Rehhagel puts exit in perspective

Russia ended the hopes of the holders making history and defending the title for the first time in the history of the tournament, with Konstantin Zyryanov grabbing the winner in a 1-0 win at Salzburg's Stadion Wals-Siezenheim.

"I think the Acropolis has been around for several thousand years, and we won't be around for that long - that keeps it in perspective," the German said.

After getting knocked out at the earliest opportunity and with a negative style that has yet to produce a goal, questions will now be asked of Rehhagel.

"I know the games and I'm not going to play them with you. I know the question before you ask it," he added. "I've said this before, Greece is a country where democracy was born so you can say what you want. Germany is also democracy which is why I'm free to say whatever I want.

"We just finished this match, we have a match against Spain and everything else we will deal with later."

Russia coach Guus Hiddink was delighted with what he saw as a mature performance from his team.

"Everyone saw that this team is capable of playing good football, but not smelling where the danger is," said the Dutchman.

"I'm very proud how they reacted when in the last few days we had good sessions but also tense sessions where I wanted to see how they reacted. I'm happy with the reaction because the results are good football with everyone doing their job defensively."

Russia now play Sweden in a match they have to win to reach the quarter-finals.