The Uefa Euro 2004 tournament remains etched in football history, not just for its shocking underdog victory, but also for the constellation of stars who illuminated the pitches of Portugal. While Greece defied all expectations to lift the trophy, the tournament showcased a blend of emerging talents and established maestros who left an indelible mark on UEFA Euro 2004. Let’s revisit some of the exceptional players who stood out during this memorable championship.
The Last Line of Defense: Goalkeeper
Petr Čech (Czech Republic): Before becoming a household name at Chelsea, Petr Čech announced himself to the world at UEFA Euro 2004. Just 22 years old and freshly signed by Chelsea from Rennes, Čech was a colossus in goal for the Czech Republic. His commanding presence and exceptional shot-stopping abilities were crucial to his team’s impressive run to the semi-finals. This tournament served as a launchpad for Čech’s illustrious career, which included multiple Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, and becoming an Arsenal stalwart before retirement. His performances at UEFA Euro 2004 were a clear indication of the goalkeeping legend he was destined to become.
The Unbreakable Wall: Defenders
Traianos Dellas lifting the Euro 2004 trophy for Greece
Traianos Dellas (Greece): The Colossus of Defense at UEFA Euro 2004. Icon Sport via Getty Images
Traianos Dellas (Greece): Prior to UEFA Euro 2004, Traianos Dellas was a relatively unknown quantity on the international stage. However, under Otto Rehhagel’s tactical masterclass, Dellas transformed into an impenetrable force in the heart of the Greek defense. His towering presence and exceptional aerial ability were instrumental in Greece’s astonishingly stingy defense, which conceded a mere four goals throughout the entire tournament. Dellas’s most iconic moment came in the semi-final against the Czech Republic where he scored the silver goal – his only international goal in 53 appearances – sending Greece to the final. His performances at UEFA Euro 2004 cemented his place in Greek football folklore.
Ricardo Carvalho (Portugal): UEFA Euro 2004 marked Ricardo Carvalho’s emergence as a key figure in Portugal’s national team. Drafted into the starting XI after the opening group game, Carvalho’s composure and defensive prowess provided the Portuguese defense with much-needed stability. Fresh off a UEFA Champions League title with Porto under José Mourinho, Carvalho carried his club form onto the international stage. His partnership with Jorge Andrade was a cornerstone of Portugal’s journey to the final. Following UEFA Euro 2004, Carvalho joined Mourinho at Chelsea, enjoying a trophy-laden career that included Premier League and La Liga titles, further solidifying his reputation as a world-class defender.
Giourkas Seitaridis in action for Greece during UEFA Euro 2004
Giourkas Seitaridis: A Defensive Rock for Greece at UEFA Euro 2004. ©Getty Images
Giourkas Seitaridis (Greece): Giourkas Seitaridis was a vital component of Greece’s resilient defensive setup at UEFA Euro 2004. Operating from right-back, Seitaridis showcased both defensive solidity and attacking impetus. His crucial run in the opening match against Portugal earned Greece the penalty that led to their historic victory. Throughout the tournament, he effectively neutralized some of Europe’s finest attackers, including Thierry Henry and Milan Baroš. Seitaridis’s UEFA Euro 2004 triumph capped off a remarkable season, having already secured a domestic double with Panathinaikos.
Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy): Despite Italy’s disappointing group stage exit at UEFA Euro 2004, Gianluca Zambrotta was a shining light for the Azzurri. The versatile full-back was consistently impressive, particularly in the 1-1 draw against Sweden where his dynamic play stood out. While UEFA Euro 2004 ended prematurely for Italy, Zambrotta’s performances foreshadowed his crucial role in Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup victory. His club career also flourished with Juventus, Barcelona and Milan, adding multiple Scudetto titles to his impressive resume.
The Engine Room: Midfielders
Maniche (Portugal): Coming into UEFA Euro 2004 on the heels of a UEFA Champions League victory with Porto, Maniche was arguably the standout midfielder of the tournament. His powerful box-to-box performances were central to Portugal’s attacking and defensive transitions. Maniche scored crucial goals throughout UEFA Euro 2004, including a vital strike against Russia in the group stage, a pressure penalty against England in the quarter-finals, and a stunning winner against the Netherlands in the semi-final. His energy, creativity, and goal-scoring ability made him a force to be reckoned with during UEFA Euro 2004.
Pavel Nedvěd (Czech Republic): As the reigning European Footballer of the Year entering UEFA Euro 2004, Pavel Nedvěd lived up to his billing with vintage performances. The Czech Republic captain was the creative heartbeat of his team, driving them forward with his dribbling, passing, and powerful shots. Despite an unfortunate injury in the semi-final against Greece that forced him off, Nedvěd’s impact on UEFA Euro 2004 was undeniable. His career, marked by success with Lazio and Juventus, and his return for the 2006 World Cup, further cement his legacy as a Czech football icon.
Theodoros Zagorakis lifting the Player of the Tournament award at UEFA Euro 2004
Theodoros Zagorakis: UEFA Euro 2004 Player of the Tournament and Greek Captain. ©Getty Images
Theodoros Zagorakis (Greece): Theodoros Zagorakis not only captained Greece to their improbable UEFA Euro 2004 triumph but was also named the Player of the Tournament. While not known for his goal-scoring prowess – his first international goal came much later in his career – Zagorakis was the embodiment of Greece’s disciplined and hardworking approach. His tireless midfield performances, tactical intelligence, and leadership were crucial to Greece’s success. Zagorakis’s journey to lifting the UEFA Euro 2004 trophy was an inspiration, proving that determination and teamwork can overcome individual star power.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): UEFA Euro 2004 served as the breakthrough tournament for a young Cristiano Ronaldo. At just 19 years old, Ronaldo showcased glimpses of the extraordinary talent that would define his legendary career. He scored his first international goal in the tournament and played a pivotal role in Portugal’s journey to the final. Even at this early stage, Ronaldo’s dribbling skills, pace, and goal threat were evident. UEFA Euro 2004 was the platform that launched Ronaldo onto the global stage, setting the foundation for his future Ballon d’Or wins, Champions League titles, and international success with Portugal.
The Cutting Edge: Forwards
Milan Baroš celebrating a goal at UEFA Euro 2004
Milan Baroš: Top Scorer at UEFA Euro 2004. ©Getty Images
Milan Baroš (Czech Republic): Milan Baroš emerged as the top scorer of UEFA Euro 2004, netting five goals in total. His clinical finishing and predatory instincts in the box were instrumental in the Czech Republic’s attacking prowess throughout the tournament. Baroš found the net in every game except the semi-final against Greece, highlighting his consistent threat. His UEFA Euro 2004 performances contributed to his move to Liverpool and subsequent Champions League victory in 2005, cementing his status as a prolific striker.
Wayne Rooney (England): Wayne Rooney exploded onto the scene at UEFA Euro 2004, captivating audiences with his fearless and dynamic attacking play. At just 18 years old, Rooney delivered man-of-the-match performances against France, Switzerland, and Croatia, scoring four goals and terrorizing defenses. Unfortunately, his tournament was cut short by a broken foot in the quarter-final against Portugal, a moment that many believe derailed England’s chances. Despite the premature end, Rooney’s impact at UEFA Euro 2004 was undeniable, announcing his arrival as a global superstar and foreshadowing his record-breaking career for both England and Manchester United.
UEFA Euro 2004 was a tournament filled with unforgettable moments and remarkable individual performances. These players, among others, contributed to the drama and excitement of a championship that will long be remembered for its surprises and the emergence of new footballing icons.
