Russia had levelled on three points with Sweden but sat behind on goal difference, meaning Guus Hiddink's side would be eliminated should the game at the Tivoli Neu Stadium end in anything but victory for them.

Fortunately for Hiddink, Zenit St. Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin was available for the first time in this 24-day tournament after serving a two-match ban and the Dutch man sent him to the pitch to sharpen the offensive edge.

Russia's players celebrate scoring during Euro 2008 Group D football match against Sweden at Tivoli Neu stadium in Innsbruck, Austria, June 18, 2008. Russia won 2-0. (Xinhua Photo)

Arshavin proved his offensiveness by repeatedly penetrating Sweden's defense line and created many opportunities.

In the 24th minute, Spartak Moscow playmaker Pavlyuchenko got a super pass from midfielder Aleksandr Anyukov in Sweden's area, and scored with ease, making Russia on the favorable place.

Their second goal came from a rapid counterattack.

Similar to the first score, midfielder Yuri Zhirkov delivered asuper pass from the left side of the area, gifting Arshavin of an easy shot.

Sweden's best moment emerged in the 43rd minute as Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic played a one-two with captain Ljungberg, but the low shot was denied by Russian goalkeeper Akinfeev.

Akinfeev made another brave save two minutes later by knocking out Mikael Nilsson's shot on the left of the area.

Russians found more opportunities later on as Konstantin Zyryanov's long-range shot hit the post and Pavlyuchenko missed the target while facing an empty net.

"This is a huge win for a side still under construction, with lots of young players and some experienced players," said Hiddink after the match.

"It gives me real pleasure to work with them, in the course of the past three weeks these youngsters have learnt a lot," the 61-year-old said.

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback admitted that Russia were the better team.

"Russia has a very good team, has played really good football," he said.

"After the first loss, we have tried to equalize, then we have the second. Today we were not good enough as a team," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2008)