Match Analysis: Euro 2012: Greece 1-0 Russia

Giorgos Karagounis's strike for Greece on the strike of the interval secured their spot in the latter stages of Euro 2012 at the expense of Russia.

Russia needed just the singular point to advance this evening, and it would be difficult to find someone who thought that they wouldn't gain just that.

However, Greece had other ideas and pulled off one of the shocks of the tournament to move into second spot in Group A.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Group A rivals.

Greece Statistics:
Shots: 7
On target: 2
Possession: 40%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 5

Russia Statistics:
Shots: 28
On target: 13
Possession: 60%
Corners: 12
Fouls: 10

Was the result fair?

Everything from possession, to shots, to corners will tell you that Russia dominated all aspects of the match. However, there was something to be admired from Greece's spirit and they defended heroically in the second period. However, if the match was played 10 times, Russia would win nine.

Greece's performance?

What the Greeks lacked in flair, and ability, they made up for with heart and pure desire. They aren't the best side to watch, nor the most talented. However, they battled their way through the match.

Russia's performance?

So much possession, so many shots, but it just wasn't enough. It was almost as if they were happy to coast and try and take a point from proceedings. However, football rarely works that way, as has been demonstrated this evening. Their 16-match unbeaten run has also come to an end.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Georgios Samaras: It is no understatement to say that the Greek striker has been subject to almost every joke of the tournament thusfar. He isn't the most decorated, or most the technically gifted, but boy did he run his socks off this evening. He battled, he won fouls, he ran for every single ball.

Referee performance

To be honest, Jonas Eriksson had a bit of a horror show. His worst offence was his decision to award Greek skipper Karagounis a yellow card for diving when he had been clearly felled in the area by Russian defender Sergei Ignashevich.

Biggest gaffe of the game

It would have to go to Russia's Sergei Ignashevich. The defender made a hash of a header and presented the ball straight to Karagounis - who sent his team into the lead.

What next?

Greece: Greece have booked their spot in the quarter-finals following the win. They secure second spot in Group A. Meanwhile, Czech Republic top the group.

Russia: Home. It seems quite extraordinary that we are saying goodbye to Russia following their impressive start to the tournament. But that's football.