Russia against Sweden

So, Holland v Russia eh? A good game in prospect. Will Hiddink be allowed back in his home country if he topples Van Basten and the Dutch lads I wonder...

Spain are piling on the pressure in Salzburg against Greece, but can't find a winner.

Russia are in full on time-wasting mode now, as you'd expect. When Zhirkov finally does turn the corner in Isaksson flails at the ball but it falls safe.

A decent looking ball is flung into the Russian box by Mellberg but Elmander fails to connect. Its all but over for Sweden, barring a Turkey-sized comeback.

Another great chance for Russia as Sweden go all-out for a goal. Saenko squares for Pavlyuchenko, but the ball is just behind him, and the striker's shot squirts wide.

Great work from Aniukov as he cuts out Svensson's ball. He delays his cross waiting for some movement from Pavlyuchenko, who meets the cross firmly but nods straight at Isaksson.

Russia hit the post! Zurianov's shot is deflected past Isaksson and smashes back off the woodwork!

Marcus Allback, once of Southampton, comes on for Nilsson. I think.

Akinfeev catches for once after Kallstrom's cross was deflected into the air. Before that Elmander had a chance to run at Zhirkov but passed up the chance in favour of a ball wide. Not direct enough from Sweden.

Ibrahimovic's free kick is woeful. Either he's not fit, or he's just crap.

Ljungberg goes flying after a challenge by Kolodin and Sweden have a free kick, 30 yards out, just left of centre. Kolodin was booked as soon as he picked himself up.

Again Ibrahimovic fails to pick out a pass as Ljungberg raced ahead of him. The idea was right but the execution was poor.

Elmander digs out a gem of a cross from the left but Ibrahimovic can't do anything with it, much to Henrik Larsson's frustration.

Ibrahimovic climbs well to meet a Svensson cross but his header is right at Akinfeev. Better, but not better enough, if you catch my drift.

Russia with eight men behind the ball as Sweden look to build pressure. Time is running out however...

Henrik Larsson is penalised for challenging Akinfeev for a cross and once again, the referee doesn't think twice about awarding the free-kick. They get far too much protection from officials them goalies.

Zurianov wins a free-kick near the corner flag after the corner had been cleared. He goes for goal but Isaksson watches it over the bar.

Saenko is into the fray early and wins a corner after a lovely ball from Semshov found him in space on the right.

Pavlyuchenko has gone down claiming he got a cheeky elbow from Hansson. He may have done, but it was hardly a knock-out blow.

Russia break and Arshavin and Stoor tussle for the ball before the Swedish defender flings out a leg forcing Isaksson into a save he wsn't expecting!

Bilyaletdinov is off and Ivan Saenko is on.

Kallstrom is chopped down by Arshavin and the Russian striker gets booked.

Spain have equalised against Greece through Ruben De la Red.

It's just not happening for Sweden in the final third. A ball from deep drifted through Larsson and Kolodin there which left Ljungberg with only Zhirkov to beat, but he didn't appear to realise the magnitude of the chance and the ball squirmed away from him.

Kallstrom's header was met by Mellberg but he couldn't direct his header goalwards. A half chance for the Juventus man.

Ibrahimovic looks crocked. He's laboured towards a ball from Ljungberg there. Now Elmander wins a corner for Sweden.

No noise coming from the yellow end of the ground. I think they know the game is up for their ageing side.

Stoor whacks in a cross from deep and Akinfeev punches instead of catching. He was under no pressure at all.

Zhirkov heads down the left again but his near post cross is claimed by Isaksson. Both Russian full-backs have been good tonight. Its just the centre-backs, Kolodin and Ignashevich, who are dodgy.

Larsson now tries an overhead kick as the free kick is lumped into the box but Akinfeev catches easily. Henrik only has 33 minutes to prolong his international career, barring a comeback in South Africa when he'll be of pensionable age.

Larsson is felled by Semak and he gets a yellow card for his bother.

Sweden change, Kim Kallstrom is on for holding midfielder Daniel Andersson.

From a purely selfish point of view, Arshavin's marvellous display is hugely depressing, because now Newcastle United won't be able to afford him, or compete with other teams that will now want him. I may weep.

Sweden will have to gamble now as Russia sit back into a more solid-looking formation. They did create chances in the first half though so all is not lost just yet.

Finally Russia have come to the party and produced a performance we all knew they were capable of. They haven't been at it in the first two games but with the return of Arshavin, they look a team reborn.

Guus Hiddink is on the verge of securing a quarter final clash with his home nation, Holland.

Think a Holland-style breakaway. Russia move downfield with speed, Zhirkov plays in Bilyaletdinov down the inside left channel, he squares for Arshavin to finish right footed. Fantastic goal.

