Greece defied the odds to pull up an upset 1-0 victory over Russia to move into the quarterfinals of the Euro Cup 2012. Greece, who were winless in the tournament so far, stunned Russia who entered the match as a clear favorite and required just a draw to move past. But the 2004 Champions stood in their way and not only defeated them but knocked Dick Advocaat’s side out of the tournament.

The match saw many good players in action with some of them having played to their reputation while some could not live up to it:

Here are some of the hits and flops of the match:

Greece:

Hits:

Giorgos Samaras: Samaras was completely off colours in the previous matches and could hardly provide any threat up in front, but the match against Russia saw him in a new flair. He was a livewire in the field and the Russian side had a very difficult time trying to stop him. He helped Greece keep possession and was involved in many counter-attacks.

Giorgos Karagounis: The captain was arguably the best player of the match and was at the top of his game. The veteran midfielder brought all his experience in the game and scored the winning goal after a one on one melee with Malafeev. He however received a yellow card midway in the second half which now sees him missing out the next game.

Kyriakos Papadopoulos: He proved that why he is one of the hottest properties in Bundesliga. After a great season with Schalke, he lived up to his form and shone throughout the tournament. He was the man who never shied away from putting his body on the line and Russian players hardly could get past him in the match. He made many good clearances to keep Greece out of trouble.

Flops:

Theofanis Gekas: The Greek striker did not have a good game and was lost lot of battles in the air. He foiled lot of chances up in front and could no capitalise on the crosses from the flanks.

Russia:

Andrei Ashravin: The Arsenal midfielder was again the best player from the side. He was the man who was responsible for most of the Russian attack. He was the only player who looked to threaten the Greeks defenders going forward and was able to penetrate them. But then he was most of the times left without any partner and his crosses and passes could not be capitalised by his forwards.

Flops:

Alexander Kerzhakov: The striker was off tune throughout the match and had a horrible time up in front. His shots landed wide and lacked the finishing skills required by a striker at this level. He was taken off at the half time after an unpromising show.

Yuri Zhirkov and Sergei Ignashevich: Both the centre backs had a match to forget. Both these defenders were responsible for the Greek goal. They hardly did put any resistance and were beaten all ends up on many occasions in the match.


By Indian Sports News Network