Salzburg June 14- Russia proved themselves champions at Salzburg after winning 1-0 against Greece. Both the teams had lost their opening matches in Euro Cup 2008 and when they faced each other yesterday, the stakes were high. But, Russia's Konstantin Zyryanov scored to give his team the lead and knock Greece out of the tournament.
The Greece-Russia match opened with the Russians being a threat to Greece. Roman Pavlyunchenko of Russia was the first to give his team a scoring opportunity. An powerful shot from Pavlyunchenko from the corner of penalty area, followed by Yuri Zhirkov, proved Russia the stronger team.
The only chance for scoring Greece had was when Angelos Charisteas could connect a free kick cross from his team captain Angelos Basinas. But, unfortunately for Greece, Charisteas failed to give his team a score. Russian midfielder Igor Semshov interrupted to take the ball away and keep Russia out of danger.
In the second half of the game, Nikopolidis got several threats from Pavlyunchenko who attacked twice. But, the Greece goalkeeper made saves both the times. Greece got one more opportunity to score in the 55th minute. But the left footed shot from Basinas was too high.
The Russians made only one goal and that was enough to drive them towards victory. Greece could do nothing to stop the Russians from scoring as Sergei Semak hooked the ball back over his head and Zyryanov sent it flying into the net quite easily.
Russia will meet Sweden in their final Group D match on Wednesday and Greece will face Group D winners Spain. A victory on Wednesday for Russians will take them to the Euro 2008 quarter finals.
Final Score Greece-Russia match June 14
Greece 0-1 Russia
Goals
1
