Moscow, June 16 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The woman speaker of Russia's upper house of parliament has hit out at the country's football team for failing to sing the national anthem at the Euro 2012.

While some other teams such as Italy belt out their anthem before each match, Russia's players have remained withdrawn at Euro 2012, with many remaining silent.

"They should know the words to the Russian anthem and sing it regardless of their ability," said Valentina Matvienko, speaker of the upper house.

Other teams' singing puts Russia to shame, she said.

"I would really like to see our players sing the same way," the speaker said.

The Russian anthem uses the same tune as the anthem of the Soviet Union but with different words and is played before every Russian Premier League game.

A draw against Greece in the final group stage game Saturday will be enough for Russia to reach the quarterfinals of Euro 2012, after a 4-1 thrashing of the Czech Republic and a 1-1 draw with Greece.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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