algarve stadium in Faro, June 12, 2004. Spain won the match 1-0. [Reuters]

In 87th minute Russia forward Sharonov's second yellow card virtually announced the loss in their first Group A match. The Russian forward was dismissed following a foul on Fernando Torres.

It is important to win the first game: Valeron

Juan Carlos Valeron, the player of the Spanish national football team who scored Saturday the goal that gave his country the victory over Russia, said, "It is always important to win the first game because it allows us to face the following with more calmness."

Valeron said that the results of their opening match have to be ratified in the next encounter of the European Championship (Euro2004), to be played next Wednesday against Greece.

The athlete of the Canarian Islands showed happiness over the goal and said that he could not hit the ball in the first try, but could react and score the goal he branded as "very important" for Spain in the Euro 2004.

The player also highlighted the attitude of the team during thematch despite some moments of uncertainty.

"After what happened to Portugal, we were a little apprehensivein the end of the game and we lacked the trust to celebrate, but now it is time to congratulate each other for the victory and think of Greece," he said.

The player of the Deportivo de La Coruna said that the Greek national team is "very willing" to leave them outside the direct qualification for the Eurocup, although he stressed the quality oftheir rivals "after their warning today in the opening match," he ended.