Andrei Arshavin returned from suspension to inspire Russia to a 2-0 victory over Sweden and a place in EURO 2008 quarter-finals on Wednesday. Striker Roman Pavlyuchenko broke the deadlock in the 24th minute before Arshavin ensured the victory four minutes after the break. Russian finished second in Group D with six points, three ahead of third-placed Sweden, who only needed a draw to book a last-eight berth. Spain, who came from behind to beat Greece 2-1, progressed as the group winners with nine points from three games. Arshavin, who missed the first two games through suspension, masterminded Russia's domination in the first-half. In the 21st minute, the Zenit Petersburg man tested Sweden keeper Andreas Isaksson with a cross-come-shot that was tipped over the bar by the Manchester City goalie. Russia deservedly went ahead three minutes later when Aleksandr Anyukov burst into the area before squaring for the unmarked Pavlyuchenko to stroke home from 12 yards. Sweden's veteran striker Henrik Larsson was unlucky not to grab the equalizer in the 27th minute.
The former Barcelona and Celtic man met a deep cross with an exquisite back header that was denied by the bar. Wasted Opportunities In the second period, Sweden were completely outplayed by a rampant Russia side, who could have handed Lars Lagerback's men en embarrassing defeat. Arshavin doubled Russia's advantage four minutes after restart when he rounded off a neatly-worked counter attack. The lively Yuri Zhirkov darted down the left flank to provide a low cross to the onrushing Arshavin, who slotted home past Isaksson. Russia should have won by a far bigger margin after they wasted a string of late chances. Sweden players left huge gaps at the back but Russia forwards couldn't capitalize on the numerous clear-cut chances they had.
