Greece Loss Sets Stage For Russia And Sweden In Finale

Despite admirable leaping ability, the defending champion Greek national soccer club has been eliminated from the big European dance. (AP Image)."]

A Konstantin Zurianov goal in the first half of Russia's second Euro 2008 matchup Saturday, put his team past defending champion Greece by a score of 1-0.

The goal, coming at the 34 minute mark, paved the way for the Russian team's first win of the tournament after getting destroyed by Spain in their first game, 4-1.

With the loss, Greece is officially eliminated from qualifying for the quarter-finals, while Russia can earn a berth with a victory over Sweden on Wednesday.

The Greek loss also means that Spain has officially clinched a spot in the quarter-finals, though it was never really in much doubt.

Tied at three points each, the victor of Russia and Sweden can theoretically steal the number one spot in Group D away from Spain, provided they score a whole lot of goals and the Spanish team falls to Greece.