Bastian Schweinsteiger said he was pleased to make up for his group stage sending off by inspiring Germany to a 3-2 win over Portugal in their Euro 2008 quarter-final.
Russia produced their best performance of Euro 2008 just when it was most needed on Wednesday, beating Sweden 2-0 to snatch second place in Group D and earn a quarter-final meeting with Netherlands.
Forget the defeat by Netherlands and the draw with Romania because Italy's 2-0 win over France on Tuesday showed the world champion is finally on the move.
World champions Italy fought their way back from the Euro 2008 exit door by beating 10-man France 2-0 on Tuesday to line up a quarter-final with Spain.
Switzerland departed Euro 2008 with heads held high after beating a second-string Portugal side 2-0 on Sunday.
France have a tiny chance to qualify for the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 but must make the most of it, coach Raymond Domenech said on Monday.
Turkey staged one of the greatest comebacks in a major tournament, scoring three times in the last 15 minutes to beat Czech Republic 3-2 on Sunday to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.
Croatia underlined their growing reputation as Euro 2008's most dangerous dark horses by stunning tournament favourites Germany 2-1 and earning a quarter-final berth in a day of enthralling Group B action on Thursday.
A superb hat-trick from Spain's David Villa and goals of beauty from Portugal, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden have put an extra sheen on a bright opening round of matches at Euro 2008.
Portugal became the first team into the Euro 2008 quarter-finals while co-hosts Switzerland went out in heart-breaking circumstances after two action-packed Group A matches on Wednesday.
Spain striker David Villa suggested that his country could put a 44-year record of under-achievement on the big soccer stage finally behind them when he lit up day four of Euro 2008 on Tuesday.
World champions Italy suffered a comprehensive 3-0 loss to the Netherlands while World Cup runners-up France were forced to a goalless draw in the opening of the Group of Death at Euro 2008.