Holland 3-0 Italy

Holland opened their Euro 2008 campaign with a stunning 3-0 victory over the World Champions Italy at the the Stade de Suisse.

Written off by many before the competition started, the Dutch produced a superb counter-attacking performance that ultimately destroyed Roberto Donadoni's outfit.

Goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wesley Sneijder and Giovanni van Brockhorst, accounted for Italy and placed Marco van Basten's unfancied side in pole position in the so-called "Group of Death".

Italy had a fortunate escape on 18 minutes when van Nistelrooy was put through on goal only to stumble under slight contact from Gianluigi Buffon. The Real Madrid striker stayed upright when he could have gone down for a penalty, but by the time he had regained his balance the opportunity had been squandered.

However, the Dutch did not to have to wait long to take the lead, although the goal, when it came, was shrouded in controversy. Buffon, flapped at a free-kick and the ball fell to Sneijder whose cross-shot was poked in from close range by van Nistelrooy. The Real Madrid striker looked suspiciously offside and television replays confirmed that he had strayed beyond the last Italian defender when the ball was played. However, the Dutch can argue that the Italian defender, Christian Panucci, lying behind the goal line having left the pitch without the referee's permission, was playing the striker onside.

If there was a whiff of good fortune about the opener, there can have been no complaints about Holland's second goal. Van Bronckhorst cleared a corner off the Dutch goal line, then raced upfield to collect a crossfield pass from Rafael van der Vaart, before picking out Dirk Kuyt at the far post. The Liverpool forward nodded the ball into the path of Sneijder who volleyed past Gianluigi Buffon.

The Italians looked shellshocked and Van Nistelrooy had a fantastic opportunity to add a third just before half-time when he was picked out by a wonderful pass from the impressive van der Vaart, but Gianluigi Buffon raced from his line and deflected the ball over the bar.

Italy rallied after the break and had opportunities to get back into the game, with Fabio Grosso and Luca Toni both going close. Toni was especially culpable after he was teed up by the substitute Antonio Cassano, only to lift his effort well over the bar with only Edwin van der Sar to beat.

The Dutch though, were not finished as an attacking force and with 11 minutes remaining they added a third following another wonderful breakaway from their own penalty area. Van der Sar parried an Andrea Pirlo free-kick and the ball was swept forward to Kuyt who crossed for Van Bronkhorst to head home past Buffon.

The Italians, with both Cassano and Alessandro del Piero summoned from the bench to support the isolated Toni, continued to press forward in search of a consolation goal, but they were always in danger of conceding a fourth at the hands of the rampant Dutch side. Indeed, substitute Ibrahim Afellay almost added further salt to Italian wounds late on, only to see his effort skim the bar with Buffon comprehensively beaten.

Italy will point to the fact that the first goal could have been disallowed but the way in which they were subsequently dismantled by the speed of the Dutch counter-attacks, confirmed fears that without the injured Fabio Cannavaro, their defence is creaking. Unless that is rectified, and soon, Donadoni and his players will face an ignominious and speedy return home to Italy.

For an injury-depleted Holland side this was an epic victory, harking back to the golden age of Dutch football. It is 30 years since Holland last beat Italy and on that occasion they went on to reach the 1978 World Cup final. If they can maintain this level of performance, few would bet against van Basten's side emulating that achievement in three weeks time.

Croatia 2-1 Germany
June 12, 2008

Croatia produced the biggest surprise of Euro 2008 so far, when they defeated tournament favourites Germany 2-1 in Klagenfurt.

Goals from Darijo Srna and Iva Olic were enough to see off a disappointing Germany side, for whom Lukas Podolski scored a late consolation goal. To compound German woes substitue Bastian Schweinsteiger was sent off in injury time for pushing over Croatia's Jerko Leto.

The result throws open Group C, and Germany will now need something from their final game against Austria to be sure of a place in the last eight. Perhaps more ominously for Joachim Low's side, they now face the prospect of meeting the highly-fancied Portugal side in the quarter-finals.

There was no sign of the impending shock in the early exchanges with each sides content to probe the other in what was a cagey opening to the game. Germany were certainly finding the Croats a tougher proposition than their opening day opponents Poland, while Slaven Bilic's men were unrecognisable from the side that laboured to an unconvincing 1-0 win over Austria four days ago.

The ease with which Croatia's retained possession was instrumental in their first goal. After a neat move across the length of the pitch, the ball reached left-back Danijel Pranjic, who delivered a wonderful cross and Srna nipped in ahead of Marcell Jansen at the far post to poke the ball home.

Jansen, who looked uncomfortable throughout, tried to make amends when he powered down the left wing, but his cross was headed over by the ineffective Mario Gomez.

At the other end, Nico Krancjar should have done better when he was set up by an Olic header, but the Portsmouth man skied his shot over the bar from 15 yards.

Five minutes before the interval Krancjar had an even better chance to extend Crotia's lead. Corluka skipped past Jansen and his cross found Olic who set up Krancjar but the midfielder's well-hit volley was hit straight at Jens Lehmann and the ball was cleared for a corner.

After the break the expected German siege did not materialise. Indeed, it was Croatia who looked the more threatening side. With Modric, Robert Kovac and Krancjar looking assured on the ball and Rakitic and Srna full of running on the flanks, Germany's growing frustration was evident. Michael Ballack, normally coolness personified, grew increasingly exasperated and spent much of the second period berating his misfiring teammates.

There was a touch of fortune about Croatia's second goal. A relatively harmless cross by Srna was deflected by Podolski and touched onto the post by Lehmann but the ball rebounded to Ivica Olic to tap in to the empty net.

Low responded to the crisis by introducing Schweinsteiger and he immediately injected some much-needed pace into Germany's game. Although Croatia defended resolutely for the most part, the pressure eventually told when Phillip Lahm's lofted cross was headed on by Ballack and the ball fell to Podolski who lashed home a powerful drive from 12 yards.

Lahm and Schweinsteiger continued to cause problems down the German right, but, in what was a curiously flat performance by Low's side, Croatia had relatively few problems holding on to their lead.

Schweinsteiger's frustration ultimately got the better of him and with time running out he reacted to a foul by Leko and pushed over the Croat winger. The referee, who perhaps did not have the best view of theincident, reached for his red card and dismissed the Bayern Munich player. It was a miserable end to what had been a disappointing

Wit their destiny still in their own hands, Germany still look well placed to reach the quarter finals. However, the vulnerability on display in Klagenfurt will provide plenty of comfort for any future opponents.

For Croatia, and in particular for coach Bilic, this will have been a deeply satisfying victory. Heavily criticised for their performance against Austria, they looked much more like the side that topped their qualifying group.


Group B
Croatia 2-1 Germany

Scorers:
Croatia: Darijo Srna 24, Ivica Olic 62
Germany: Lukas Podolski 79

Red card: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) 90+2

Half-time: 1-0

Teams:
Croatia: 1-Stipe Pletikosa; 5-Vedran Corluka, 4-Robert Kovac, 3-Josip Simunic, 22-Danijel Pranjic; 11-Darijo Srna (16-Jerko Leko 80), 10-Niko Kovac, 14-Luka Modric, 19-Niko Kranjcar (15-Dario Knezevic 85); 7-Ivan Rakitic, 18-Ivica Olic (21-Mladen Petric 72)

Germany: 1-Jens Lehmann; 16-Philipp Lahm, 17-Per Mertesacker, 21-Christoph Metzelder, 2-Marcell Jansen (19-David Odonkor 46); 4-Clemens Fritz (22-Kevin Kuranyi 82), 8-Torsten Frings, 13-Michael Ballack, 20-Lukas Podolski; 11-Miroslav Klose, 9-Mario Gomez (7-Bastian Schweinsteiger 65)

Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)



Austria 1-1 Poland
June 12, 2008

Austria scored an injury time penalty to earn a 1-1 draw with Poland and preserve their slim hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of Euro 2008.

