Greece surged into the European Championship quarterfinals, beating Russia 1-0 Saturday on a goal by Giorgos Karagounis just before halftime.

Karagounis, making his team record-tying 120th international appearance, sent a low shot under goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev with the final touch of the first half.

Russia, a semifinalist four years ago, was the overwhelming choice going into the match at the National Stadium, but it was again guilty of squandering chances.

The Russians became one of the tournament favorites with their 4-1 win over the Czech Republic in their opening match, then drew with Poland and finally lost to Greece, snapping a 16-match unbeaten run.

Russia came close several times in the first half. But even as the team laid siege to the Greek goal it was largely restricted to long-range efforts after the break as it went after the equalizer.

Russia forward Alan Dzagoyev came close in the 84th minute with a glancing header off a cross from Andrei Arshavin, but the ball drifted just wide.

Greece, knowing it needed a win to progress after a draw and a loss, started the match with a defensive setup aimed at stifling Russia's passing game in the midfield. Russia only needed a draw to reach the quarterfinals.