Source: Xinhua

06-19-2008 09:04

Special Report:   2008 European Championships

SALZBURG, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Russia beat Group D rivals Sweden2-0 to clinch the last berth of Euro 2008 quarterfinals while holders Greece bowed out without a win after losing 2-1 to Spain on Wednesday.

Sweden's Fredrik Ljungberg (R) vies with Russia's Konstantin Zyryanov during Euro 2008 Group D football match at Tivoli  Neu stadium in Innsbruck, Austria, June 18, 2008. Russia won 2-0. (Xinhua Photo)

Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin scored in the 24th and 49th minutes, availing Russia of a deserved win in Innsbruck.

As runners-up of Group D with 6 points, Russia will next face Group C winner Netherlands on Saturday.

In a dead rubber match at Salzburg, Daniel Guiza's late winner granted Spain, already qualified as group winners, one hundred percent record into the last eight.

The Primera Division leading scorer grabbed his maiden international goal two minutes from time, spoiling Greece's hopes of exiting with heads high.

Greece, the 2004 shock winners, had been knocked out after opening two defeats but Angelos Charisteas opened scoring in the 42nd minute to give the defending champions their first goal in this year's tournament.

Ruben de la Red smashed in a ferocious volley 16 minutes after the restart to level the score for Spain.

Luis Aragones' men went into domination in the second half with Greece keeper Antonis Nikopolidis being kept busy.

Daniel Guiza nodded a long ball back for Ruben to thunder a slot in as Nikopolidis only got his finger tips to direct the ball off the underside of the bar and into the net.

Xabi Alonso then let fly from fully 30 meters and beat all ends up but unfortunately the ball rebounded the inside of the post and out for a throw in.

It was Guiza who sealed the victory. Sergio Garcia crossed for the Marlloca front man who ghosted unmarked in to head past Nikopolidis from close range.