Josef Hickersberger's side had trailed to a first half Roger Guerreiro goal, scored against the run of play, and the Poles must have thought they had done enough to take all three points until referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot.

Austria began the match at a furious pace, displaying a hitherto unseen spirit of adventure as they tore into the lackadaisical Poles. Indeed, were it not for the superb reflexes of keeper Artur Boruc, the co-hosts could well have been three goals up within the first fifteen minutes.

Boruc was first called into action on 11 minutes when Austria broke the feeble Polish offside trap, but Martin Harnik saw his shot pushed wide. Two minutes Harnik missed an even easier chance after being set up by the lively Umit Korkmaz - again Boruc was on hand to pull off the save. Moments later it was the turn of Christoph Leitgeb to be denied by Boruc after being put through on goal.

Given their complete domination and their inability to take advantage of the chances that came their way, there was a sense of inevitablity about Poland taking the lead. In the Poles' first meaningful attack of the half, the ball reached Marek Saganowski and his cross was parried into the path of Guerreiro, who converted from close range.

It looked like a killer blow for Austria and thereafter they struggled to recapture the zest that had characterised their earlier play. Gradually, as the game wore on it was Poland who looked the more composed side and with Guerreiro producing some neat touches, they looked the far likelier scorers in the second half.

Austria keeper Macho was called into action on a number of occasions, pulling off a double save to deny Jacek Bak and Mariusz Lewandowski. Shortly afterwards, Macho was forced to pull off an acrobatic save to tip over a thunderous free-kick from Jacek Krzynowek.

With Austria seemingly running out of ideas and Poland controlling the game, there looked no way back for the co-hosts. However, with just seconds remaining, Webb spotted Marcin Wasilewski tugging the shirt of Sebastian Prodl and immediately pointed to the spot.

Substitute Vastic was happy to grab the lifeline and he hammered home the spot kick to earn his side, what on the balance of play, was a deserved point.

Polish coach Leo Beenhakker strode onto the pitch to confront Webb at the end of the game, but by then the damage had been done.

The result means that both sides have a theoretical chance of reaching the last eight, although on this form, whether either team is capable of achieving that, remains a moot point.



Group B
Austria 1-1 Poland

Scorers:
Austria: Ivica Vastic 90+3 pen
Poland: Roger Guerreiro 30

Half-time: 0-1

Attendance: 51,428

Teams:
Austria: 21-Juergen Macho; 14-Gyorgy Garics, 15-Sebastian Proedl, 3-Martin Stranzl, 4-Emanuel Pogatetz; 8-Christoph Leitgeib, 6-Rene Aufhauser (19-Juergen Saeumel 74), 10-Andreas Ivanschitz (7-Ivica Vastic 64), 11-Umit Korkmaz; 20-Martin Harnik, 9-Roland Linz (18-Roman Kienast 64)

Poland: 1-Artur Boruc; 13-Marcin Wasilewski, 2-Mariusz Jop (4-Pawel Golanski 46), 6-Jacek Bak, 14-Michal Zewlakow; 18-Mariusz Lewandowski, 5-Dariusz Dudka, 8-Jacek Krzynowek; 11-Marek Saganowski (17-Wojciech Lobodzinski 83); 20-Roger Guerreiro (19-Rafal Murawski 85), 7-Ebi Smolarek

Referee: Howard Webb (England)

Source:Worldsoccer

Italy 1-1 Romania
June 13, 2008


World Champions Italy are still alive at Euro 2008, but they will be thankful to goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who pulled off a penalty save late in their 1-1 draw tih Romania.

The penalty was a contentious decision, awarded after Daniel Niculae fell to the ground under a challenge from Christian Panucci. Up stepped Adrian Mutu but Buffon pulled off a superb stop to deny the Romanian skipper. Mutu had earlier given Romania the lead only for Italy to draw level within a minute through Panucci.

In an open, entertaining game, a draw was probably a fair result. Aside from Mutu's penalty miss, Romania hit the post and forced several fine saves from Buffon, while at the other end, Italy, for whom Luca Toni had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside, created a number of good chances.

The best opportunity in the early stages fell to Alessandro Del Piero who nodded wide from close range after good work from Simone Perrotta.

With roving left-back, Fabio Grosso, playing more like a winger than a defender, providing a steady supply of crosses, Italy's best hopes of breaking the deadlock appeared to be through the lanky Toni, but the Bayern Munich striker was not enjoying much success against Gabirel Tamas and Dorin Goian, who defended superbly throughout.

The tactic of aiming crosses to Toni almost paid off shortly before half-time when the striker headed the ball into the path of Simone Perrotta, but the midfielder was denied by a fine challenge from Paul Codrea.

On the one occasion Toni eluded his markers and beat Bogdan Lobont, the linesman flagged for offside, although television replays showed the striker was clearly onside.

For their part, the Romanians were showing more attacking intent than they had in their opening game against France. Several long range efforts threatened the Italian goal and midway through the half, Christian Chivu's free-kick was deflected on to the post by Panucci.

After the break Romania continued to probe and they came close on 54 minutes when Mutu cut infield from the left and drew a fine save from Buffon.

Moments later Romania were ahead. A long crossfield pass aimed towards Mutu was met by Gianluca Zambrotta, who underhit a header back to his keeper, allowing the alert Mutu to nip and smash the ball into the roof of the net.

However, the lead did not last long and within a minute Italy were level. Andrea Pirlo's corner was headed back across goal by Giorgio Chiellini for the unmarked Christian Panucci to stab home from close range.

All square and all to play for, but it was Italy, perhaps buoyed by their timely equaliser who came closest to getting a second. Substitute Antonio Cassano lofting a delicate chip forward to Toni and the striker chested the ball into the path of De Rossi, whose diving header drew a fingertip save from Lobont.

With ten minutes remaining Romania were handed a wonderful opportunity to claim all three points when Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo adjudged that Panucci had fouled Daniel Niculae as the pair wrested in the box. The Italian players, perhaps resigned to an early exit, looked stunned by the decision. Fortunately, in Buffon, they possessed one of the world's finest keepers, and the Juventus man dived to his left to pull of a fine save from Mutu.

The result leaves Group C wide open; as things stand Italy now must beat France in their final group game on Tuesday to go through, although even a win in that game may not be enough if results elsewhere go against them. Romania find themselves in a similar predicament, although given the respective ambitions of the two sides before the tournament started, they will feel much happier with that situation than Italy.


Group C
Italy 1-1 Romania

Scorers:
Italy: Christian Panucci 56
Romania: Adrian Mutu 55

Missed penalty: Adrian Mutu 81

Halftime: 0-0

Attendance: 30,585

Teams:
Italy: 1-Gianluigi Buffon; 19-Gianluca Zambrotta, 4-Giorgio Chiellini, 2-Christian Panucci, 3-Fabio Grosso; 10-Daniele De Rossi, 21-Andrea Pirlo, 20-Simone Perrotta (18-Antonio Cassano 57); 16-Mauro Camoranesi (13-Massimo Ambrosini 85), 7-Alessandro Del Piero (15-Fabio Quagliarella 77); 9-Luca Toni

Romania: 1-Bogdan Lobont; 2-Cosmin Contra, 15-Dorin Goian, 4-Gabriel Tamas, 3-Razvan Rat; 5-Cristian Chivu, 8-Paul Codrea, 6-Mirel Radoi (20-Nicolae Dica 25), 7-Florentin Petre (16-Banel Nicolita 59); 10-Adrian Mutu (11-Razvan Cocis 88), 21-Daniel Niculae

Referee: Tom Henning Ovrebo (Norway)


France 1-4 Holland
June 13, 2008

Holland are through to the last eight of Euro 2008 after they defeated France 4-1 in an absorbing encounter in Berne.

