Final Day of the Group Stage

We will learn very shortly that last of the 8 teams that will compete in the quarterfinals at Euro 2008. Today is the last day of play for Group D, and it features one meaningless game and one that means everything to the teams involved. Spain takes on Greece as Greece plays for pride, but this match features the formally eliminated Greeks and the confirmed group winners. The other match, which I will be following intently, features Russia and Sweden. The winner of this match will move on the the quarterfinals. Sweden may also advance with a draw. Sweden has looked good and Zlatan Ibrahimovic is always dangerous. Look out for Russia however, who will be getting back their star player, Andrei Arshavin. Post your thoughts if you are following along.


Running Commentary (Sweden vs Russia):

Final: Russia has won 2-0 and will be the final team to move on to the quarterfinals. Sweden will be disappointed, but the scoreline may well have been worse. Russia was very dangerous looking all day, and may manage an upset if they continue this form now that Arshavin is back. Spain has scored late to beat Greece 2-1 and go a perfect 3-0 so far. Check back later as I post the quarterfinal matchups and see if you can pick the winners.

90th: We have 3 minutes of stoppage left.

87th: Russia on the attack again, they are certain to go through now. Guus Hiddink has once again waved his magic wand and brought success to a national team.

82nd: Time is running out on Sweden here. They are spending time defending when they need to get goals. Russia is close again as Sweden's marking has become awful.

80th: Russia comes close again hitting the post and chaos ensures in front of the goal. Eventually an offsides call ends the action.

76th: Dangerous free kick coming up for Sweden, looks like it may be Ibrahimovic. Around 30 yards out. His shot is well off target.

71st: Spain has tied their game 1-1 with a goal from De La Red.

67th: Arshavin held up, not a huge foul but it was the last defender which could have been trouble. The ref lets it go.

62nd: Corner for Sweden, they come close but the header goes high. That was a good chance to get back in this game.

52nd: I must say these goals today have been absolutely fabulous, anyone wanting to learn attacking soccer should study the buildup for the two goals Russia has to this point.

50th: GOAL: 2-0 Russia!!! What a goal! Fabulous sequence leads to an Arshavin goal, and Sweden is in trouble.

46th: The second half has begun. Russia with some early possession.

Halftime: Russia leads 1-0, but Sweden ends the half more positively and will look to build on that in the second half. If things stay this way Russia moves on, but remember, Sweden will only need to come away with a draw to send themselves into the final 8.

44th: Corner to Sweden after Ljungberg's shot is saved, suddenly Sweden is looking much better. Greece has just taken a 1-0 lead on Spain courtesy of a goal from Charisteas.

36th: Some more great stuff and Pavlyuchenko hits the crossbar/post at the upper corner.

35th: Corner for Russia, their 5th so far. They've certainly looked strong today.

27th: Sweden comes close to getting it back as Old Man Henrik makes himself dangerous.

24th: GOAL: Russia gets the first goal and leads 1-0. A nice passing sequence shreds Swedens defense and Pavlyuchenko one times it in from around the penalty spot.

15th: Russia is slowing things down and putting together a nice buildup. Not much from it, but Russia looks good here.

7th: If the first few moments belonged to the Sweden side, Russia has owned the last few minutes. That said there have been no scoring chances for either team in the early going.

1st: And we're underway, look for Russia to force the tempo early as they know they must win, anything less will see Sweden through

Pre-game: We're nearing kickoff, Arshavin of course is in the starting 11 for Russia. Russia is lining up in a 3-5-2, while Sweden will go 3 up top in a 4-3-3. Off the topic of this game, Greece gets to play Spain's backups today... those backups include Cesc Fabregas, Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso.