Russia sweeps into Euro 2008 playoffs
Published 19 June, 2008, 01:07
Russia is celebrating a thrilling 2-0 win over Sweden and the country’s first European Quarter Final place in modern history. Andrey Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko both scored in a game dominated by Russia. Sweden had f
With a better goal difference than Russia, Sweden only had to draw to advance behind Group D winners Spain, while Russia had to win to stay alive in the tournament.
Russia has the youngest team at the tournament with an average age of 26, while Sweden are the oldest, with average age of around 29.
Before the game, Russian coach Guus Hiddink believed that the Swedish players' greater experience would give them the advantage over his team.
Russia had mixed results in their opening two games of the tournament. They lost to Spain 4-1 but ended Greek hopes with a 1-0 win in the second match.
On Saturday, Russia will face the Netherlands in Basil.
It's been 20 years since the then Soviet Union got so far in a championship, so the win over the Swedes has been long anticipated.
Russian fans celebrated through the night. A sea of fans with national flags flooded through central Moscow, blocking traffic.
That’s becoming a tradition as Russian sportsmen are starting to spoil their supporters. Just month ago there were similar scenes when the country became World Hockey Champions.
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