Greece stretch unbeaten run with Swiss victory

Greece's Demis Nikolaidis(L) vies with Switzerland's Muller Patrick during a friendly football game ahead of the Euro 2004 at the brand new stadium of Crete

Midfielder Vasilis Tsiartas missed a penalty but made amends when he went on to hit the winner to give Greece a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in a Euro 2004 warm-up match.

The Greeks have now remained unbeaten in the last 15 matches, including their last six qualifying contests for Euro 2004.

The match, played in front of 27,000 people, was the first official game at the Pankritio Stadium which will host 10 matches in the Athens Olympics soccer tournament.

Tsiartas, who plays for AEK Athens, blasted a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty box in the 55th minute to give coach Otto Rehhagel's team the victory.

The goal made up for Tsiartas's earlier misery when his 26th minute penalty kick was saved by keeper Jorg Stiel.

The penalty was awarded when Atletico Madrid striker Demis Nikolaidis broke through the Swiss defence only to be tripped by defender Stephane Henchoz.

Switzerland, missing five starters due to injuries, nearly spoiled the Greek party before the final whistle when forward Alexander Frei just missed from close range.