'Greece will not be helped by Merk' - Rehhagel

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel does not believe his side have an advantage in the Euro 2004 final against Portugal tomorrow because the referee is fellow German Markus Merk. Surprise package Greece reached the final against the hosts in Lisbon after their...

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel does not believe his side have an advantage in the Euro 2004 final against Portugal tomorrow because the referee is fellow German Markus Merk. Surprise package Greece reached the final against the hosts in Lisbon after their shock 1-0 silver goal win over the Czech Republic on Thursday.

"I have known him (Merk) since he was a boy, since the age of 15," Rehhagel told reporters.

"He is a very strict referee and he once sent me to sit in the stands so I don't think there will be any problem."

Rehhagel coached Bundesliga sides Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich and Kaiserslautern. He has been hounded by German media since Greece's stunning 2-1 victory over Portugal in the opening Euro 2004 match, particularly after Germany's first-round exit.

Merk also officiated at Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup.

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