The Euro 2004 Final in Lisbon was more than just a game; it was a seismic event that rewrote footballing history. On July 4th, 2004, at the Estádio da Luz, host nation Portugal, brimming with stars and home advantage, faced rank outsiders Greece in a rematch of the tournament’s opening game. The football world expected a coronation for Portugal, a team spearheaded by the likes of Luís Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Deco. Instead, they witnessed a footballing miracle as Greece, with odds stacked against them, defied all expectations to claim the European Championship title. This euro 2004 final is remembered not for beautiful football, but for unwavering tactical discipline and the sheer audacity of an underdog dream realized.
The Road to the Final: David vs. Goliath
Portugal’s journey to the final was one of overcoming early stumbles and gradually asserting dominance. Despite the shock opening defeat to Greece, they recovered strongly, navigating a group that included Spain and Russia. Victories over England in a thrilling quarter-final penalty shootout and the Netherlands in the semi-final cemented their status as favorites. Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team was packed with attacking talent and playing on home soil, the stage seemed perfectly set for them to lift their first major international trophy.
Greece, on the other hand, embarked on a fairytale journey that captivated and bewildered in equal measure. Under the pragmatic guidance of coach Otto Rehhagel, they adopted a defensive, counter-attacking style that was brutally effective, if not aesthetically pleasing. Their opening win against Portugal was just the beginning. They topped a group containing Spain, Russia, and Portugal, then proceeded to eliminate tournament heavyweights France, the reigning European champions, and the Czech Republic, arguably the most exciting attacking team in the competition, both with 1-0 victories. Each win defied logic and pre-tournament predictions, making their presence in the euro 2004 final an astonishing achievement in itself.
Image alt text: Otto Rehhagel, the mastermind coach behind Greece’s Euro 2004 victory, celebrating during the final match.
Match Highlights: A Tactical Fortress
From the outset of the euro 2004 final, it was clear that Greece would employ the same tactics that had served them so well throughout the tournament. They sat deep, defended in numbers, and looked to frustrate Portugal’s creative players. Portugal, as expected, dominated possession, but found it incredibly difficult to break down the resolute Greek defense.
First Half: Portugal’s Frustration
The first half saw Portugal control the ball, with flashes of brilliance from Cristiano Ronaldo and Luís Figo, but Greece remained compact and disciplined. Portugal’s Pauleta was often isolated upfront, while Deco tried to orchestrate attacks from midfield. Greece’s Stelios Giannakopoulos and Zisis Vryzas worked tirelessly, but their attacking threat was minimal. The most notable moment for Portugal came from Miguel’s long-range drive, brilliantly saved by Greek goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis. Despite the home side’s pressure, the first half ended goalless, a testament to Greece’s defensive organization and Portugal’s growing frustration.
Second Half: The Greek Goal and Portuguese Pressure
The second half began in a similar vein, with Portugal pressing and Greece defending. However, in the 57th minute, against the run of play, Greece struck a decisive blow. From their first corner of the match, Angelos Basinas delivered a precise ball into the box, and Angelos Haristeas rose above the Portuguese defenders to head powerfully past Ricardo. The stadium erupted in stunned silence, broken only by the ecstatic cheers of the small contingent of Greek fans.
Image alt text: Angelos Haristeas scoring the winning header for Greece in the Euro 2004 final, a moment that stunned Portugal and the football world.
Conceding the goal forced Portugal to become even more attacking. Luiz Felipe Scolari brought on Rui Costa and Nuno Gomes, throwing caution to the wind. Portugal laid siege to the Greek goal, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Figo, and Maniche trying to find a breakthrough. However, Nikopolidis in the Greek goal proved to be an impenetrable wall, and the Greek defense, marshalled by Traianos Dellas and Michalis Kapsis, remained steadfast.
