On July 4th 2004, Greece’s National Football Team achieved perhaps the most astonishing victory, not only in the history of football, but in the history of sports in general. They beat the tournament’s hosts, Portugal, by 1-0 and won the European Cup. It was regarded by media and fans all around the globe as one of the biggest shockers ever, since Greece came out of nowhere and was the ultimate underdog to win the Cup.
Greece beat Portugal of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo twice, earned a draw against the favorites Spain, overpowered France of Tierry Henry and defeated the powerful team of Czech Republic.
Lots of credit was given to German-born coach Otto Rehhagel, who with limited resources at his disposal, created a formidable defensive outfit, capable of outwitting Europe’s finest.
Αngelos Charisteas scored in the 56th minute after heading in an Angelos Basinas corner kick. The final whistle took millions of Greeks all around the world to the streets, to celebrate their country’s biggest achievement in football!
In one sentence, Greece’s captain, Thodoris Zagorakis represented the feelings of the whole Greek nation when he said: “We have given the Greek people great pride that they will be able to carry for the rest of their lives…”
Giorgos Karagounis was booked and didn’t have the opportunity to play in the final. Greece’s starting line up was: Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, Fissas, Zagorakis, Katsouranis, Basinas, Giannakopoulos, (Venetidis 76), Vryzas (Papadopoulos 81), Charisteas.
Substitutes not used: Chalkias, Katergiannakis, Dabizas, Georgiadis, Goumas, Kafes, Lakis, Tsiartas.
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