Greece

By Simon Baskett

SALZBURG, June 18 (Reuters) - With a perfect record of three wins out of three in their group matches, Spain believe they have demonstrated the winning mentality that will help them overcome world champions Italy in the quarter-finals.

"Italy are going to be very difficult opponents but at this stage every team is difficult," Spain coach Luis Aragones said after his team's 2-1 win over Greece in their final group game.

"This side have learnt a lot. We were a young side at the World Cup and now we know what these competitions are like. I think we can carry on.

"This part is over and now we are on to the really impressive bit. We hope that the sort of mentality we have shown up until now will help us through," he added.

Spain joined Croatia and Netherlands as the only teams with 100 percent records at Euro 2008 after their reserves came from a goal down to beat 2004 champions Greece in Salzburg.

FIRST GOAL

The Greeks scored their first goal of the tournament when striker Angelos Haristeas, who got the winner in the final against hosts Portugal four years ago, put them in front with a header at the end of the first half.

But a fine strike by midfielder Ruben de la Red and a late goal from Dani Guiza secured Spain their ninth win in a row.

"We know we face difficult opponents, but Italy will be thinking the same," said Aragones. "Both sides have a lot to lose, but the only thing we can do is head into the game with a positive attitude knowing that we can win.

"We have an advantage (over Italy) because we could rest most of our players (against Greece). It is a very compressed, intense competition and the players feel it."

Aragones played down the impact the loss of suspended midfielders Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo would have on Italy.

"Pirlo and Gattuso are two important players, but the players they have in their squad can replace them perfectly. I would have preferred them not to have been given cards because I know their replacements will do just as well."

Spain play Italy in Vienna on Sunday.

(Editing by Ken Ferris)