Goals from Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder ensured that Holland take maximum points from their opening two games. Thierry Henry replied for France, who now face the prospect of early elimination from the competition.

France, showing several changes from the side that laboured to a goalless draw against Romania on Monday, were looking to get their campaign on track, and possibly save the job of the much-criticised coach Raymond Domenech.

Holland, understandably, kept the same side that dismantled Italy in their opening game. Marco Van Basten had resisted the temptation to recall the fit-again Arjen Robben in place of Kuyt, and the Liverpool striker took just ten minutes to justify his selection when he rose to meet a Giovanni Van Bronckhorst corner to put Holland 1-0 up.

Ten minutes later Kuyt was the quickest to react when the ball skimmed off the head of Lilian Thuram, but forward's shot sailed harmlessly over the bar.

At this stage, France were struggling to get into the game but gradually, prompted by the busy Franck Ribery, Domenech's side began to make inroads into the Dutch defence.

Twice, Sidney Govou had efforts saved by Edwin Van Der Sar, while Thierry Henry, quiet on his return to the side, spun on the egde of the area before curling a right-foot shot wide of the post. Ribery also brought a fine save from Van der Sar as Domenech's side began to assert themselves.

After the break France carried on where they left off and Holland were hanging on at times. Henry had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when his goalbound shot appeared to be blocked by the hands of Andre Ooijer, but despite vociferous protests from the French, the referee waved play on.

Moments later, Henry wasted a glorious opportunity to level the scores when he was put through on goal by Florent Malouda. With only Van der Sar to beat, and under no pressure, France's all-time leading scorer lifted the ball over the bar.

Van Basten, who had introduced Robben for Orlando Engelaar at half-time, responded to the growing French threat by bringing on Robin Van Persie for Kuyt. It was a bold move and one that paid off almost immediately when the two substitutes combined for Holland's second goal. Set free by a neat flick by Van Nistelrooy, Robben hared down the left wing and his pinpoint cross found Van Persie who volleyed home from close range.

France, though, weren't finished and on 71 minutes Henry made amends for his earlier miss by scoring with a deft flick from Willy Sagnol's precise right-wing cross.

It looked game on, but straight from the kick-off Holland regained their two-goal advantage to effectively kill off France's chances of a comeback. Rafael Van der Vaart played a perfectly weighted pass into the feet of Robben who advanced into the penalty area before unleashing a powerful drive past Gregory Coupet from a tight angle.

There was still time for a fourth when the impressive Sneijder collected the ball from Van Persie and curled an unstoppable shot past Coupet from the egde of the French area.

The scoreline perhaps flattered Holland, who at times tonight were forced to defend desperately, but nothing should be taken away from Van Basten's side and in partiuclar the quality of their second-half goals.

France, World Cup runners-up two years ago, now find themselves in the same situation as world champions Italy. The two sides meet next week knowing that only a win will be enough to qualify for the knockout stages and, if Romania overcome Holland, even that will not be enough.


Group C
France 1-4 Holland

Scorers:
Holland: Dirk Kuyt 9, Robin van Persie 59, Arjen Robben 72, Wesley Sneijder 90+2
France: Thierry Henry 71

Halftime: 1-0

Attendance: 30,777

Teams:
Holland: 1-Edwin van der Sar; 21-Khalid Boulahrouz, 2-Andre Ooijer, 4-Joris Mathijsen, 5-Giovanni van Bronckhorst; 17-Nigel de Jong, 8-Orlando Engelaar (11-Arjen Robben 46); 18-Dirk Kuyt (7-Robin van Persie 56), 23-Rafael van der Vaart (14-Wilfred Bouma 78), 10-Wesley Sneijder; 9-Ruud van Nistelrooy.

France: 23-Gregory Coupet; 19-Willy Sagnol, 15-Lilian Thuram, 5-William Gallas, 13-Patrice Evra; 10-Sidney Govou (8-Nicolas Anelka 75), 20-Jeremy Toulalan, 6-Claude Makelele, 7-Florent Malouda (18-Bafetimbi Gomis 60); 22-Franck Ribery, 12-Thierry Henry

Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany)

Sweden 1-2 Spain



An injury time goal from David Villa gave Spain a 2-1 win over Sweden in Innsbruck.

The victory almost guarantees Spain a place in the knockout stages of Euro 2008, while Sweden must now take something from their final game against Russia if they are to join them in the last eight.

Luis Aragones named the same starting line-up that overwhelmed Russia 4-1 in their opening group, but if he was hoping for more of the same from his players, he will have been disappointed as Spain were pushed all the way by a resilient Swedish side.

Spain wasted little time in displaying their fluid passing game and they took just fifteen minutes to take the lead. The goal came from a well-worked short corner which reached David Silva, whose cross picked out Fernando Torres and the Liverpool man was able to outmuscle his marker and prod the the ball into the net.

A minute later Sweden had a wonderful opportunity to level the scores when Henrik Larsson played a lovely pass into the path of Johan Elmander, but the winger sliced his shot into the side-netting when he would have been better advised to square the ball to his waiting teammates.

The opportunity appeared to galvanise Lasr Lagerback's side and just after the half hour make they were back on level terms. Full-back Fredrik Stoor played a deep diagonal cross towards Zlatan Imrahimovic, who managed to evade the attentions of Sergio Ramos before curling in a shot that crept into the net.

On the stroke of half-time Spain had a good claim for a penalty turned down when Elmander clattered into Silva, but the referee, much to the consternation of the Spanish players, waved play on.

Sweden emerged after the break without Ibrahimovic who had come into the game carrying a knee injury. While Lagerback's decision to rest the striker for next week's game against Russia made sense, it also diminished Sweden as an attacking force.

Despite the fact that Sweden seemed bent on containment, Spain were struggling to get their own game going. Aragones responded by withdrawing Barcelona duo Iniesta and Xavi and introducing Cesc Fabregas and Santi Carzola.

The changes made little difference to what had now become a stodgy contest with Spain struggling to break down the massed ranks of the Swedish defence. The best opportunity fell to David Silva whose shot was saved by Andreas Isaksson only for the ball to rebound to David Villa whose effort was blocked by the keeper.

Futher chances fell to Spain, with Senna and Torres drawing good saves from Isaksson, but as the game wore on, Sweden looked set to hold on for a draw.

Then within the game in stoppage time, David Villa struck the winner for Spain. There looked little danger when Capdevilla launched a speculative clearance towards the Swedish box, Petter Hansson dithered, Villa nipped in and placed his shot past Isaksson.


Group D
Sweden 1-2 Spain

Scorers:
Sweden: Zlatan Ibrahimovic 34
Spain: Fernando Torres 15, David Villa 90+2

Halftime: 1-1

Attendance: 30,772

Teams:
Sweden: 1-Andreas Isaksson; 5-Fredrik Stoor, 3-Olof Mellberg, 4-Petter Hansson, 2-Mikael Nilsson; 8-Anders Svensson, 19-Daniel Andersson, 9-Fredrik Ljungberg, 11-Johan Elmander (18-Sebastian Larsson 79); 10-Zlatan Ibrahimovic (22-Markus Rosenberg 46), 17-Henrik Larsson (16-Kim Kallstrom 87)

Spain: 1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos, 5-Carles Puyol (2-Raul Albiol 24), 4-Carlos Marchena, 11-Joan Capdevila; 19-Marcos Senna; 6-Andres Iniesta (12-Santi Cazorla 58), 8-Xavi (10-Cesc Fabregas 58), 21-David Silva; 7-David Villa, 9-Fernando Torres

Referee: Pieter Vink (Holland)



Greece 0-1 Russia


The holders Greece are out of Euro 2008 after they went down to a 1-0 defeat to Russia in Salzburg.

