In a stunning upset that reverberated across the football world, Greece defied all expectations to conquer Euro 2004, culminating in a historic 1-0 victory over hosts Portugal in the final. Entering the tournament as massive 80-1 outsiders, Otto Rehhagel’s team orchestrated what is arguably the greatest shock in the history of major international football tournaments. Angelos Charisteas’s decisive header sealed Portugal’s fate, leaving the heavily favored home nation stunned and empty-handed.
For Portugal, the defeat marked a bitter pill to swallow. They became the first host country to lose a European Championship final, prolonging their wait for a maiden senior international title. Legends like Luís Figo and Rui Costa experienced a heartbreaking conclusion to their illustrious national team careers, though their contributions to Portuguese football throughout the tournament remained undeniable.
EURO 2004, co-hosted by Portugal, was a tournament of surprises, but none compared to the Greek fairy tale. Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal’s coach, opted for an unchanged lineup from their semi-final victory against the Netherlands. Pauleta led the attack, preferred over the in-form Nuno Gomes. Greece, however, were forced into one alteration, with Stelios Giannakopoulos stepping in for the suspended Georgios Karagounis in midfield.
Angelos Charisteas celebrates his goal against Portugal in the Euro 2004 final
Angelos Charisteas exults after scoring the pivotal goal against Portugal, etching his name into Greek football folklore.
From the outset, the final in Lisbon was an engaging affair, with both teams displaying attacking intent. Portugal’s creative maestro, Deco, was quickly involved, linking up with Pauleta and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Greece’s resolute defense, marshalled by captain Theodoros Zagorakis and Traianos Dellas – the semi-final hero against the Czech Republic – intervened effectively in the early exchanges.
Greek goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis reacted swiftly to deny Pauleta from a long through ball, before Greece showcased their own attacking prowess. A fluid move down the right flank, involving Konstantinos Katsouranis and Zagorakis, was only brought to a halt by a Costinha foul on Giourkas Seitaridis, earning the Portuguese midfielder a yellow card.
Portugal responded forcefully. Miguel, playing on his home ground, unleashed a venomous low drive across the Greek goal, forcing a spectacular save from Nikopolidis to tip it away. Moments later, at the other end, Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo had to race out of his goal to thwart Charisteas, who had been skillfully played through by Katsouranis.
A speculative attempt from Pauleta was comfortably gathered by Nikopolidis, while only a crucial tackle from Dellas prevented the dazzling footwork of Ronaldo from creating danger. The hosts were gradually asserting control, and Maniche fired wide from a corner as the expectant crowd anticipated a repeat of his thunderous goal against the Netherlands.
Mihalis Kapsis, who was a doubt before the match due to a knee injury, disrupted another promising Portuguese attack orchestrated by Deco and Ronaldo on the edge of the Greek penalty area. At this juncture, the significantly outnumbered Greek supporters ignited, generating an overwhelming wall of sound behind the goal Portugal were attacking. This sonic barrier seemed to psychologically impact the hosts, hindering their attacking momentum for the remainder of the first half.
The second half commenced with Pauleta having a shot blocked in a promising position. Then, against the run of play, the unthinkable occurred: Greece seized the lead. A determined surge down the right wing by Seitaridis earned Greece a corner. Angelos Basinas delivered an inviting inswinging corner, and Charisteas rose imperiously above Costinha, heading powerfully home from close range. The stadium erupted in stunned silence, save for the ecstatic cries of the small contingent of Greek fans.
Immediately after conceding, Costinha was substituted for Rui Costa, and the veteran midfielder almost made an immediate impact, weaving his way into the Greek penalty area before his final pass went astray. Seitaridis then received a yellow card, and a Figo shot was directed straight at Nikopolidis, as tension escalated both on and off the pitch.
Ricardo Carvalho had to be alert to prevent Zisis Vryzas from doubling Greece’s advantage just past the hour mark. The home crowd desperately tried to galvanize their team. Greece retreated into a defensive posture, with Rui Costa, Deco, and Figo probing relentlessly for openings. However, the defensive discipline that had been the bedrock of Rehhagel’s tactical approach throughout Euro 2004 once again proved impenetrable. Portuguese attacks foundered against the organized Greek resistance time and again.
With 17 minutes remaining, Scolari replaced Pauleta with Nuno Gomes. Shortly after, Ronaldo nearly latched onto a long pass from Rui Costa, but his off-balance shot sailed high and wide. Rui Costa himself came closer, but his deflected shot was expertly palmed away by Nikopolidis. Figo also had a late effort deflected behind as Greece resolutely defended their slender lead, clinging on for a historic and improbable victory.
Reaction
Otto Rehhagel celebrating Greece's Euro 2004 victory
Otto Rehhagel, the German mastermind behind Greece’s Euro 2004 triumph, erupts in celebration, savoring the magnitude of his team’s achievement.
Otto Rehhagel, Greece coach: “It was an extraordinary achievement for Greek football and especially for European football. The team demonstrated exceptional football. While the opponent possessed superior technical skills, we capitalized on our opportunities. We might even have increased our lead to 2-0. The Greek team etched their names into football history today. It’s truly a sensation.”
Angelos Charisteas, Greece forward: “This is an unparalleled moment, one that many of us may never experience again, and I firmly believe we earned it. Our journey to this point involved overcoming formidable teams, and today we faced a very powerful Portugal side. Despite this, we emerged victorious and claimed the trophy. This is the pinnacle of my career. I had an unwavering belief that we would not relinquish the cup today. At that moment, I was uncertain how, but I knew we were destined to lift the trophy.”
Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal coach: “We extend our apologies to all Portuguese fans because we were unable to realize the objective we all shared. It’s particularly painful to lose in this manner, in a game played like this, without scoring. They secured victory through their defensive strategy. They were successful because they mastered that approach. The Greeks demonstrated superior quality in their areas of strength. They excelled in aerial duels, set-piece situations, and individual positioning. This is football.”
EURO 2004: Team of the Tournament
Line-ups
Greece starting XI before the Euro 2004 final
The Greece national team lines up before the Euro 2004 final against Portugal, moments before embarking on their historic victory.
Portugal: Ricardo; Nuno Valente, Ricardo Carvalho, Jorge Andrade, Miguel (Paulo Ferreira 43); Figo (c), Costinha (Rui Costa 60), Deco, Maniche, Ronaldo; Pauleta (Nuno Gomes 74)
Substitutes: Quim, José Moreira, Rui Jorge, Fernando Couto, Petit, Simão, Beto, Tiago, Hélder Postiga
Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Greece: Nikopolidis; Fyssas, Dellas, Kapsis, Seitaridis; Basinas, Katsouranis, Zagorakis (c); Giannakopoulos (Venetidis 76), Vryzas (Papadopoulos 81), Charisteas
Substitutes: Chalkias, Katergiannakis, Dabizas, Tsiartas, Kafes, Georgiadis, Goumas, Lakis
Coach: Otto Rehhagel
Referee: Markus Merk (Germany)
Man of the Match: Theodoros Zagorakis (Greece)
