Portugal delivers shutout to Russia

LISBON, Portugal — Portugal knocked a short-handed Russia squad out of contention with a 2-0 victory on Wednesday at the European Championship.

Greece and Spain tied 1-1 in the day's other game.

Nuno Maniche scored for Portugal in the seventh minute to the delight of green-and-red clad fans at Benfica's Stadium of Light. Maniche took a centering pass from Deco, shook off Russian Vadim Evseev, and fired a shot into the corner from 12 yards to the left of Russian goalkeeper Sergey Ovchinnikov.

Ovchinnikov was ejected in the 45th minute for handling the ball outside the 18-yard line. The mistake looked unintentional with his hand barely brushing the ball, but referee Terje Hauge wasted no time ejecting him, forcing Russia to play a man down the rest of the way.

Substitute Rui Costa scored in the 89th minute to seal the victory.

Earlier in Porto, Greece tied Spain 1-1 to stay in contention for a quarterfinal berth.

Angelos Charisteas shot under Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas for the tying goal in the 66th minute.

The Spaniards took the lead in the 28th minute when Greek defender Mihalis Kapsis lost possession inside his own area on the left. Raul Gonzalez pounced on the ball and deftly passed it to Fernando Morientes, who maneuvered his way wide of two defenders and fired a low shot into the far corner for a 1-0 advantage.

Spain and Greece lead Group A with four points each, followed by Portugal with three. Russia has none, making it the first team to drop from contention.

Portugal faces Spain on Saturday in the final group match, and Greece faces Russia.