A second successive defeat ended the title defence of Otto Rehhagel's side, but they can have few complaints about their exit, after they were outplayed by a vibrant Russia side.

From the outset Russia looked the better side with their movement and slick passing causing endless problems for the Greeks. The first opening fell to Roman Pavlyuchenko, who drew a fine save from Antonis Nikopolidis with a curling right-foot shot that the Greek keeper did well to tip over the bar.

However, somewhat against the run of play, the best opportunity in the early exchanges fell to Greece. Inevitably, it came from a set-piece when Basinas swung over a free-kick on to the head of Angelos Charisteas, but the forward missed the ball completely and Igor Semshov was able to scramble the ball away for a corner.

However, as the half progressed, it was Russia who were in the ascendancy, and it came as no great surprise when they went ahead on 33 minutes. Dmitry Torbinsky chipped a cross to the far post and Nikopolidis sprinted out of his goal to retrieve the ball, but Russian skipper Sergei Semak cleverly flicked the ball over his head and Konstatin Zyryanov tapped into the empty net. It was a moment of madness by the Greek keeper and would prove to be a costly mistake.

Thereafter, Russia were in exuberant mood, breaking swiftly, with full-back Yuri Zhirkov particularly impressive down the left flank.

The second half began in pulsating fashion with Russia continuing where they left off, while Greece, aware that their crown was on the line, finally emerged from their defensive shell.

Immediately after the restart, Charisteas, the hero four years ago, was gifted a wonderful chance seven yards out but he shot feebly at Igor Akinfeyev.

At the other end, Pavlyuchenko broke free down the left but dragged his shot wide of the near post. The Russian striker had two more good chances but on both occasions he was denied by Nikopolidis. Pavlyuchenko then teed up Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and the midfielder shot just wide. Indeed, were it not for the profigacy of the Russian strike force and Pavlyuchenko in particular, Guus Hiddink's side would have been out sight by the hour mark.

With the score at 1-0 Greece were still in with a chance of snatching something from the game. With seven minutes remaining it looked like they had got out of jail when Gekas raced on to a flicked header and after his shot was saved, the ball fell to Angelos Charisteas who tapped in the rebound. To the dismay of the Greek players the linesman had already raised his flag for offside.

It was to be Greece's last chance, as Russia, who had ample opportunity to extend their lead in the last ten minutes, successfully closed the game down.

They now face Sweden on Wednesday, aware that a win will see them through to a quarter-final confrontation with Holland, and for Hiddink, the chance to face his homeland.

Group D
Greece 0-1 Russia

Scorer: Konstantin Zyryanov 33

Half-time: 0-1

Teams:
Greece: 1-Antonis Nikopolidis; 2-Giourkas Seitaridis (10-Giorgios Karagounis 40), 5-Traianos Dellas, 16-Sotiris Kyrgiakos, 15-Vassilis Torosidis; 21-Costas Katsouranis, 6-Angelos Basinas, 3-Christos Patsatzoglou; 9-Angelos Haristeas, 23-Nikos Liberopoulos (17-Fanis Gekas 61), 20-Yannis Amanatidis (8-Stelios Giannakopoulos 79)

Russia: 1-Igor Akinfeyev; 22-Alexander Anyukov, 8-Denis Kolodin, 4-Sergei Ignashevich, 18-Yuri Zhirkov (2-Vasily Berezutsky 87); 11-Sergei Semak; 7-Dmitry Torbinsky, 17-Konstantin Zyryanov, 20-Igor Semshov, 15-Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (9-Ivan Saenko 70); 19-Roman Pavlyuchenko

Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)

Cech's happy his bad season's over

GENEVA (AP) - It was a season Petr Cech would like to forget, and it ended on another bad note.
Almost a month after Cech and his Chelsea teammates lost the Champions League final in a penalty shootout against Manchester United - despite saving a spot kick from Cristiano Ronaldo - the Czech Republic blew a two-goal lead and lost 3-2 at the European Championship.

EURO 2008 - GROUP A
Sat., Jun. 7
Switzerland 0-1 Czech Republic
Portugal 2-0 Turkey
Wed., Jun. 11
Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal
Switzerland 1-2 Turkey
Sun., Jun. 15
Turkey 3-2 Czech Republic
Switzerland 2-0 Portugal


The Czechs could have advanced to the quarterfinals if they had won the Group A match Sunday at Stade de Geneve, but instead they'll heading home.

Cech, one of the world's greatest goalkeepers, produced an unlikely blunder three minutes before time when he fumbled a simple cross and allowed Nihat Kahveci to level the score at 2-2. Then the Czechs collapsed and allowed another goal.

"The only positive thing about this season is that it's over," said Cech, who didn't blame anyone but himself. "When you make a mistake, you have to admit it. ... It was my mistake that decided that we have to go home.

"The ball was all the sudden too far away from me and as I tried to control it landed just in front of Nihat," Cech added. "Football is played by 11 players and unfortunately, every time it happens that some do well and some do worse."

Cech has a Premier League season behind him that saw him sidelined on several occasions due to various injuries. He strained a muscle in his side just before Christmas, and this year he missed nine games because of an ankle injury. His comeback had to be postponed after needing surgery to repair a facial injury he suffered in training after a collision with teammate Tal Ben Haim.

"The season was unbelievable, just bad luck after bad luck," Cech said. "Whenever I happened to recover I was hit again by a disappointment from another injury, a disappointment from the defeat in the (Champions League) final.

"This is even worse because it was me who made a mistake."

Cech acknowledged it was tougher for him to cope with the failure to win the Champions League.

"I think it was worse for me because it was the final but on the other hand I played for my country," Cech said, adding he doesn't plan to watch the quarterfinal matches at Euro 2008.

"I hope that my bad luck is over," Cech said. "I'm looking forward to the next season with thousands of new challenges."


Swiss beat Portugal 2-0 to end disappointing Euro

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) - Hakan Yakin scored twice Sunday to give Switzerland its first ever win at a European Championship with a 2-0 victory over Portugal.
Portugal was already through to the quarterfinals as Group A winner, but the result at least meant that tournament co-host Switzerland could end the tournament on a high note despite an early elimination that followed losses in its first two matches.

Yakin opened the scoring at St. Jakob Park after a flicked pass by fellow striker Eren Derdiyok in the 71st minute, shooting through the legs of goalkeeper Ricardo from about 14 meters (yards).

The striker added his second goal from the penalty spot in the 83rd after Fernando Meira was adjudged to have fouled substitute Tranquillo Barnetta.

It sealed Switzerland's first win in three European Championship appearances, albeit against a Portugal team that rested eight starters including Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco.

Switzerland failed to win a match at the 1996 tournament in England and also in Portugal four years ago, gaining just one draw in each.

Until Yakin's goals, Portugal winger Nani had missed probably the best chance in the 53rd when he shot wide when one-on-one with goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuehler, who started in place of usual No. 1 Diego Benaglio.

The veteran Zuberbuehler, who is retiring after the tournament along with coach Koebi Kuhn, then saved well five minutes later from a low 20-meter (yard) shot by winger Ricardo Quaresma.

Switzerland almost stumbled into the lead in the second half when Derdiyok's cross was bundled just past the post by defender Pepe, who nearly scored an own goal. The home side came even closer in the 65th as Gokhan Inler hit the outside of the post with a rocket shot from 25 meters (yards).

