A much better opening from Russia and Greece, with some fast paced zippy football. High energy all the way. Russia almost go 1-0 down in the first 15 minutes with a fumbling clearance from Igor Semshov that bounces of his head then leg and out for a corner.

Russia start to build up pressure as Christos Patsatzoglou hits a shot from 30 yards which is saved by Nikopolodis. 3 minutes later Russian pressure gets the better of Greece as Dimitry Torbinsky floats a ball into the penalty area. gets pushed wide left for Sergi Semak to make an amazing overhead kick just left of the Greek goal line straight in to the path of Konstatin Zyryanov for a 1-0 lead.

5 minutes later Russia again come close with a Diniyar Bilyaletdinov 25 yard strike that flies just over the crossbar. Giourkas Seitaridis is inured and replaced by Giorgios Karagounis. Russia are in command now atacking Greece with a one goal advantage. 2 corners and several balls into the box but Russia fail to capitalise.

The second half starts much like the first with both teams playing open fast football. Karagounis comes close on the 52nd minute making Russias No.1 stand his ground to block the shot. Basinas puts one over the bar and Russians fans and players are starting to feel the resurgence of the Greek team.

10 minutes later Russia relieve the pressure by attacking the Greek goal from a corner kick but they fail to get a goal. 60 minutes in and its pretty end to end stuff with both goalies being tested. And defenders getting jittery. Both teams are making a concerted effort to pysh the ball forward and win the match.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is replaced by Ivan Saenko for a straight swap with 20 minutes to go. Within minutes of coming on Ivan Saenko almosts assists the best goal fo the tournament, as he skips past 2 tackles and drives a 30 yr pass into Roman Pavlyuchenko who just misses with a screamer of a shot from 25yrs.

Greece make a subsitution and bring onStelios for Yannis Amanatidis for the last 10 minutes.. Greece press the Russian defense some more..In the dying minutes Theofanis Gekas is in on goal from a greek headr forward, only to have his shot blocked, rebound and fall for Angelos Charisteas who easily puts it in to the back of the net. But jubilation is short lived as its ruled off-side.

Roman Pavlyuchenko is the only one to have another chance in the 3rd minute of extra time only to blast it over the bar, and it all ends in a Russian win 1-0.. They should of really been 2-0 up atleast but Pavlyuchenko is far to selfish a striker to allow team mates to score. If he can curb his glory hunting, Russia could go far in this years European championships and in future tournaments. I guess only time will tell.



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Final score: Russia win 1-0
Verdict: Great match just Roman Pavlyuchenko needs to stop being such a glory hunter.