Giorgos Karagounis scored the only goal as Greece produced a major shock to knock Russia out of Euro 2012 and seal their place in the quarter-finals.

Russia had dominated the game before Karagounis pounced on a Sergei Ignashevich error to drill in a shot.

Roman Shirokov had earlier been denied a penalty after claiming a push by Karagounis, who himself had a strong spot-kick shout waved away later on.

Giorgos Tzavellas struck the post with a free-kick as Greece secured victory.

Wasteful Russia v Greece

Russia midfielder Andrey Arshavin
  • Attempts on goal: 31
  • Shots on target: 2
  • Shots off target: 17
  • Blocked shots: 12
  • Source: Opta Sports

Alan Dzagoev sent a late header wide from an Andrey Arshavin cross but Russia struggled to break down a resolute Greece and their first defeat in 17 games cost them dearly.

They finished on the same points in Group A as second-placed Greece but were eliminated because of their head-to-head record.

It was a remarkable turnaround for both sides as Russia had been tipped as potential tournament winners after beating the Czech Republic 4-1 in their opening game.

Greece, on the other hand, were given little chance of making it through to the last eight after winning a solitary point from their first two matches.

But the underdogs - who ground their way to unlikely Euro 2004 glory by relying on a stubborn defence and catching teams out on the counter-attack or with set-pieces - again managed to spring a big surprise.

They knew only a win against Russia would be enough to get into the quarter-finals and they started positively.

Analysis

Image of Pat Nevin Pat Nevin BBC Radio 5 live

"Greece worked really hard. They've been defensive and sometimes it wasn't pretty. But they deserve to be through. However, I've got no sympathy for the Russians. The Russian fans inside the stadium are furious with a team that didn't seem to care enough."

Kostas Katsouranis had a glanced shot from a Karagounis corner palmed away by keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev, and Vassilis Torossidis had a shot blocked.

But as the game progressed, the Greeks sat back, happy to soak up the pressure while trying to catch their opponents out on the break.

Dick Advocaat's Russia were allowed to pass and probe, quickly threatening as Arshavin's prodded shot was saved by keeper Michalis Sifakis.

Aleksandr Kerzakhov fired a sweet shot agonisingly wide before Shirokov was denied a penalty for what appeared a clear push by Karagounis.

A Zhirkov 22-yard shot went just over and Russia's failure to convert their domination into goals was punished by an unlikely goal for Greece.

Russian defender Ignashevich missed a headed clearance from a Greece throw-in and Karagounis, who was making a record-equalling 120th appearance for his country, raced clear before finishing with a great deal of composure.

Greece in focus

  • Greece's win over Russia was their first victory in six European Championship games since they won the tournament in Euro 2004.
  • Greece lost to Russia in the Euro 2004 and Euro 2008 group stages.

The strike stunned Russia and Zhrikov was nutmegged by Torossidis, whose low cross was crucially intercepted by Aleksandr Anyukov with Fanis Gekas waiting to tap in.

Russia were now on the backfoot and Karagounis had strong claims for a penalty when he appeared to be tripped by Ignashevich.

Instead, referee Jonas Eriksson booked the Greece captain for diving, leaving Karagounis furious before being substituted.

The midfielder's frenzied protests almost had him tearing his hair out in despair as he also ran to the fourth official to complain.

His yellow card also means he will miss the quarter-final.

Russia, though, could not find the creativity to break down Greece and secure an equaliser.

Indeed Greece came closest to scoring when a Tzavellas effort struck the woodwork.

But Karagounis's solitary effort turned out to be decisive and Greece will now play the winners of Group B - who will be Germany, Denmark or Portugal.

Lineup, Bookings (6) & Substitutions (6)

Greece

  • 13 Sifakis
  • 02 Maniatis
  • 03 Tzavelas
  • 05 K Papadopoulos
  • 15 Torosidis
  • 19 Papastathopoulos
  • 10 Karagounis Booked (Makos - 67' )
  • 21 Katsouranis
  • 07 Samaras
  • 14 Salpingidis (Ninis - 82' )
  • 17 Gekas (Holebas - 64' Booked )

Substitutes

  • 01 Chalkias
  • 12 Tzorvas
  • 04 Malezas
  • 20 Holebas
  • 06 Makos
  • 16 Fotakis
  • 18 Ninis
  • 22 Fortounis
  • 23 Ioannnis
  • 09 Liberopoulos
  • 11 Mitroglou

Russia

  • 16 Malafeev
  • 02 Aniukov Booked (Izmailov - 81' )
  • 04 Ignashevich
  • 05 Zhirkov Booked
  • 12 Berezutsky
  • 06 Shirokov
  • 07 Denisov
  • 17 Dzagoev Booked
  • 22 Glushakov (Pogrebniak - 72' Booked )
  • 10 Arshavin
  • 11 Kerzhakov (Pavlyuchenko - 46' )

Substitutes

  • 01 Akinfeev
  • 13 Shunin
  • 03 Sharonov
  • 19 Granat
  • 21 Nababkin
  • 09 Izmailov
  • 15 Kombarov
  • 23 Semshov
  • 14 Pavlyuchenko
  • 20 Pogrebniak
Ref: Eriksson
Att: 58,145

Match Stats

Shots

7 28

On target

2 13

Corners

5 12

Fouls

5 10

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +4:26 Full time

Full Time The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.

