Russia went into the game knowing that a point would satisfy their quest for quarter-final tickets at Euro 2012. However, they left the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw with absolutely nothing but sorrow.
How did a brilliant start at UEFA Euro 2012 finish in such an agonizing way? The Russians would be left to curse UEFA’s new head-to-head rule which has replaced the goal difference factor at the top of the tie-breaking rules list.
Eventful Euro 2012 campaign for hero Giorgos Karagounis
On a night when he received his 120th cap for the Greek national team, Giorgos Karagounis reached another level in his legendary status. The captain stunned Russia’s defence with a well-taken strike in the 47th minute before leaving the pitch in an upset mood after 67 minutes.
Skipper Karagounis was harshly penalized when he went in the box. The Swedish referee saw the incident as simulation from the Greek player and decided to flash the yellow card.
Karagounis left the field knowing that the Greeks were only halfway done with their task. The thought of missing the quarter-final stage if his team qualified baffled him even more. The captain, who wasted a potential match winner from the penalty spot against Poland, was pictured arguing on the bench about the referee’s decision to book him and turn down his debatable penalty call.
Russian anguish
Wherever the Russians thought there was space to shoot, the Greeks were there to create obstacles. Greece’s clever defensive tactics frustrated Dick Advocaat’s men. As time flew by, pressure obviously mounted.
Six minutes before normal time, Dzagoev came inches away from finding a vital equalizer for Russia but his header sent the ball wide. The Greeks only had one thing in mind: to hold on to their golden lead.
All the 11 players were in their own half defending. Dzagoev tried his luck a few times but failed at each attempt. Losing this game to Greece meant that Russia needed Poland vs Czech Republic to end up in a draw. However, that did not happen.
The Greeks will play in the quarter-finals without hero Karagounis. The economic and political confrontations between Greece and Germany could continue on the pitch at UEFA Euro 2012…
For UEFA Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland, the tournament is over. A lone strike from Jiracek completed the Czech’s rise from death after their terrible 4-1 defeat to Russia on June 8. Responding to all his critics, goalkeeper Petr Cech kept a clean sheet when it mattered most...
