RUSSIA 2-1 GREECE Match report Match photos Group A table

Greece captain Theo Zagorakis said he was overcome after his side reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 - their best result in a major championship.

"It took us some seconds to understand what happened out there," said Zagorakis. "We are delighted to have fulfilled all our promises."

"We have made Greece not just the talk of Europe but also of the world.

Coach Otto Rehhagel agreed: "This tournament is already a big success for us so now we will just enjoy it."

Greece lost 2-1 to Russia in their final Group A match but progressed on goal difference.

Rehhagel's side started sluggishly and were made to pay when Russia struck twice in the first half.

I am proud of my players and hope that we proved we are a good team Russia coach Georgy Yartsev More Russia reaction

Zagorakis admitted that his side showed their nerves but was relieved that they held on to qualify.

"Obviously we made the worst possible start," said Zagorakis.

"I don't understand what happened to us in the begining of the game but it's the result which counts."

Rehhagel was also proud of his team who will face the winner of Group B - which contains France, England, Switzerland and Croatia - in the last eight.

"This is wonderful," he said.

"The most important thing was that we fought to the very end and that is what my players did.

"Everything that comes after this will be easier for us.

"I don't mind who our next opponents are as we have nothing to lose now.