GOAL! Arshavin scores a wonderful goal!

Pavlyuchenko (yes, I have settled on this way of spelling it now) has the ball inside the area but can't find a way through. Then Elmander is booked for putting the ball in the net long after the flag had been raised for offside.

Russia have an early corner after a wayward back-pass from Olof Mellberg.

So, sit back and protect 1-0, or push forward like in the first half and go for a game-sealing second? Guus Hiddink's half-time dilemma..

We're off once again...

That is half time, Russia have a deserved lead but Sweden only need one goal to put this tie back in the balance. See you in 15 mins...

Ibrahimovic's flick ricochets off Semak and Nilsson finds himself in the area with only Akinfeev to beat but the angle is tight and Russia's keeper makes the save.

This is Sweden's best spell, a few balls go into the box before Ibrahimovic lays off for Ljungberg whose shot it saved low down to his right by Akinfeev.

Oh my, Greece have their first goal in the tournament and lead Spain 1-0, thanks to Charisteas. Well well.

A super little ball from Arshavin finds Pavlyuchenko with a bit of space but his shot on the turn is well wide.

Akinfeev has got away with murder there! he tried to punch a long ball but got little on it, and as Larsson and Hansson battled to stab it goalwards he managed to dive on it and snuff out the danger. Dodgy keeper!

Svensson swings it deep to the back post and Semak concedes a corner. It'd be a great time to equalise.....

Ibrahimovic is felled by Kolodin. Chance for Sweden.

Well done Anders Svensson. He dives in to break up another Russia charge down the right, then legs it over to the touchline to keep the ball in and clear.

Zhirkov's corner comes out to Aniukov who thinks, "Right, I'm 45 yards out, and a no nonsense defender. What shall I do? Yes, I'll have a pop." The result? A throw in to Sweden, level with the edge of their penalty area. Yes, it was that bad.

Palyuchenko hits the bar! A similar move to the goal ends with the big man 12 yards out, curling a shot past Isaksson but it cannons back off the bar!

More smart work from Arshavin results in a Russian corner.

Zhirkov has had a good half. He manages to get in a cross when faced with Stoor but no-one had made the near post run and Mellberg can collect under no pressure.

A lull after that flurry of chances. But it won't be long before some more hardcore goalmouth action I'm sure..

Freddie Ljungberg does well to break up a long spell of Russian possession. They weren't particularly going anywhere with it mind..

Guus looks chuffed at the minute, not a look he's worn that often in the competition so far...

Larsson can't flick towards Ibrahimovic this time as Russia were split at the back. A decent opportunity.

Now another chance for Russia as Zurianov works space after Arshavion's ball - his left foot shot is right at Isaksson though. We've a game on here people!

Larsson has hit the bar! Svensson flings in a cross, Larsson flicks on and the ball hits the angle of post and bar with Akinfeev beaten all ends up!

A great chance for Bilyaletdinov! Inside the area, the two centre-backs converge but the midfield man gets a shanked left foot shot off which goes wide. A great chance for two nil!

So, Russia have done it! As it stand they'll be going through. Plenty of time for Sweden to hit back though so don't count yer rubles just yet.

No more than Russia deserve, another fabulous break down the right, Semak finds Aniukov, he squares for Pavluychenko and the big man's finish is precise! Game on!

GOAL! Pavluychenko! Russia ahead!

Semak has to been nippy to get the ball back to his keeper under pressure. Akinfeev wellies one downfield and ouot for a throw. Not especially noteable that exchange, admittedly, but just so you know...

Its all Russia at the moment, but they must convert this spell of dominance into the currency currently known as goal pie.

That's better from Zhirkov! Semshov's corner finds him on the edge of the box and this time his volley is superb, Isaksson is beaten but the ball fizzes narrowly wide. He nailed the Brady that time!

Isaksson has to tip over the bar as an Arshavin cross sailed towards the top corner.

The corner came out to Zhirkov who took his time, then planted a left foot shot miles wide. He was going for Liam Brady-style arc there, but didn't quite nail it.

Zurianov has a pop but Svensson gets in his way, then Arshavin is down the left channel to stand a ball up which Nilsson nods behind for a corner.

Arshavin is getting plenty of space here, drifting into intelligent positions and linking play well. He slides in Aniukov down the right but Hansson is there to clear his cross.

Sweden hit bnack as Ibrahimovic spreads play wide to Ljungberg, his cross is whipped in with pace but Larsson can't get there to flick it towards goal.

Russia look the more likely here, Anuikov breaks down the right again, Bilyaletdinov is in support and his ball flashes past Arshavin who just couldn't get a touch.