90:00 +3:55

Shot from just outside the box by Alan Dzagoev goes over the crossbar.

90:00 +3:47 Booking

Booking Jose Holebas shown a yellow card.

90:00 +2:53

Yury Zhirkov delivers the ball, blocked by Vassilis Torosidis. Inswinging corner taken by Andrey Arshavin from the left by-line.

90:00 +2:14

Indirect free kick taken by Michail Sifakis.

90:00 +2:14 Booking

Booking Pavel Pogrebnyak is given a yellow card.

90:00 +2:10

Pavel Pogrebnyak is penalised for a handball.

90:00 +1:11

Yury Zhirkov delivers the ball, Unfair challenge on Giorgos Tzavelas by Pavel Pogrebnyak results in a free kick. Michail Sifakis restarts play with the free kick.

90:00 +0:17

Igor Denisov takes a shot. Blocked by Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

89:23

Igor Denisov delivers the ball, Roman Shirokov takes a shot. Save made by Michail Sifakis.

89:02

Alan Dzagoev takes a short corner.

83:13

The ball is delivered by Andrey Arshavin, Headed effort from inside the area by Alan Dzagoev misses to the left of the target.

81:47 Substitution

Substitution Sotiris Ninis joins the action as a substitute, replacing Dimitris Salpingidis.

81:47

Roman Pavlyuchenko produces a right-footed shot from inside the area that clears the crossbar.

81:28

Short corner worked by Andrey Arshavin.

80:27 Substitution

Substitution Marat Izmailov joins the action as a substitute, replacing Aleksandr Aniukov.

79:22

Dimitris Salpingidis sends in a cross.

76:48

Igor Denisov gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jose Holebas. Giorgos Tzavelas takes the free kick.

76:07

Igor Denisov takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Blocked by Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

75:37

Igor Denisov takes a shot. Blocked by Socratis Papastathopoulos.

74:04

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Andrey Arshavin from the right by-line. Igor Denisov takes a shot. Save made by Michail Sifakis.

73:49

Short corner worked by Andrey Arshavin.

72:06

Igor Denisov takes a shot. Kyriakos Papadopoulos gets a block in.

71:16 Substitution

Substitution Dennis Glushakov goes off and Pavel Pogrebnyak comes on.

70:28

Giorgos Tzavelas delivers the ball, Headed effort from inside the area by Georgios Samaras misses to the left of the target.

70:28 Booking

Booking The referee shows Alan Dzagoev a yellow card.

68:30

Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Giorgos Tzavelas. Foul by Alan Dzagoev on Giorgos Tzavelas, free kick awarded.

68:30 Booking

Booking Yury Zhirkov booked.

68:24

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Dimitris Salpingidis by Yury Zhirkov.

67:04

Shot from 35 yards by Igor Denisov. Blocked by Georgios Samaras. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Andrey Arshavin played to the near post, Georgios Samaras manages to make a clearance. Andrey Arshavin takes a short corner.

66:05 Substitution

Substitution Grigoris Makos is brought on as a substitute for Giorgos Karagounis.

64:12 Booking

Booking Aleksandr Aniukov is shown a yellow card.

64:12

Free kick awarded for a foul by Aleksandr Aniukov on Giorgos Karagounis. Free kick crossed by Giorgos Tzavelas, clearance made by Alexei Berezutsky.

63:03 Substitution

Substitution Theofanis Gekas goes off and Jose Holebas comes on.

63:03

The ball is swung over by Roman Pavlyuchenko.

62:37

Free kick awarded for a foul by Georgios Samaras on Aleksandr Aniukov. Direct free kick taken by Igor Denisov. Andrey Arshavin sends in a cross, Kyriakos Papadopoulos manages to make a clearance.

61:03

Viacheslav Malafeev takes the indirect free kick.

61:03 Booking

Booking Giorgos Karagounis goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour.

58:19

The ball is swung over by Vassilis Torosidis, Aleksandr Aniukov manages to make a clearance. Outswinging corner taken by Giorgos Karagounis from the right by-line, clearance made by Sergei Ignashevich. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Giorgos Karagounis, Theofanis Gekas takes a shot.

57:31

Unfair challenge on Georgios Samaras by Alexei Berezutsky results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Giorgos Tzavelas.

