Greece reach last eight as Russia exit Euro 2012

WARSAW: A Giorgos Karagounis goal seconds before the break gave 2004 champions Greece a surprise 1-0 win over Russia in Euro 2012 Group A on Saturday, giving them a shock quarter-final berth at their rivals' expense. The win left the Greeks as group runners-up ahead of the Russians on the head to head rule, both having four points to six for group winners the Czech Republic, who beat co-hosts Poland 1-0. The Russians, 16 matches unbeaten, had most of the possession against a Greek side which had lost their last four straight meetings with their rivals and Alexander Kerzhakov and then Andrei Arshavin both sent early efforts off target against a
side needing a win to have any hope of advancing. But Karagounis, a 35-year-old veteran of the Greeks' 2004 shock final win in Portugal, drove home right-footed to stun Dick Advocaat's side. The Russians began their tournament with a 4-1 demolition of the Czech Republic in their tournament opener and then held co-hosts Poland to a draw but they failed to find their form in the second half as Karagounis looked to have won a penalty for the Greeks. Tackled by Sergeo Ignashevich, the veteran went down but was then booked for diving - meaning he will miss the quarters. Giorgos Tzavellas then hit the bar as the Greeks tried to increase their advantage - but they held out for a famous success. (AFP)