The UEFA Euro 2004 tournament is etched in football history, not just for the beautiful game, but for one of the most astonishing upsets ever witnessed in a major international competition. Against all expectations, Greece, a team given an 80-1 chance before the tournament began, orchestrated a fairy tale campaign, culminating in a 1-0 victory over host nation Portugal in the final. Angelos Charisteas’s decisive goal not only secured Greece’s first major international trophy but also delivered a seismic shock to the footballing world.
For Portugal, hosting the final in Lisbon was meant to be their coronation on the European stage. Instead, they suffered the bitter disappointment of becoming the first host nation to lose a European Championship final. The defeat was particularly poignant for Portugal’s golden generation, including icons like Luís Figo and Rui Costa, who saw their dreams of a major international title slip away in what would be their final act on the grand stage. Despite the heartbreaking end, their journey through Euro 2004 was a testament to their talent and dedication.
Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal’s coach, opted for an unchanged lineup from their semi-final triumph against the Netherlands. This meant Pauleta continued to lead the attack, edging out the in-form Nuno Gomes. Greece, under the guidance of Otto Rehhagel, made a single enforced change, with Stelios Giannakopoulos stepping in for the suspended Georgios Karagounis in midfield.
Angelos Charisteas celebrating his goal against Portugal in the Euro 2004 final
The final at Estádio da Luz commenced at a lively pace, with both teams displaying attacking intent. Portugal’s creative maestro, Deco, was quickly involved, linking up with Pauleta and Cristiano Ronaldo in promising early moves. However, the solid Greek defense, marshaled by captain Theodoros Zagorakis and the rock-solid Traianos Dellas, who was fresh off a man-of-the-match performance against the Czech Republic, effectively thwarted these threats.
Greece showcased their own offensive capabilities with a fluid move down the right flank. Konstantinos Katsouranis and Zagorakis combined effectively, drawing a foul from Costinha on Giourkas Seitaridis. This earned the Portuguese midfielder a yellow card, signaling the intense and physical nature of the contest. Portugal responded swiftly, with Miguel unleashing a powerful low drive that forced a brilliant save from Greek goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis, tipping the ball away from danger. At the other end, a swift counter-attack saw Katsouranis play in Charisteas, forcing Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo to rush out and make a crucial intervention.
As the first half progressed, Portugal began to exert more control. Pauleta tested Nikopolidis with a speculative effort, while Dellas made a timely tackle to deny the increasingly influential Cristiano Ronaldo. Maniche fired a shot wide from a corner, the crowd anticipating a repeat of his spectacular goal against the Netherlands. Mihalis Kapsis, battling a knee injury, intervened to disrupt another Portuguese attack orchestrated by Deco and Ronaldo on the edge of the Greek penalty area. Remarkably, the outnumbered Greek fans in the stadium created an incredible atmosphere, their vocal support acting as an “invisible barrier” that seemed to frustrate the Portuguese attack as the first half concluded goalless.
The second half began with Pauleta having a shot blocked, a missed opportunity that would soon be compounded. Against the run of play, Greece seized the lead in the 57th minute. A determined run down the right wing by Seitaridis earned Greece a corner. Angelos Basinas delivered an inch-perfect cross, and Angelos Charisteas rose powerfully above Costinha, heading the ball home from close range. The stadium erupted in disbelief as Greece, the underdogs, took a 1-0 lead in the Euro 2004 final.
In response to going behind, Portugal coach Scolari immediately replaced Costinha with Rui Costa, injecting more attacking impetus into his midfield. Rui Costa almost made an instant impact, skillfully maneuvering into the Greek area but his final pass went astray. Seitaridis received a yellow card, adding to the tension, and Luís Figo fired a shot straight at Nikopolidis, reflecting Portugal’s growing desperation.
Ricardo Carvalho had to be alert to prevent Zisis Vryzas from doubling Greece’s advantage just past the hour mark, a moment that further fueled the home crowd’s anxiety. Portugal then launched wave after wave of attacks, with Rui Costa, Deco, and Figo probing for openings in the resolute Greek defense. However, the defensive discipline that had been the hallmark of Otto Rehhagel’s Greece throughout Euro 2004 stood firm. Portuguese attacks broke down repeatedly against the organized and determined Greek backline.
With 17 minutes remaining, Scolari made another attacking change, bringing on Nuno Gomes for Pauleta. Shortly after, Cristiano Ronaldo almost connected with a long pass from Rui Costa, but off-balance, his shot sailed high and wide. Rui Costa himself came close, his deflected shot forcing a save from Nikopolidis. Figo also saw an effort deflected behind as Greece tenaciously clung to their slender lead. In the end, Greece held on, completing one of the most sensational victories in European Championship history.
Post-Match Reactions
Greece coach Otto Rehhagel celebrating the Euro 2004 victory
Otto Rehhagel, Greece Coach: “This was an extraordinary achievement for Greek football, and indeed for European football. My team played magnificent football. While Portugal may have been technically superior, we maximized our opportunities. We could have even made it 2-0. Today, the Greeks have written football history. It’s an incredible sensation.”
Angelos Charisteas, Greece Forward: “This is an unparalleled moment, one that many of us may never experience again, and I truly believe we earned it. We reached this stage by overcoming formidable teams, and today we faced a very strong Portugal side. Yet, we still managed to win the trophy. This is undoubtedly the pinnacle of my career. Once we were in the final, I had an unwavering belief that we would lift the cup. I didn’t know how, but I knew it was our destiny.”
Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal Coach: “We ask for forgiveness from all Portuguese fans because we could not achieve the goal we all so desperately desired. It is incredibly difficult to lose in this manner, especially after playing as we did, without scoring. Greece won through their defensive strength. They were successful because they knew how to execute their game plan effectively. The Greeks demonstrated superior quality in their areas of strength – aerial balls, set pieces, and tactical positioning. In these aspects, they were the better team.”
UEFA Euro 2004 Team of the Tournament
Starting Lineups
Greece team lineup before the Euro 2004 final match
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)
UEFA Man of the Match: Theodoros Zagorakis (Greece)