Portugal, which was runner-up four years ago and reached the final four of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, will play Austria, Germany or Poland in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

The Portuguese had little to worry about after winning 2-0 against Turkey and 3-1 against the Czech Republic, who met in the other Group A match to decide second place. Turkey scored two late goals to win 3-2 and qualify alongside Portugal, leaving Switzerland to finish last in the standings.

Portugal should have scored in the first half, having a goal ruled out by a dubious offside decision and being denied a seemingly valid penalty.

Stephan Lichtsteiner got away with barging striker Helder Postiga in the area in the 15th, and Portugal went close three minutes later when Zuberbuehler pushed Pepe's flick from a free kick by Nani onto the crossbar.

Postiga then had the ball in the net after 36 minutes, but Austrian referee Konrad Plautz whistled for offside even though replays showed Postiga to be level with right back Stephan Lichtsteiner when the pass was played.

Nani and Quaresma caused Switzerland numerous problems by constantly switching wings, while the Swiss showed their usual tenacity in the center of the pitch from Gelson Fernandes and Gokhan Inler. However, the co-host also displayed a lack of creativity up front, not least because of the inclusion of winger Johan Vonlanthen over regular playmaker Barnetta - who was carrying an injury.

But the late goals at least meant that the Swiss, who were beaten 1-0 by the Czechs and 2-1 by the Turks, gave their fans something to cheer before bowing out of the tournament.

Switzerland: Pascal Zuberbuehler, Stephan Lichtsteiner (Stephane Grichting, 83), Philippe Senderos, Patrick Mueller, Ludovic Magnin, Valon Behrami, Gokhan Inler, Gelson Fernandes, Johan Vonlanthen (Tranquillo Barnetta, 61), Eren Derdiyok, Hakan Yakin (Ricardo Cabanas, 86).

Portugal: Ricardo, Paulo Ferreira (Jorge Ribeiro, 41), Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fernando Meira, Miguel, Raul Meireles, Miguel Veloso (Joao Moutinho, 71), Nani, Ricardo Quaresma, Helder Postiga (Hugo Almeida, 74).

Austria 0-1 Germany

Michael Ballack's stunning second-half strike earned Germany a last eight tie against Portugal at the expense of co-hosts Austria.

Germany go through to meet Portugal, but on this evidence they will have to improve significantly if they harbour serious aspirations to win the competition.

Germany should have taken the lead on four minutes, but the ineffectual Mario Gomez somehow contrived to miss from two yards. The chance was created by the willing Klose who teed up the Stuttgart striker for a simple tap-in, but the ball ballooned off Gomez before being scrambled to safety. It was an astonishing miss, from a player whose confidence appears shot at the moment.

After that early scare Austria began to gain in confidence, but their failing were immediately transparent. Josef Hickersberger's side knew they had to win the game to progress and the coach cannot have faulted his side for their effort. However, the lack of a killer punch in the final third that had plagued them throughout the tournament, again proved to be their undoing. Germany, meanwhile, seemed content to secure the draw that would guarantee progression to the knockout stages.

Germany's reticence to commit men forward, combined with Austria'a lack of quality, contributed to a curiously low-key affair - all the more surprising given the local rivalry, not to mention the prize at stake.

The best effort of the first half fell to Lukas Podolski, but the Bayern Munich striker saw his long-range effort palmed away by Juergen Macho.

So tepid was the contest that attention was drawn to the touchline where a livelier encounter between the respective coaches was taking place. With both men arguing with the fourth official, the referee was forced to intervene and send both men to the stands for the rest of the game.

Germany emerged after the break with a renewed vigour and they only had to wait four minutes to take the lead.

The impressive Lahm was upended after a roaming run took him to the edge of the Austrian box, and from the resulting free-kick Ballack stepped up and struck a venomous shot into Macho's top-left corner.

From that point on Germany looked a more relaxed outfit. Austria made changes and poured men forward in search of an equaliser, but Jens Lehmann was never really tested.

Torsten Frings and Klose went close to adding a second late on with well-struck efforts, but in the end the stupendous strike from Ballack was enough for Germany.


Group B
Austria 0-1 Germany

Scorer: Michael Ballack 49

Half-time: 0-0

Teams:
Austria: 21-Juergen Macho; 14-Gyorgy Garics, 3-Martin Stranzl, 17-Martin Hiden (8-Christoph Leitgeb 55), 4-Emanuel Pogatetz; 20-Martin Harnik (18-Roman Kienast 67), 6-Rene Aufhauser (19-Juergen Saeumel 63), 10-Andreas Ivanschitz, 5-Christian Fuchs, 11-Umit Korkmaz; 22-Erwin Hoffer

Germany: 1-Jens Lehmann; 3-Arne Friedrich, 17-Per Mertesacker, 21-Christoph Metzelder, 16-Philipp Lahm; 4-Clemens Fritz (18-Tim Borowski 90+2), 8-Torsten Frings, 13-Michael Ballack, 20-Lukas Podolski (10-Oliver Neuville 83); 9-Mario Gomez (15-Thomas Hitzlsperger 60), 11-Miroslav Klose

Referee: Manuel Mejuto (Spain)



Croatia 1-0 Poland
June 16, 2008


A second half goal from Ivan Klasnic earned Croatia a 1-0 win over Poland and maintained Slaven Bilic's side's 100% record in the tournament.

Croatia now face Turkey in the quarter-finals, and although little can be gleaned from tonight's contest in which Bilic made nine changes to his starting line-up, they are beginning to justify their billing as dark horses to win Euro 2008.

Needing to beat Croatia by at least two goals, and for Germany to lose to Austria, Poland rarely threatened and only a series of Artur Boruc saves kept Leo Beenhakker's side in the game. It has been a disappointing tournament for the Poles; they arrived in Austria with high hopes of reaching the knockout stages, but their hopes have been undermined by a lack of creativity and a misfiring attack.

Poland actually began the game brightly, Wojciech Lobodzinski forcing a save from Croatia keeper Vedran Runje, before Dariusz Dudka headed inches wide of the goal from Jacek Krzynowek's corner.

However, Crotia gradually began to take control, with Klasnic twice denied by Boruc, and Rakitic and Pranjic both seeing efforts beaten away in the closing stages of the first half.

Shortly after the break Croatia finally broke the deadlock when Klasnic steered home Pranjic's cut-back. It was an emotional moment for the striker who feared his career was over when he had to undergo a kidney transplant just 18 months ago.

To their credit, Beenhakker's side continued to battle gamely, and Roger Guerreiro nearly levelled when he turned in the box and drilled wide.

Marek Saganowski also brought a save from Runje with a firm header, but Croatia always looked relatively comfortable.
Ebi Smolarek wasted late Poland chances but Croatia held on for a deserved victory.

Group B
Croatia 1-0 Poland

Scorer: Ivan Klasnic 53

Half-time: 0-0

Attendance: 30,461

Teams:
Poland: 1-Artur Boruc; 13-Marcin Wasilewski, 14-Michal Zewlakow, 5-Dariusz Dudka, 3-Jakub Wawrzyniak; 19-Rafal Murawski, 18-Mariusz Lewandowski (23-Adam Kokoszka 46); 8-Jacek Krzynowek, 17-Wojciech Lobodzinski (7-Ebi Smolarek 55), 20-Roger Guerreiro; 11-Marek Saganowski (21-Tomasz Zahorski 69)

Croatia: 23-Vedran Runje; 2-Dario Simic, 6-Hrvoje Vejic, 15-Dario Knezevic (5-Vedran Corluka 27), 22-Danijel Pranjic; 16-Jerko Leko, 8-Ognjen Vukojevic, 13-Nikola Pokrivac, 7-Ivan Rakitic; 17-Ivan Klasnic (9-Nikola Kalinic 74), 21-Mladen Petric (19-Niko Kranjcar 74)

Referee: Kyros Vassaras (Greece)

France 0-2 Italy
June 17, 2008


Italy are through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 after their 2-0 victory over France, combined with Romania's defeat to Holland, ensured the World Cup winners finished runners up to the Dutch in Group C.