Ibrahimovic is penalised for a knee in the back of Aniukov. That was kung-fu style.

Anuikov gets down the right, swings in a delicious cross and an unmarked Arshavin should have done much better with his header. A real chance.

Sweden clear the corner, and as they build up the field Elmander decides to have a go from distance but Akinfeev claims comfortably.

Nilsson's miscue gifts Russia a corner, and before it is taken Isaksson is booked for holding up play by not releasing the ball. Unsporting behaviour, rightly punished.

Ibrahimovic wins the header from Svensson's free kick but Akinfeev is out to claim before Larsson could get a toe to it.

Ljungberg does his dying swan routine to win a free kick, but he did get a little clip from Zhirkov.

Russia look up for this. It seems Guus is finally getting his shrewd message through ...

Calamity for Russia! Zurianov and Semshov get in each other's way in the box after a lovely piece of skill from Arshavin, meaning neither can get a shot off!

Zhirkov again pelts down the left, this time he puts in a ball to Pavluychenko but his attempted flick is blocked by Nilsson and Sweden break clear.

The corner comes all the way through to Zhirkov who fires in a cross from the left. Mellberg clears. A bright enough opening to the game...

The game's first corner goes to Russia, courtesy of a Petter Hansson header.

Arshavin's first involvement is to spray a gorgeous crossfield ball into the path of Pavluychenko. Class.

Svensson pumps in a free-kick from near half-way but Zhirkov is up to nod clear. Sweden are kicking toward the goal where the majority of their supporters are housed. I can deduce that because its a sea of yellow shirts.

Peep! We're off...

Here we go then, we're all set, the anthems have been sung, legs have been stretched and the last place in the final eight is about to be settled. Its live, in just a sec, with me Chris Murphy.

So, Russia's playmaker Andrei Arshavin gets his first start of the tournament, and should line-up alongside Roman Pavlyuchenko as Guus Hiddink signals his offensive intentions, if you know what I mean. Sweden are unchanged, meaning Zlatan Ibrahimovic starts again, despite his knee-knack.

And Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov, Bilyaletdinov, Arshavin and Pavluchenko. Subs from: Gabulov, Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Torbinsky, Saenko, Shirokov, Sychev, Bystrov and Ivanov.

The teams, starting with Sweden: Isaksson, Stoor, Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson, Elmander, Andersson, Svensson, Ljungberg, Henrik Larsson and Ibrahimovic. Subs from: Shaaban, Wiland, Linderoth, Alexandersson, Majstorovic, Granqvist, Kallstrom, Sebastian Larsson, Allback, Wilhelmsson, Rosenberg and Dorsin.

Both sides beat Greece and both lost to Spain, but Russia were defeated by a greater margin. All of which means Russia MUST win if they are to go through. A draw is good enough for Sweden, but surely they won't be setting out to claim just a point.

Welcome one and all to a nail-biting climax in Group D. The only quarter-final place yet to be settled is up for grabs as Sweden and Russia do battle for the right to face Holland, when let's face it, they will more than likely go out anyway. Yeah?

Join us at 1945BST to see which one of Sweden or Russia will be joining Spain in the next stage. The winner will face the small matter of a rampant Holland side in the quarter finals.

Russia with eight men behind the ball as Sweden look to build pressure. Time is running out however...

Henrik Larsson is penalised for challenging Akinfeev for a cross and once again, the referee doesn't think twice about awarding the free-kick. They get far too much protection from officials them goalies.

Zurianov wins a free-kick near the corner flag after the corner had been cleared. He goes for goal but Isaksson watches it over the bar.

Saenko is into the fray early and wins a corner after a lovely ball from Semshov found him in space on the right.

Pavlyuchenko has gone down claiming he got a cheeky elbow from Hansson. He may have done, but it was hardly a knock-out blow.

Russia break and Arshavin and Stoor tussle for the ball before the Swedish defender flings out a leg forcing Isaksson into a save he wsn't expecting!

Bilyaletdinov is off and Ivan Saenko is on.

Kallstrom is chopped down by Arshavin and the Russian striker gets booked.

Spain have equalised against Greece through Ruben De la Red.

It's just not happening for Sweden in the final third. A ball from deep drifted through Larsson and Kolodin there which left Ljungberg with only Zhirkov to beat, but he didn't appear to realise the magnitude of the chance and the ball squirmed away from him.

Kallstrom's header was met by Mellberg but he couldn't direct his header goalwards. A half chance for the Juventus man.

Ibrahimovic looks crocked. He's laboured towards a ball from Ljungberg there. Now Elmander wins a corner for Sweden.

