Innsbruck June 18- Russia won 2-0 against Sweden yesterday, the credit going to Andrei Arshavin, who returned from suspension, and Pavlyuchenko. Russia's impressive performance led them to the Euro Cup 2008 quarter finals as Sweden had to leave the tournament. Sweden needed just one point to join the last eight. Instead, it is Russia who will now meet the Dutch in the quarter finals.
The Group D Euro 2008 match started well for both the teams. Russia was into the game right from the beginning and made every effort to win. Arshavin made a pass into the Sweden area and Igor Semshove and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov collided with the goal. But Sweden threatened back with Ander Svensson's cross.
Russia missed several chances with the approach of the quarter-hour. Arshavin, Bilyaletdinov and then Yuri Zhirkov's efforts to open the scoring failed. But, the team went ahead in the 24th minute as Arshavin passed the ball to Zyryanov who sent it to Anyukov. The ball then shifted to Pavlyuchenko who coolly shot the ball into goal.
Though Sweden made a few threats, Russia was in control with a strong defense and several powerful shots. The second goal from Russia came in the 50th minute with Arshavan finished off a cross by Zhirkov. However, Sweden refused to give up. Russia's score would have gone up had Pavlyuchenko not missed two opportunities. But, the score 2-0 was enough for Russia to finish second in Group D after Spain.
Final Score Russia-Greece match June 18
Russia 2-0 Sweden
Goals
2
