Euro 2012: Plucky Greece send Russia crashing out

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://ht.ly/1kCgY1

Giorgos Karagounis and Greece rekindled the spirit of 2004 as they sealed an improbable quarter-final spot with a 1-0 win over Russia.

The shock champions of eight years ago turned Group A upside down in a remarkable final round of fixtures in Poland this evening.

Karagounis' winner - on the night he equalled a national record by earning his 120th cap - came completely against the run of play on the stroke of half-time at Warsaw's National Stadium.

But no-one could argue Greece did not deserve their victory at the final whistle, with 2004 hero Karagounis denied a blatant penalty - and picking up a booking that ruled him out of the next match.

Russia, who had thrashed Czech Republic 4-1 in their opening game, barely tested goalkeeper Michalis Sifakis and were made to pay as the Czechs beat Poland in Wroclaw to steal top spot.