IN FINE FETA ... Giorgos Karagounis celebrates his winner

GIORGOS KARAGOUNIS blasted Greece through and said: “Beating Russia is as good as winning Euro 2004.”

The poverty-stricken minnows sensationally KO’d Russia to move into the quarter-finals.

Greece’s miracle to progress from bottom of Group A came as Czech Republic beat Poland to join them in the last eight.

Karagounis said: “This Herculean feat is as important as winning in 2004 in Portugal.”

But the skipper’s joy was soured by Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson who booked him for diving instead of giving Greece a stonewall penalty.

It means Karagounis will be banned for a possible quarter-final against Germany.

He added: “Our team could have had seven points. With two correct goals disallowed.

“Many decisions went against us in all three matches. That is why we deserve congratulations.

“It was a penalty and instead of that I got a yellow card and I will now miss the next game.

“It’s a shame and unfair for me but also for the team.

“The value of our success is huge given the difficulties we faced, which have nothing to do with the game.”

Karagounis scored on 45 minutes on a night he caught Euro 2004-winning captain Theo Zagorakis on 120 caps.

He could have become Greece’s most-capped player in the quarter-final.

Karagounis dedicated this win to the Greek people, suffering from a financial crisis.

He added: “When we left Greece we all said as one we would give everything for our compatriots who are not going through the best of times.

“This night will give them a huge smile. We are so happy to have achieved that for us, Greek football and every Greek on the planet.”