EURO 2008 INFO

Russia’s football team hit the ground with a bang on Wednesday, as Romania thrashed them 3-0 in a friendly in Bucharest. Coach Guus Hiddink chose a new look squad for the game, but the margin of defeat will have the Dutchman worried leading into Euro-2008.

The hosts took the lead right on the stroke of half-time. Chiprian Marica found himself surrounded by Russian players, but the Stuttgart striker fired home with aplomb.

And the visitor’s woes were doubled on the hour mark. The Russian defence allowing Florentine Petra's initial miss-kick to fall to Daniel Niculae, who made no mistake.

And the score line got worse for Russian eyes with 15 minutes left to go.

The CSKA Moscow trio of Berezutsky brothers and Ignashevich having an uncharacteristic off day at the back. Marius Niculae this time finding himself all alone and scores the third.

A night to forget all round for Russia, but with five first team players out of the starting eleven, the hope is things can’t get any worse.

Russia’s Euro-2008 rivals all in action

Reigning European champions Greece are one of them. They were taking part in a repeat of the Euro-2004 final against Portugal tonight. The Greeks won out 1-0 in the decider four years ago. And this time around the result was the same, but the score different. 2-1 for Greece.

Sweden will also be in Group D this summer. They were involved in a nostalgic encounter with Brazil. The team, who beat them 50 years ago in World Cup final in Stockholm, have done it again. 1-0 the score on the night.

Spain will be favourites to top Russia's group in June. They were involved in a tough encounter against World Cup Champions, Italy and managed to grab a 1-0 win.