Why is greece qualified and not russia

It was fairly tedious stuff as the interval approached, and when a gilt-edged chance finally fell Russia's way, with Kerzhakov in a perfect position to accept a knockdown near the penalty spot, he somehow managed an air shot instead of an effort on goal.

Zhirkov was only narrowly wide with a rising shot five minutes from half-time, but shooting from outside the box was a sign of Russian frustration When Sergei Ignashevich fell over in possession on the halfway line without an opponent or a team-mate within 20 yards it seemed to sum up Russia's lackadaisical attitude.

Advocaat had described the game as a must-win, insisting Russia needed to make sure of qualifying at the earliest opportunity after blowing a chance in their second game against Poland, yet his players appeared anything but urgent. They paid dearly for their slapdash play in the two minutes of added time in the first half. First Roman Shirokov wasted a chance in the Greek penalty area with a simply awful shot that merely surrendered possession. A disastrously casual attempt to clear from a throw down the touchline by Ignashevich gave Karagounis a clear run on goal.

The Greek captain boldly advanced into the penalty area to punch a low shot under Malafeev. After the first few minutes, Greece had barely had an attack of note, yet they scored with the only chance that came their way, and Russia had only themselves to blame for conceding at such a crucial moment.

Advocaat sent on Roman Pavlyuchenko for the second half though the pattern of poor decision-making and general wastefulness continued, with Shirokov hitting another chance much too high.

The useful Igor Denisov did rather better with another long shot, but at least one that had Russian supporters on their feet before missing by inches. As long as the other game remained scoreless Russia could afford to lose narrowly and still go through. Yet this was a risky strategy, especially when Dimitris Salpigidis nearly scored from a corner and Karagounis had a penalty claim turned down.

Kevin Doyle's red card five minutes from time did not help Irish nerves but they held on to secure a second successive play-off place for a major finals. They will hope this time round it is less controversial and a happier ending than the World Cup one against France.

Share Via. Get our Daily News Capsule Subscribe. Thank you for subscribing to our Daily News Capsule newsletter. Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin. Sign Up. A win by Sweden at fourth-place Georgia on Thursday and a Spain draw will secure first place for the Swedes. Spain's squad is depleted by injuries. Russia and Croatia are confirmed as the top two teams, but the order is still to be decided.

They square off Sunday in a rematch from the World Cup quarterfinals. But first, Russia host Cyprus and Croatia visit Malta. Russia leads the group with 19 points, two clear of Croatia. In the other group match, Slovakia hosts Slovenia. Germany have already qualified and host last-place Liechtenstein in Frankfurt.