Bodog Beat

Despite admirable leaping ability, the defending champion Greek national soccer club has been eliminated from the big European dance. (AP Image).

A Konstantin Zurianov goal in the first half of Russia's second Euro 2008 matchup Saturday, put his team past defending champion Greece by a score of 1-0.

The goal, coming at the 34 minute mark, paved the way for the Russian team's first win of the tournament after getting destroyed by Spain in their first game, 4-1.

With the loss, Greece is officially eliminated from qualifying for the quarter-finals, while Russia can earn a berth with a victory over Sweden on Wednesday.

The Greek loss also means that Spain has officially clinched a spot in the quarter-finals, though it was never really in much doubt.

Tied at three points each, the victor of Russia and Sweden can theoretically steal the number one spot in Group D away from Spain, provided they score a whole lot of goals and the Spanish team falls to Greece.