56:24

Igor Denisov takes a shot from long distance which goes wide of the right-hand post.

55:29

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Roman Shirokov by Georgios Samaras. Indirect free kick taken by Aleksandr Aniukov.

53:22

Roman Pavlyuchenko has an effort at goal from outside the area missing to the wide left of the goal.

50:50

Centre by Aleksandr Aniukov, Vassilis Torosidis makes a clearance. Shot from deep inside the area by Roman Shirokov clears the bar.

49:58

Georgios Samaras produces a right-footed shot from outside the penalty box and misses left.

45:01

The referee starts the second half.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Roman Pavlyuchenko joins the action as a substitute, replacing Alexander Kerzhakov.

45:00 +3:08 Half time

Half Time It is the end of the first-half.

45:00 +1:48

Vassilis Torosidis provided the assist for the goal.

45:00 +1:48 Goal scored

Goal - Giorgos Karagounis - Greece 1 - 0 Russia Giorgos Karagounis grabs a goal from inside the box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Greece 1-0 Russia.

45:00 +0:51

A cross is delivered by Igor Denisov, Roman Shirokov produces a volleyed left-footed shot from deep inside the area which goes wide of the left-hand post.

45:00 +0:27

Andrey Arshavin decides to take a short corner.

44:59

Corner taken short by Andrey Arshavin.

44:13

Roman Shirokov takes a shot. Giannis Maniatis gets a block in.

42:26

Dennis Glushakov gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Giorgos Karagounis. Kostas Katsouranis restarts play with the free kick.

41:54

The ball is delivered by Vassilis Torosidis, Viacheslav Malafeev makes a comfortable save.

41:11

The ball is sent over by Georgios Samaras, Sergei Ignashevich manages to make a clearance.

39:06

Dennis Glushakov takes a shot. Socratis Papastathopoulos gets a block in. Yury Zhirkov decides to take the corner short. Yury Zhirkov produces a left-footed shot from just outside the area that goes harmlessly over the target.

37:59

Free kick awarded for a foul by Kostas Katsouranis on Igor Denisov. Free kick taken by Roman Shirokov.

37:08

Andrey Arshavin crosses the ball, clearance made by Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

36:54

Alexander Kerzhakov takes a shot. Blocked by Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

35:45

Effort from outside the penalty area by Roman Shirokov goes wide left of the target.

32:49

Foul by Igor Denisov on Georgios Samaras, free kick awarded. Giorgos Tzavelas takes the direct free kick.

31:55

A cross is delivered by Vassilis Torosidis, Alexei Berezutsky manages to make a clearance.

31:02

Alan Dzagoev challenges Giorgos Tzavelas unfairly and gives away a free kick. Giorgos Tzavelas takes the free kick.

30:22

Shot by Dennis Glushakov from a long way out goes over the target.

29:27

Unfair challenge on Yury Zhirkov by Dimitris Salpingidis results in a free kick. Yury Zhirkov takes the free kick.

26:57

Foul by Alexei Berezutsky on Theofanis Gekas, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Giorgos Tzavelas.

24:32

Roman Shirokov takes a shot. Socratis Papastathopoulos gets a block in. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Andrey Arshavin from the left by-line, clearance made by Socratis Papastathopoulos.

21:34

Alexander Kerzhakov takes a shot. Giorgos Tzavelas gets a block in.

19:49

Andrey Arshavin produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide left of the goal.

18:36

Alan Dzagoev takes a shot. Save by Michail Sifakis.

18:22

The ball is swung over by Giorgos Karagounis, save by Viacheslav Malafeev.

17:28

Yury Zhirkov takes a shot. Kostas Katsouranis gets a block in.

16:06

Yury Zhirkov crosses the ball, Kostas Katsouranis manages to make a clearance. Inswinging corner taken by Andrey Arshavin, clearance made by Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

15:16

Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Giorgos Karagounis, Viacheslav Malafeev makes a save.

12:46

Alexander Kerzhakov has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand post.

11:08

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Andrey Arshavin by Giorgos Tzavelas. Direct free kick taken by Igor Denisov. Effort on goal by Alan Dzagoev from just inside the area clears the bar.

9:35

Andrey Arshavin takes a shot. Save by Michail Sifakis.

8:37

Georgios Samaras delivers the ball.

5:59

Corner taken right-footed by Giorgos Karagounis, Vassilis Torosidis takes a shot. Blocked by Aleksandr Aniukov.

5:14

Corner taken right-footed by Giorgos Karagounis from the right by-line to the near post, Kostas Katsouranis takes a shot. Save made by Viacheslav Malafeev.

2:47

The referee blows for offside against Dimitris Salpingidis. Viacheslav Malafeev takes the indirect free kick.

0:00

The game begins.

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