No noise coming from the yellow end of the ground. I think they know the game is up for their ageing side.

Stoor whacks in a cross from deep and Akinfeev punches instead of catching. He was under no pressure at all.

Zhirkov heads down the left again but his near post cross is claimed by Isaksson. Both Russian full-backs have been good tonight. Its just the centre-backs, Kolodin and Ignashevich, who are dodgy.

Larsson now tries an overhead kick as the free kick is lumped into the box but Akinfeev catches easily. Henrik only has 33 minutes to prolong his international career, barring a comeback in South Africa when he'll be of pensionable age.

Larsson is felled by Semak and he gets a yellow card for his bother.

Sweden change, Kim Kallstrom is on for holding midfielder Daniel Andersson.

From a purely selfish point of view, Arshavin's marvellous display is hugely depressing, because now Newcastle United won't be able to afford him, or compete with other teams that will now want him. I may weep.

Sweden will have to gamble now as Russia sit back into a more solid-looking formation. They did create chances in the first half though so all is not lost just yet.

Finally Russia have come to the party and produced a performance we all knew they were capable of. They haven't been at it in the first two games but with the return of Arshavin, they look a team reborn.

Guus Hiddink is on the verge of securing a quarter final clash with his home nation, Holland.

Think a Holland-style breakaway. Russia move downfield with speed, Zhirkov plays in Bilyaletdinov down the inside left channel, he squares for Arshavin to finish right footed. Fantastic goal.

GOAL! Arshavin scores a wonderful goal!

Pavlyuchenko (yes, I have settled on this way of spelling it now) has the ball inside the area but can't find a way through. Then Elmander is booked for putting the ball in the net long after the flag had been raised for offside.

Russia have an early corner after a wayward back-pass from Olof Mellberg.

So, sit back and protect 1-0, or push forward like in the first half and go for a game-sealing second? Guus Hiddink's half-time dilemma..

We're off once again...

That is half time, Russia have a deserved lead but Sweden only need one goal to put this tie back in the balance. See you in 15 mins...

Ibrahimovic's flick ricochets off Semak and Nilsson finds himself in the area with only Akinfeev to beat but the angle is tight and Russia's keeper makes the save.

This is Sweden's best spell, a few balls go into the box before Ibrahimovic lays off for Ljungberg whose shot it saved low down to his right by Akinfeev.

Oh my, Greece have their first goal in the tournament and lead Spain 1-0, thanks to Charisteas. Well well.

A super little ball from Arshavin finds Pavlyuchenko with a bit of space but his shot on the turn is well wide.

Akinfeev has got away with murder there! he tried to punch a long ball but got little on it, and as Larsson and Hansson battled to stab it goalwards he managed to dive on it and snuff out the danger. Dodgy keeper!

Svensson swings it deep to the back post and Semak concedes a corner. It'd be a great time to equalise.....

Ibrahimovic is felled by Kolodin. Chance for Sweden.

Well done Anders Svensson. He dives in to break up another Russia charge down the right, then legs it over to the touchline to keep the ball in and clear.

Zhirkov's corner comes out to Aniukov who thinks, "Right, I'm 45 yards out, and a no nonsense defender. What shall I do? Yes, I'll have a pop." The result? A throw in to Sweden, level with the edge of their penalty area. Yes, it was that bad.

Palyuchenko hits the bar! A similar move to the goal ends with the big man 12 yards out, curling a shot past Isaksson but it cannons back off the bar!

More smart work from Arshavin results in a Russian corner.

Zhirkov has had a good half. He manages to get in a cross when faced with Stoor but no-one had made the near post run and Mellberg can collect under no pressure.

A lull after that flurry of chances. But it won't be long before some more hardcore goalmouth action I'm sure..

Freddie Ljungberg does well to break up a long spell of Russian possession. They weren't particularly going anywhere with it mind..

Guus looks chuffed at the minute, not a look he's worn that often in the competition so far...

Larsson can't flick towards Ibrahimovic this time as Russia were split at the back. A decent opportunity.

Now another chance for Russia as Zurianov works space after Arshavion's ball - his left foot shot is right at Isaksson though. We've a game on here people!

Larsson has hit the bar! Svensson flings in a cross, Larsson flicks on and the ball hits the angle of post and bar with Akinfeev beaten all ends up!

A great chance for Bilyaletdinov! Inside the area, the two centre-backs converge but the midfield man gets a shanked left foot shot off which goes wide. A great chance for two nil!

So, Russia have done it! As it stand they'll be going through. Plenty of time for Sweden to hit back though so don't count yer rubles just yet.

