Greece's Nikopolidis, Antzas announce retirement after Euro elimination

Greece goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis will retire from international football after Wednesday's game with Spain _ following the defending champion's elimination from the European Championship.

Defender Paraskevas Antzas also said Sunday that he would retire from the team after the last Group D game.

Greece was eliminated after two successive defeats, a 2-0 loss to Sweden and 1-0 loss to Russia.

"Time is merciless _ this moment comes for everybody," said Nikopolidis, Greece's oldest player at 37. "I had hoped for something better at this tournament, but I had taken the decision to retire before it started."

Nikopolidis was key to Greece's victory at Euro 2004, not conceding a goal in any of the three knockout games. But a goalkeeping error on Saturday cost Greece the game against the Russians.

"I leave feeling filled with good experiences," he said. "A word to the younger players: They should not carry the weight of the Euro 2004 victory and to feel obliged that they have to win everything."

The twin retirements signaled probable squad changes ahead of Greece's qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa under coach Otto Rehhagel, who recently extended his contract till 2010. Greece plays Israel, Latvia, Luxembourg, Moldova and Switzerland in qualifying.

Rehhagel picked experienced players for his Euro 2008 squad, leaving several talented youngsters at home, including 18-year-old Panathinaikos player Sotiris Ninis.

The 31-year-old Antzas did not explain why he was quitting the team, but appeared upset by Greece's elimination.

"I thank Mr. Rehhagel for placing his trust in me and including me in the team. I also announce my retirement," he said. "I don't want to say why (we were eliminated). The coach knows the reasons and he can give the answers."

Greece has yet to score a goal at Euro 2008 and faces Spain, who have already qualified from the group stage, in its final group match.

Team spokesman Michael Tsapidis said defenders Giourkas Seitaridis and Vassilis Torossidis missed Sunday's training through injury. Striker Fanis Gekas was also out after spending the night in a hospital in Salzburg to be treated for a facial injury he picked up during the Russia game.

"Fanis Gekas has returned to the team hotel after being released from hospital this morning. He is fine," Tsapidis said.