Roman Pavlyuchenko had the first good chance on goal forcing Nikopolidis to tip the ball over the bar early on. Charisteas should have given Greece the lead, but the striker fluffed his free header in the box. Russia broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, with Nikopolidis at fault. The keeper misjudged Torbinsky’s cross, Semak hooked the ball back in the box and Zyryanov scored into an empty net. (First half highlights here.) Nikopolidis parried away Pavlyuchenko’s shot at the start of the second half, while Karagounis had a shot for Greece after 52 minutes, but Akinfeyev was equal to the task. Thereafter the Russians looked more likely to score, a brilliant move started by sub-Saenko’s solo run ended with Pavlyuchenko hitting a 35 yard screamer narrowly wide. Greece showed urgency to find an equaliser, but their failure to do so sees the reigning champions dumped out at the first hurdle. Russia will welcome Arshavin back for the decider with Sweden.

Tags : Uefa Euro 2008 Tournament, euro2008, uero2008

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