It was a sad night for the Greeks as they saw their team exit from the EURO 2008 first round after a second defeat in the group stage on Saturday. Greece slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Russia to officially relinquish their European throne after having lost to Sweden 2-0 in their opening game. Russia's victory handed Spain first spot in Group D. But the Spaniards also did their part as they edged past Sweden with a 2-1 victory earlier that day. Man of the Day: David Villa His performances in Spain's two games and crucial four goals not only make him a contender for the top-scorer award, but also for best player. In the game against Sweden Villa was on fire. The Valencia striker exhausted the Swedish defense with his pace, quick-thinking and agility. Villa was purely a menace for the Scandinavian side and he made his contribution felt when he scored a last-gasp winner for Spain to boost their chances in the Group before guaranteeing qualification when Russia beat Greece. Goal of the Day: Villa's winner for Spain Out of the four goals scored on Saturday, Villa's is by far the best goal of the night. The mercurial striker got at the end of Joan Capdevila's long pass. Villa controlled the ball superbly, taking it down in his stride and evading defender Petter Hansson in one movement before slamming the ball home past the helpless Andreas Isaksson.
Greek fans were saddened by their team's exit Play of the Day: Greece bows out It doesn't matter whether you are a fan of Greece or not, it's always a disappointment to watch the defending champions bow out, especially in the early stages of the tournament. Most of Greece's players tried to hold back their tears, but all the pride in the world would not be enough to cover the gloomy faces of the Greeks both on the field and in the stands. Quote of the Day: Luis Aragones In what may be considered as a plea, coach Roberto Donadoni made it clear he trusts the integrity of former AC Milan teammate Marco van Basten. Both Italy and France are looking to Holland to give a formidable performance against Romania, even though the Dutch have already booked their place as Group C winners. Holland coach Van Basten is expected to field a second-string team to give his key players some rest before the quarter-finals. But to Donadoni and Raymond Domenech's dismay, that could allow Romania a victory. A win for Romania will oust the world champions and runner-ups from the tournament, even if either team comes out as the victor. "What is more is that the coach van Basten is an honest, competent and upstanding person. That is three guarantees already. I have confidence in him," said Donadoni.
