Source: Xinhua
06-19-2008 09:12
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsINNSBRUCK, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Russia beat Group D rivals Sweden 2-0 here on Wednesday, sealing the last berth of the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.
Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin scored in the 24th and 49th minutes, availed Russia of the 2-0 win over Sweden.
As runners-up of Group D with 6 points, Russia will face Group D winner the Netherlands in the quarter-final of the quadrennial tournament on Saturday.
Prior to the decisive game, both teams levelled on three points after beating reigning champions Greece but losing to Spain. Russia and Sweden fought a live-or-die battle for elevation into last eight of the tournament.
However, Sweden had a superior goal difference, meaning Guus Hiddink's side will be eliminated if the game at the Tivoli Neu Stadium ends in anything but victory for them.
Fortunately for Hiddink, FC Zenit St. Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin was available for the first time in this 24-day tournament after serving a two-match ban and the Dutch man sent him to the pitch to sharpen the offensive edge.
Arshavin proved his offensiveness by repeatedly penetrating Sweden's defense line and created many opportunities.
In the 24th minute, Spartak Moscow playmaker Pavlyuchenko got a super pass from midfielder Aleksandr Anyukov in Sweden's area, and scored with ease, making Russia on the favorable place.
Later on, Pavlyuchenko's canon shot in the 36th minute hit the crossbar.
Sweden's best moment emerged in the 43rd minute as Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic played a one-two with captain Ljungberg, but the low shot was denied by Russian goalkeeper Akinfeev.
Two minutes later, brave Akinfeev made another save by knocking out Mikael Nilsson's shot on the left of the area.
During the second half, Russia continued their pressure on Sweden's defense line.
In the 49th minute, a rapid counterattack by Russians ended up with the second score.
Similar to the first score, midfielder Yuri Zhirkov delivered a super pass from the left side of the area, gifting Arshavin of an easy shot.
Russians found more opportunities later on. Russian midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov's long-range shot hit the post in the 79th minute, while Pavlyuchenko missed the target three minutes later when facing a non-keeper goal.
On the whole, Russia played with the pace and rhythm and were more hungry for scoring. Statistics show that Russians made 22 shots while Swedish created 13 shots.
"This is a huge win for a side still under construction, with lots of young players and some experienced players," said Hiddink after the match.
"It gives me real pleasure to work with them, in the course of the past three weeks these youngsters have learnt a lot," the 61-year-old said.
Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said Russia played better than his team.
"Russia has a very good team, has played really good football," he said after the match.
"After the first loss, we have tried to euqalize, then we have the second. Today we were not good enough as a team," he added.
Editor:Xiong Qu