France will feel mildly aggrieved at the nature of their defeat in a match in which nothing went right for them, but in truth, this is a side well past their sell-by-date and they can have few complaints about finishing at the foot of the group.

Domenech made several changes from the side that had been thrashed 4-1 by Holland. In came Karim Benzema to offer support to Henry up front, while Eric Abidal replaced Lilian Thuram and Francois Clerc was drafted in for Willy Sagnol.

For Italy, Roberto Donadoni brought in Antonio Cassano in place of Alessandro del Piero, while Gennaro Gattuso was recalled for the dropped Mauro Camoranesi.

The new look French defence looked ill at ease from the outset and they could have fallen behind within the first five minutes when Toni took advantage of a mistake by Abidal, but with just Gregory Coupet to beat screwed his shot wide of the target. It was one of a number of easy chances squandered by the wasteful striker over the course of the game.

France suffered a huge blow after just eight minutes when Franck Ribery, their most creative player, was stretchered off with what looked a serious injury. Domenech introduced Samir Nasri, but without the energetic prompting of Ribery, France's prospects had suddenly nosedived.

Things were about to get much worse for France when Abidal brought Toni down in the area; the referee, Lubos Michel, pointed to the spot and as Abidal was the last defender, he was compelled to send off the Barcelona defender. Pirlo slammed home the resulting penalty and France were left with a mountain to climb.

The unfortunate Nasri, who had only been on the pitch for 16 minutes, was sacrificed as Domenech shored his depeleted defence by introducing Jean-Alain Boumsong.

Toni, who has yet to score in the competition, continued his disappointing run in front of goal by squandering three straightforward chances. Had the Bayern Munich striker not left his shooting boots behind in Germany, Italy would have been out of sight by half-time.

France enjoyed a rare piece of luck just before the interval when Coupet tipped Fabio Grosso's free-kick on to the post, but at this stage it seemed a case of when, not if, Italy would extend their lead.

France, began the second half on the front foot, but with Italy defending in numbers they struggled to create any clear openings. Perhaps the best chance fell to Benzema, but the Lyon striker crashed a dipping volley just wide of the post.

On the hour mark, the French mini-revival was soon snuffed out when Italy extended their lead in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. A free-kck was awarded to the World Cup holders and the ball was teed up for Daniele de Rossi whose long-range effort took a deflection off off France skipper Thierry Henry to wrongfoot Gregory Coupet.

There was no way back for France. Try as they might, the physical effort of competing for over an hour with ten men had taken its toll and although they kept the scoreline respectable, the prospect of a comeback always looked exceedingly unlikely.

With news filtering through from Berne of a second Holland game in their encounter with Romania, the Italian fans could finally celebrate and look forward to a clash with Spain in the quarter-finals.

For France's old guard, including the likes of of Claude Makelele, Lillian Thuram, Willy Sagnol, Patrick Vieira and possibly Thierry Henry, it was a disappointing end to their international careers. For Raymond Domenech, the defeat may well mark the end of his four-year tenure as France coach.


Group C
France 0-2 Italy

Scorers: Andrea Pirlo 25 pen, Daniele De Rossi 62

Red card: Eric Abidal (France) 24

Halftime: 0-1

Attendance: 30,585

Teams:
France: 23-Gregory Coupet; 14-Francois Clerc, 5-William Gallas, 3-Eric Abidal, 13-Patrice Evra; 10-Sidney Govou (8-Nicolas Anelka 66), 20-Jeremy Toulalan, 6-Claude Makelele, 22-Franck Ribery (11-Samir Nasri 10, 2-Jean-Alain Boumsong 26), 12-Thierry Henry, 9-Karim Benzema

Italy: 1-Gianluigi Buffon; 19-Gianluca Zambrotta, 4-Giorgio Chiellini, 2-Christian Panucci, 3-Fabio Grosso; 21-Andrea Pirlo (13-Massimo Ambrosini 55), 10-Daniele De Rossi, 8-Gennaro Gattuso (22-Alberto Aquilani 82); 20-Simone Perrotta (16-Mauro Camoranesi 64); 9-Luca Toni, 18-Antonio Cassano

Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia)


Holland 2-0 Romania
June 17, 2008

Second-half goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie gave Holland a 2-0 victory over Romania, to maintain their 100% record at Euro 2008 and dash their opponents hopes of reaching the last eight.

Huntelaar slotted home on 54 minutes from a right-wing cross by Ibrahim Afellay and Van Persie made sure of victory with a fierce left-foot drive into the roof of the net with just three minutes remaining.

Holland will now face either Sweden or Russia in a quarter-final tie in Basel on Saturday.

Romania needed to win to reach the last eight but, after draws against Italy and France earlier in the tournament, Victor Piturca's side were exposed for what they are: a hard working, determined team, but one sorely lacking in creativity.

A poor first half ended goalless with Romania rarely threatening to make the breakthrough they required if they were to maintain an interest in the tournament.

Captain Cristian Chivu fired a free kick over on nine minutes before Adrian Mutu and Gabriel Tamas went close with long-range drives.

Arjen Robben should put the Dutch ahead on 36 minutes when he collected a through ball from Huntelaar but prodded it wide from six metres with only keeper Bogdan Lobont to beat.

Van Persie also missed a good second-half opportunity when he turned defender Sorin Ghionea inside out before his shot was parried away by Lobont.

Even though Romania were aware that Italy were ahead against France there was surprisingly little urgency to their play after the break and they can have no complaints about their elimination from the tournament.



Group C
Holland 2-0 Romania

Scorers: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 54, Robin van Persie 87

Half-time: 0-0

Attendance: 30,770

Teams:
Holland: 16-Maarten Stekelenburg; 21-Khalid Boulahrouz (12-Mario Melchiot 58), 3-John Heitinga, 14-Wilfred Bouma, 15-Tim de Cler; 8-Orlando Engelaar, 6-Demy de Zeeuw; 20-Ibrahim Afellay, 7-Robin van Persie, 11-Arjen Robben (18-Dirk Kuyt 61); 19-Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (22-Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink 82)

Romania: 1-Bogdan Lobont; 2-Cosmin Contra, 14-Sorin Ghionea, 4-Gabriel Tamas, 3-Razvan Rat; 16-Banel Nicolita (7-Florentin Petre 82), 11-Razvan Cocis, 5-Cristian Chivu, 8-Paul Codrea (20-Nicolae Dica 72), 10-Adrian Mutu; 18-Marius Niculae (21-Daniel Niculae 60)

Referee: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland)

Greece 1-2 Spain
June 18, 2008

Spain maintained their 100% record at Euro 2008 thanks to a 2-1 victory over Greece, to send the defending champions home with no points.

Dani Guiza and Ruben de la Red scored second-half goals as Spain came back from a 1-0 half-tine deficit following Angelos Charisteas' opener for Greece.

With a quarter-final encounter with World Champions Italy on the horizon, Spanish coach Luis Aragones made ten changes from the side that beat Sweden.

The changes ensured a fairly low-key game played at a leisurely pace, although Greece woke the crowd from their slumber when they went ahead shortly before half-time.

Karagounis, who had earlier made history by becoming the first player to collect six yellow cards at the European Championships, swung in a free-kick that picked out Charisteas and the forward headed powerfully past Pepe Reina.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso almost caught out Antonis Nikopolidis with a shot from inside his half that just landed the wrong side of the post and led to Greece's keeper crashing into the post.

