Greece lost their grip on the European Championship title after Konstantin Zyryanov’s winner earned victory for Russia in Salzburg and knocked out the holders. Otto Rehhagel’s men were never given much hope of making history and becoming the first country to defend the title, and their hopes lasted two matches. Criticised for being negative, there was at least some adventure after Zyryanov took advantage of woeful goalkeeping from Antonis Nikopolidis — but it was too little, too late.
Before this match the sounds coming from Rehhagel and Greece were that they wanted to attack, and their formation suggested as much, with the ultra-defensive sweeper system giving way for a flat back four. But it was impossible to throw caution to the wind when Russia had the ball and looked to attack down the flanks.
Roman Pavlyuchenko stretched Greece’s defence at Stadion Wals-Siezenheim, following coach Guus Hiddink’s tactics to the letter. Russia’s pressure was almost rewarded in the 14th minute when Zyryanov robbed Angelos Basinas as the Greece skipper dwelt on the ball. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov worked the ball out to Pavlyuchenko, who saw his curling lob tipped over by Nikopolidis as it angled towards the top corner.
The goal for Russia came after 33 minutes, gifted by Nikopolidis. Bilyaletdinov was fed by Dmitri Torbinski on the left and his cross looked harmless as it drifted to the far post but Nikopolidis followed the ball, allowing enough time for Sergei Semak to hook the ball back into the six-yard area where Zyryanov could not miss. Hiddink punched the air in delight.
Mike McGrath© PA Sport, 2008, All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, re-written, re-distributed or commercially exploited. Sportstar is not responsible for any inaccuracy in the material.
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