National Post Sports

Greece surged into the Euro 2012 quarter-finals, defeating 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.

The Greeks, the 2004 European champions, then did what they do best: defend.

“The moments are pure magic for all of us. This is a great night for all Greeks,” Karagounis said. “I cannot describe how I feel. It’s so great.”
Photos: Pawel Ulatowski/Reuters, Pascal Rossignol/Reuters, Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images, Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images