The upright denied a lobg range effort from Alonso as Spain began to assert themselves after the break.

Theyeventually equalised when De la Red pounced on a Guiza knockdown and hammered in a shot off the underside of the bar.

Charisteas hit the outside of the post for Greece, but Spain had the final word when Sergie Garcia set up Guiza to head homefrom close range in the dying stages.


Group D
Greece 1-2 Spain

Scorers

Greece: Angelos Haristeas 42
Spain: Ruben de la Red 61, Daniel Guiza 88

Half-time: 1-0

Teams:
Greece: 1-Antonis Nikopolidis; 11-Loukas Vintra, 16-Sotiris Kyrgiakos (19-Paraskevas Antzas 62), 5-Traianos Dellas, 4-Nikos Spyropoulos; 6-Angelos Basinas, 21-Costas Katsouranis, 14-Dimitris Salpigidis (8-Stelios Giannakopoulos 86), 10-Giorgios Karagounis (22-Alexandros Tziolis 73), 20-Yannis Amanatidis; 9-Angelos Haristeas

Spain: 23-Pepe Reina; 18-Alvaro Arbeloa, 20-Juanito, 2-Raul Albiol, 3-Fernando Navarro; 14-Xabi Alonso; 22-Ruben de la Red, 10-Cesc Fabregas, 16-Sergio Garcia, 6-Andres Iniesta (12-Santi Cazorla 58); 17-Daniel Guiza

Referee: Howard Webb (England)



Russia 2-0 Sweden
June 18, 2008

Russia are through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 after outplaying Sweden in a comfortable 2-0 victory in Innsbruck.

Goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin were enough to secure second spot in Group D for the Russians, and the manner in which they overcame a resilient Swedish outfit suggests that they will be more than a match for tournament favourites Holland whom they meet on Saturday.

It was a stylish performance by Guus Hiddink's side. There had been indications in their previous game against Greece that this was a talented, young side full of promise, but tonight, that talent blossomed, and Sweden simply had no answer.

From the kick-off Russia looked the more adventurous side with the full backs Aleksandr Anyukov and Konstantin Zyryanov providing width and penetration whenever Hiddink's side pushed forward.

The first opportunity fell to the highly rated Andrei Arshavin who was picked out by a cross from Anyukov but the Zenit St Petersburg forward glanced his header just wide.

Moments later Arshavin almost chipped Andreas Isaksson but the Swedish keeper tipped over. From the resulting corner the ball reached Zyryanov whose first time volley flashed inches wide.

The momentum was with Russia and it came as no surprise when they went ahead on 24 minutes. It was a wonderfully constructed goal involving Arshavin, Igor Semshov and Anyukov, who set up the unmarked Roman Pavlyuchenko for a sweet finish.

At this stage so dominant were the Russians that Sweden had barely left their own half, but a swift counter-attack almost brought an immediate equaliser. Anders Svensson crossed from the left and the ageless Henrik Larsson flicked a header onto the bar.

Russia remained relatively unperturbed by that scare and they almost doubled their advantage on 36 minutes when Pavlyuchenko hit the bar the bar with a right-foot shot and as the ball was headed back goalwards Isaksson palmed it away for a corner.

It was exhibition stuff from Russia, but as half-time approached, Sweden finally began to enjoy some possession in their opponents half. Ljungberg was teed up by Zlatan Imbrahimovich but he shot straight at Igor Akinfeev, while moments later the Russian keeper had to be alert to deny Mikael Nilsson.

Sweden emerged after the break knowing that they were 45 minutes away from elimination, but within five minutes of the restart, their hopes of making it to the knockout stages for the fourth major tournament in succession, evaporated in the face of another sweeping Russian move.

The impressive Arshavin, who was making his debut at Euro 2008 after serving a two-match suspension, began the move by finding the willing Zyryanov who returned the favour and set up Arshavin to slide the ball beyond Isaksson.

Sweden looked a beaten side and although they could not be faulted for a lack of effort, they rarely looked like getting back into the game. In fact, it was Russia, now playing on the break, who looked much the more dangerous side. Konstantin Zyryanov's deflected shot hit the post, Pavlyuchenko wasted a glorious chance by heading straight at Isaksson and the Swedish keeper was on hand again to deny the impressive Arshavin.

It was a complete performance from Russia and one that will not have gone unnoticed by their next opponents Holland. That encounter will bring Hiddink face-to-face with his homeland and the country he led to the 1998 World Cup semi-final. On this evidence, it promises to be an intriguing contest.


Group D
Russia 2-0 Sweden

Scorers: Roman Pavlyuchenko 24, Andrei Arshavin 50

Halftime: 1-0

Teams:
Russia: 1-Igor Akinfeyev; 22-Alexander Anyukov, 8-Denis Kolodin, 4-Sergei Ignashevich, 18-Yuri Zhirkov; 11-Sergei Semak, 17-Konstantin Zyryanov, 20-Igor Semshov, 15-Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (9-Ivan Saenko 65); 10-Andrei Arshavin, 19-Roman Pavlyuchenko (23-Vladimir Bystrov 90)

Sweden: 1-Andreas Isaksson; 5-Fredrik Stoor, 3-Olof Mellberg, 4-Petter Hansson, 2-Mikael Nilsson (20-Marcus Allback 79); 11-Johan Elmander, 8-Anders Svensson, 19-Daniel Andersson (16-Kim Kallstrom 56), 9-Fredrik Ljungberg; 10-Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 17-Henrik Larsson

Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

Germany 3-2 Portugal
June 19, 2008

Germany are through to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after overcoming Portugal 3-2 in an entertaining encounter in Basle.

Goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack were enough to send home Portugal, for whom Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga replied.

It was a controlled, confident effort by Germany - more reminiscent of the performance they produced against Poland in their opening game, than their limp display against Croatia four days later.

Portugal can have few complaints about the defeat. Their inability to defend simple set-pieces cost them, and although this was a disappointing final game in charge for coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, he would be the first to acknowledge that his team had been outwitted on the night.

For Germany coach, Joachim Low, who was forced to watch the game from the stands as a result of his one-match suspension, this was a tactical triumph. He dropped the misfiring Mario Gomez and flooded the midfield in an attempt to prevent Portugal working their slick passing game.

The early skirmishes gave little indication of the drama to come. Thomas Hitzlsperger was off target with two long ranges, while for Portugal, Moutinho somehow managed to knee the ball over the bar from six yards after good work from Bosingwa on the right.

The opening goal was a wonderfully constructed effort by Germany. Ballack worked a one-two with Lukas Podolski and the forward raced down the right flank before delivering a perfect cross for Schweinsteiger to slide in from close range.

Within five minutes Germany extended their lead through Miroslav Klose. The Bayern Munich striker was left totally unmarked from a Schweinsteiger free-kick and he nodded past Ricardo. It was the striker's first goal of the tournament, his 40th in total for Germany, and possibly one of the easiest he has ever scored.

Portugal, who had enjoyed the bulk of the possession, now faced a two-goal deficit, but they continued to probe, and five minutes before the interval they managed to reduce the arrears.

Deco, who remained an oasis of calm amid the defensive mayhem around him, collected the ball on the edge of his area before picking out Simao with a delightful pass. The ball was switched quickly to Ronaldo who drew a fine save from Jens Lehmann, only for the ball to fall to Nuno Gomes whose shot crept into the net off the foot of Metzelder.

Just before the interval Ballack went close for Germany, while at the other end Ronaldo, a growing influence as the half progressed, saw his curling right-foot effort drift inches wide of the post.

Portugal came close to equalising shortly after the break when Deco flicked on a corner into the path of Pepe but the central defender headed over from point blank range.

