Russian midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov's goal gifted Russia a 1-0 win against reigning European champion Greece here on Saturday in a second-round Group D clash of Euro 2008.
With none point in hands with mere one group match to go, Greece has thus been kicked out of the competition for retaining the top European title and has to go home empty-handed
Russian caption Sergei Semak bounced the ball back to Greece's area from the bottom line, Zyryanov tapped the ball into the keeperless net with ease in the 33rd minute.
The only goal of the game is enough to keep Russia' hope of elevation alive and Russia has to beat Group D rival Sweden, which have the same three points with Russia, at the last round of group match on June 19 in order to become one of the last eight.
Currently, Sweden outpaces Russia to take the second place with Group D due to goal differences.
As Russia and Greece lost their opening games, the second-round match has become a live-or-die battle for both sides.
Both teams made changes to their lineups compared to their opening matches. For Greece, coach Otto Rehhagel switched from previous defensive 5-3-2 system to attacking one of 4-3-3.
For Russia, there are two changes, Sergei Ignashevich was sent in to replace Roman Shirokov as center defender while Dmitri Torbinski from Locomativ Mowscow was in for Dmitri Sychev to serveas midfieler.
Russia turned out to be more aggressive and created more chances.
In the 14th minute, Russia' lonely striker Roman Pavlyuchenko cut in Greeks' area on the left side and made a curling shot, which was tipped above the crossing bar by brilliant Greek goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis.
Then came to Zyryanov's show in the 33rd minute.
During the second half, Greece staged more offensive attacks but ended up with no score as Russia's defensive line was as formidable.
Russia still kept repeated pressure on Greek defense line by staging counterattack waves, but Pavlyuchenko wasted several opportunities by missing the target.
Greece coach Otto Rehhagel complained of back luck after the match.
"I'm not so disappointed. I knew so, what we are capable of. We had a good day to drive the Russians to a defeat," he said.
"These are excellent footballers and sprinter, ... our problem is that we have little, little lucks," he added.
Russia coach Guus Hiddink attributed his team's win to his motivation.
"I had my doubts after the Spain game. We have played well, but not enough fighting. In the last few days I have my player provoked, and they have responded well to," he said.
"We need to better exploit opportunities, at the international level, you could not have five or six chances during the match, but only one, you have to grasp it," said the Dutchman.
Source: Xinhua
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