Russians knock out holders Greece

Greek tragedyEuro 2004 hero Angelos Charisteas had an evening to forget and goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis had an unwanted hand in Russia’s goal

AFP , SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

Russia, though, kept on creating chances but crucially not taking them as a delightful backheel by Pavlyuchenko inside the box set up Diniyar Bilyaletdinov but he sent his shot wide of the far post.

The Greeks huffed and puffed with little effect while the Russians produced the elegant soccer but only really went close to doubling their lead with 10 minutes to go as Zhirkov floated a freekick just wide of the post.

For all of Russia’s profligacy the Greeks were unable to find the vital goal and the tears of joy of 2004 were replaced by ones of misery.