It was to prove a costly miss as Germany restored their two-goal advantage on the hour mark. The goal was almost identical to their second with Ballack rising unchallenged to head home a Schweinsteiger free-kick. The Portuguese defenders looked at each other in disbelief, but if they were looking for a scapegoat, they need look no further than Ricardo, who raced from his line before hesitating when confronted by Ballack.

Trailing 3-1 the expected Portuguese onslaught failed to materialise. Germany were simply too streetwise on the night, and Scolari's side were resticted to speculative long range efforts.

The introduction of Nani for the last ten minutes introduced some much need energy into the flagging Portuguese ranks and it was he who created Portugal's second goal with just three minutes of the 90 remaining. The Manchester United winger attracted several defenders before unleashing a wonderful cross which left fellow substitute Helder Postiga with a simple header.

Portugal threw players forward in search of a late equaliser, but Germany defended with resolve and they were able to ride out the late storm with relative ease.

Germany 3-2 Portugal

Scorers:

Portugal: Nuno Gomes 40, Helder Postiga 87

Germany: Bastian Schweinsteiger 22, Miroslav Klose 26, Michael Ballack 61

Half-time: 1-2

Teams:
Portugal: 1-Ricardo; 4-Jose Bosingwa, 15-Pepe, 16-Ricardo Carvalho, 2-Paulo Ferreira; 10-Joao Moutinho (6-Raul Meireles 31), 8-Armando Petit (23-Helder Postiga 73), 20-Deco; 7-Cristiano Ronaldo, 21-Nuno Gomes (19-Nani 67), 11-Simao Sabrosa

Germany: 1-Jens Lehmann; 3-Arne Friedrich, 17-Per Mertesacker, 21-Christoph Metzelder, 16-Philipp Lahm; 7-Bastian Schweinsteiger (4-Clemens Fritz 83), 6-Simon Rolfes, 13-Michael Ballack, 15-Thomas Hitzlsperger (18-Tim Borowski 73); 11-Miroslav Klose (2-Marcell Jansen 89), 20-Lukas Podolski

Referee: Peter Frojdfeldt (Sweden)

Croatia 1-1 Turkey (aet) - Turkey win 3-1 on penalties
June 20, 2008


Turkey staged another late, late show when they scored with the last kick of the game to draw 1-1 with Croatia, before going on to win a penalty shootout to earn a place in the last four of Euro 2008.

It was an astonishing finale to what had been an otherwise mundane encounter. The teams played out 120 minutes of largely sterile football before Croatia went ahead with a minute of extra-time remaining, only for Turkey to hit back moments later.

The game was eventually settled by penalties and with Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic missing the target, it was left to veteran keeper Rustu Recber to pull off a save from Mladen Petric to seal Turkey's progress to next Wednesday's semi-final against Germany.

In a cagey opening that offered no hints at the drama to come, it was Turkey who initially looked the more composed side, with Hamit Altintop providing the first scare when he shot wide after good work on the left by Tuncay Sanli.

At the other end Darijo Srna was denied by a brilliant challenge by Hakan Balta after a misunderstanding between keeper Recber and his full-back Sabri Sarioglu.

After a bright start by the Turks, Croatia gradually began to assert themselves, with Modric a growing influence, while the pacey Prancic began to enjoy some freedom down the left flank against the makeshift full-back Sabri.

The best chance of the half fell to Ivica Olic after good work from Luka Modric. The Tottenham-bound midfielder collected a pass from Dario Srna and advanced into the box before delivering an inch perfect cross for Olic who hit the bar from just five yards out. The ball rebounded off the woodwork to Nico Krancjar but he was unable to control his header and the ball sailed over. Modric beat the turf in frustration at the double miss.

Thereafter, Croatia looked in control, although they were almost stunned by a thunderous shot from Mehmet Topal that sailed just wide of the post.

Turkey, depleted by injuries and suspensions, struggled to mount any effective attacks after the break and there was a sense that this was as far as Fatih Terims's side could go. But, while their defence remained resolute and Croatia struggling to create any clearcut openings, it was impossible to write them off.

Rakitic came close after the interval, working a one-two with Olic but lofting the return ball over the bar. Olic was then set up by Modric but was unable to get any purchase on his shot and poked the ball tamely at Rustu. The Turkish keeper pulled off one acrobatic save late on when he tipped Srna's goal-bound free-kick past the post.

It was all Croatia as the half wore on, but their inability to penetrate in the final third meant that the game went to extra-time.

Somewhat surprisingly, it was Turkey who looked the brighter side in the first period of extra-time. Tuncay danced through two challenges before firing in a left-foot shot from a narrow angle that Pletikosa parried away for a corner. The Middlesbrough player, who ran tirelessly throughout, went close shortly afterwards when his shot fizzed past the post.

However, as the final whistle loomed, penalties seemed an inevitability. That was until the dramatic final 90 seconds which contained more excitement than the preceding two hours. First, Croatia broke down the right flank and as the ball appeared to be running out for a corner, Modric nipped in ahead of Rustu and chipped for substitute Igor Klasnic to head in at the near post.

The goal prompted wild celebrations among the Croatian players and coaching team, with a delirious Slaven Bilic racing down the touchline to embrace his players.

The joy was to prove shortlived as the tenacious Turks launched one last attack through a long punt by Rustu. The ball fell kindly for substitute Semih who fired home a poweful right-foot shot into the roof of the net.

As the final whistle sounded, the momentum was with the Turks as the despondent Croats looked like they were struggling to come to terms with victory being snatched away from them at such a late hour.

Sure enough, Modric missed Croatia's first penalty, and although Srna scored their next effort, a further miss from Rakitic was followed by Rustu saving Petric's spot-kick.

Turkey are through to the semi-finals where they will face a Germany side who can scarcely believe their luck. Not only have they avoided their bogey team, but they face a Turkey side shorn of several key players through suspension. In addition to keeper Demirel Volkan who is serving a two-game ban, Terim has also lost the services of Emre Asik, Tuncay and Arda Turan - all of whom picked up bookings tonight. With influential striker Nihat limping off just before the end, the Turkish coach will have his work cut out naming a starting XI for next week's semi-final.

But, that is for another night. For now, Turkey can enjoy their moment. One remarkable statistic has emerged from their efforts thus far: over the course of four matches they have only actually held the lead for a total of two minutes. And yet, in what is turning out to be an incredible tournament, they now find themselves just 90 minutes away from a place in the the final.

Croatia 1-1 Turkey (aet)

Turkey won 3-1 on penalties

Croatia: Ivan Klasnic 119

Turkey: Semih Senturk 120+2

Half-time: 0-0

90 mins: 0-0

105 mins: 0-0

Penalty shootout

Croatia 1 Turkey 3
Luka Modric missed; Arda Turan scored
Darijo Srna scored; Semih Senturk scored
Ivan Rakitic missed; Hamit Altintop scored
Mladen Petric saved

Teams:
Croatia: 1-Stipe Pletikosa; 5-Vedran Corluka, 3-Josip Simunic, 4-Robert Kovac, 22-Danijel Pranjic; 11-Darijo Srna, 10-Niko Kovac, 14-Luka Modric, 7-Ivan Rakitic; 19-Niko Kranjcar (21-Mladen Petric 65), 18-Ivica Olic (17-Ivan Klasnic 97)

Turkey: 1-Rustu Recber; 22-Hamit Altintop, 15-Emre Asik, 4-Gokhan Zan, 3-Hakan Balta; 20-Sabri Sarioglu, 17-Tuncay Sanli, 6-Mehmet Topal (9-Semih Senturk 76), 14-Arda Turan; 18-Kazim Kazim (16-Ugur Boral 61), 8-Nihat Kahveci (10-Gokdeniz Karadeniz 117)

Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).