After producing two hugely disappointing performances in their opening two games, defending champions Greece are out of Euro 2008.

A 1-0 defeat against Russia condemns Otto Rehhagel's side to elimination at the group stage at the earliest possible opportunity, with one match still left to play.

The match was a far more entertaining affair than Greece's first match against Sweden, thanks in no small part to Russia's approach to the match.  Guus Hiddink's young side looked lively and showed excellent movement in all areas of the pitch.

The only goal of the game came in the 33rd minute and owed much to the workrate of Russian captain Sergei Semak.

The Russian number 11 chased down a deep cross, beat Greek goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis to the ball and produced an overhead kick to cross the ball back into the goal mouth, where Konstantin Zyryanov was on hand to side-foot into an empty net.

The goal forced Greece to open up and attack for the first time in the tournament, and started to threaten Igor Akinfeev's goal.  But Russia looked dangerous on the counter attack and perhaps should have added to their lead. Roman Pavlyuchenko, in particular, looked a threat throughout the match, but was guilty of wasting a number of chances.

But despite the end-to-end finish to the match, Russia held on for a deserved 1-0 win and will now take on Sweden to decide who progresses, with Spain, to the knockout stages.