Key Moments and Near Misses
As the clock ticked down, Portugal became increasingly desperate. Cristiano Ronaldo had a golden opportunity to equalize when put through on goal, but his touch let him down, and he shot over the bar. Figo and Maniche tried their luck from distance, but Nikopolidis was equal to everything. Even in the dying minutes, Portugal piled on the pressure, but Greece held firm, their defensive line unbreakable. The final whistle blew, confirming one of the biggest upsets in football history.
The Tactical Masterclass of Greece: Defensive Brilliance
Otto Rehhagel’s Greece did not win the euro 2004 final through expansive, attacking football. Their victory was built on a foundation of exceptional defensive organization and tactical discipline. Rehhagel implemented a system of tight man-marking, relentless pressing in midfield, and a deep defensive line that suffocated opponents. Their game plan was to nullify the opposition’s strengths, remain compact, and capitalize on set-pieces or counter-attacking opportunities.
In the final, Greece executed this plan to perfection. They restricted Portugal’s space, closed down attacking players quickly, and denied them clear-cut chances. Nikopolidis was outstanding in goal, and the defensive quartet of Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, and Fyssas were immense. While their style was often criticized for being negative, its effectiveness was undeniable. Greece’s triumph was a victory for pragmatism and tactical nous over attacking flair.
Image alt text: The victorious Greek national team celebrating their unprecedented Euro 2004 championship title, a historic moment for Greek football.
Portugal’s Disappointment: Home Soil Heartbreak
For Portugal, the euro 2004 final was a devastating experience. Playing at home, with a golden generation of players, they were expected to win. The pressure of expectation weighed heavily on them, and they struggled to unlock the Greek defense. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, they lacked the cutting edge and creativity to break down Greece’s stubborn resistance.
The defeat was particularly painful for Luís Figo, who was playing in his final major international tournament, and a young Cristiano Ronaldo, who was reduced to tears at the final whistle. The euro 2004 final became a symbol of Portuguese heartbreak, a reminder that even with talent and home advantage, victory is never guaranteed in football.
The Legacy of the Euro 2004 Final: An Underdog Story for the Ages
The euro 2004 final and Greece’s improbable triumph have left a lasting legacy in football. It is remembered as one of the greatest underdog stories in the history of the sport. Greece’s victory defied all pre-tournament predictions and showcased the power of tactical organization, teamwork, and belief. It proved that in football, anything is possible, and that even the most unfancied teams can achieve extraordinary success.
The euro 2004 final remains a source of inspiration for underdog teams worldwide. It is a testament to the fact that passion, discipline, and a well-executed game plan can overcome superior individual talent and resources. For Greece, it was a moment of national glory, a sporting miracle that will forever be etched in the annals of football history.
The Teams
Portugal (4-5-1): 1-Ricardo; 13-Miguel (2-Paulo Ferreira 43′), 16-Ricardo Carvalho, 4-Jorge Andrade, 14-Nuno Valente; 6-Costinha (10-Rui Costa 60′), 18-Maniche, 20-Deco, 7-Luis Figo, 17-Cristiano Ronaldo; 9-Pauleta (21-Nuno Gomes 74′). Subs: Moreira, Quim, Couto, Beto, Nuno Gomes, Paulo Ferreira, Petit, Postiga, Rui Costa, Rui Jorge, Simao, Tiago.
Greece (4-4-2): 1-Antonis Nikopolidis; 2-Yourkas Seitaridis, 19-Michalis Kapsis, 5-Traianos Dellas 14-Takis Fyssas; 8-Stelios Giannakopoulos (3-Stylianos Venetidis 76′), 7-Theodoros Zagorakis, 6-Angelos Basinas, 21-Costas Katsouranis; 15-Zisis Vryzas (11-Demis Nikolaidis 81′), 9-Angelos Haristeas.Subs: Chalkias, Katergiannakis, Dabizas, Georgiadis, Goumas, Kafes, Lakis, Papadopoulos, Tsiartas, Venetidis.
Referee: Markus Merk (Germany)