No more than Russia deserve, another fabulous break down the right, Semak finds Aniukov, he squares for Pavluychenko and the big man's finish is precise! Game on!

GOAL! Pavluychenko! Russia ahead!

Semak has to been nippy to get the ball back to his keeper under pressure. Akinfeev wellies one downfield and ouot for a throw. Not especially noteable that exchange, admittedly, but just so you know...

Its all Russia at the moment, but they must convert this spell of dominance into the currency currently known as goal pie.

That's better from Zhirkov! Semshov's corner finds him on the edge of the box and this time his volley is superb, Isaksson is beaten but the ball fizzes narrowly wide. He nailed the Brady that time!

Isaksson has to tip over the bar as an Arshavin cross sailed towards the top corner.

The corner came out to Zhirkov who took his time, then planted a left foot shot miles wide. He was going for Liam Brady-style arc there, but didn't quite nail it.

Zurianov has a pop but Svensson gets in his way, then Arshavin is down the left channel to stand a ball up which Nilsson nods behind for a corner.

Arshavin is getting plenty of space here, drifting into intelligent positions and linking play well. He slides in Aniukov down the right but Hansson is there to clear his cross.

Sweden hit bnack as Ibrahimovic spreads play wide to Ljungberg, his cross is whipped in with pace but Larsson can't get there to flick it towards goal.

Russia look the more likely here, Anuikov breaks down the right again, Bilyaletdinov is in support and his ball flashes past Arshavin who just couldn't get a touch.

Ibrahimovic is penalised for a knee in the back of Aniukov. That was kung-fu style.

Anuikov gets down the right, swings in a delicious cross and an unmarked Arshavin should have done much better with his header. A real chance.

Sweden clear the corner, and as they build up the field Elmander decides to have a go from distance but Akinfeev claims comfortably.

Nilsson's miscue gifts Russia a corner, and before it is taken Isaksson is booked for holding up play by not releasing the ball. Unsporting behaviour, rightly punished.

Ibrahimovic wins the header from Svensson's free kick but Akinfeev is out to claim before Larsson could get a toe to it.

Ljungberg does his dying swan routine to win a free kick, but he did get a little clip from Zhirkov.

Russia look up for this. It seems Guus is finally getting his shrewd message through ...

Calamity for Russia! Zurianov and Semshov get in each other's way in the box after a lovely piece of skill from Arshavin, meaning neither can get a shot off!

Zhirkov again pelts down the left, this time he puts in a ball to Pavluychenko but his attempted flick is blocked by Nilsson and Sweden break clear.

The corner comes all the way through to Zhirkov who fires in a cross from the left. Mellberg clears. A bright enough opening to the game...

The game's first corner goes to Russia, courtesy of a Petter Hansson header.

Arshavin's first involvement is to spray a gorgeous crossfield ball into the path of Pavluychenko. Class.

Svensson pumps in a free-kick from near half-way but Zhirkov is up to nod clear. Sweden are kicking toward the goal where the majority of their supporters are housed. I can deduce that because its a sea of yellow shirts.

Peep! We're off...

Here we go then, we're all set, the anthems have been sung, legs have been stretched and the last place in the final eight is about to be settled. Its live, in just a sec, with me Chris Murphy.

So, Russia's playmaker Andrei Arshavin gets his first start of the tournament, and should line-up alongside Roman Pavlyuchenko as Guus Hiddink signals his offensive intentions, if you know what I mean. Sweden are unchanged, meaning Zlatan Ibrahimovic starts again, despite his knee-knack.

And Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov, Bilyaletdinov, Arshavin and Pavluchenko. Subs from: Gabulov, Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Torbinsky, Saenko, Shirokov, Sychev, Bystrov and Ivanov.

The teams, starting with Sweden: Isaksson, Stoor, Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson, Elmander, Andersson, Svensson, Ljungberg, Henrik Larsson and Ibrahimovic. Subs from: Shaaban, Wiland, Linderoth, Alexandersson, Majstorovic, Granqvist, Kallstrom, Sebastian Larsson, Allback, Wilhelmsson, Rosenberg and Dorsin.

Both sides beat Greece and both lost to Spain, but Russia were defeated by a greater margin. All of which means Russia MUST win if they are to go through. A draw is good enough for Sweden, but surely they won't be setting out to claim just a point.

Welcome one and all to a nail-biting climax in Group D. The only quarter-final place yet to be settled is up for grabs as Sweden and Russia do battle for the right to face Holland, when let's face it, they will more than likely go out anyway. Yeah?

Join us at 1945BST to see which one of Sweden or Russia will be joining Spain in the next stage. The winner will face the small matter of a rampant Holland side in the quarter finals.