The Uefa Euro 2004 Final is etched in football history as one of the most astonishing upsets in major tournament finals. Against all expectations, Greece, a team priced as 80-1 outsiders before the tournament began, defeated the host nation Portugal 1-0. Angelos Charisteas’s header secured a victory that resonated far beyond the Athens stadium, sending shockwaves through the footballing world and crowning Greece as European champions.
For Portugal, hosting the final in Lisbon was meant to be their coronation. Instead, it became a night of bitter disappointment as they became the first host nation to lose a UEFA European Championship final. The golden generation of Portuguese football, featuring icons like Luís Figo and Rui Costa, faced an agonizing end to their international aspirations, despite a tournament where they had showcased moments of brilliance. Yet, their journey to the final was a testament to their talent and resilience.
Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal’s coach, opted for an unchanged lineup from their semi-final victory against the Netherlands. Pauleta was given the nod ahead of Nuno Gomes in attack, signaling Portugal’s intent to dominate upfront. Greece, under Otto Rehhagel, made a single crucial change, with Stelios Giannakopoulos stepping in for the suspended Georgios Karagounis in midfield. This tactical tweak proved vital in solidifying Greece’s midfield resilience.
Angelos Charisteas after scoring against Portugal
The match began as a captivating spectacle, with both teams displaying attacking intent. Portugal’s creative maestro, Deco, was immediately in the thick of action, linking up effectively with Pauleta and the young Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the Greek defense, marshalled by captain Theodoros Zagorakis and the rock-solid Traianos Dellas, who was the man of the match in the semi-final, stood firm, making crucial interceptions to thwart early Portuguese advances.
Greece, despite being underdogs, demonstrated moments of attacking flair. A fluid move down the right flank, involving Konstantinos Katsouranis and Zagorakis, showcased their capability to create openings. This attack was only stopped by a foul from Costinha on Giourkas Seitaridis, earning the Portuguese midfielder a yellow card, highlighting the pressure Greece was starting to exert.
Portugal responded with intensity, and Miguel, playing on his home ground, unleashed a powerful low drive that Greek goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis expertly tipped away in a display of athleticism. At the other end, a swift counter-attack saw Katsouranis play in Charisteas, forcing Ricardo to rush off his line and make a vital intervention, keeping the scores level.
As the first half progressed, Portugal began to assert dominance. Ronaldo’s mesmerizing footwork and Pauleta’s efforts kept the Greek defense on their toes. A fine tackle from Dellas denied Ronaldo a clear opportunity, while Maniche fired wide from a corner as the Portuguese crowd grew increasingly expectant.
However, the resilient Greek defense, led by Mihalis Kapsis, who played despite a knee injury concern, consistently disrupted Portugal’s rhythm. Crucially, the outnumbered Greek fans in the stadium generated an incredible atmosphere, creating a wall of sound that seemed to inspire their team and unsettle the Portuguese as the first half concluded goalless.
The second half commenced with Portugal pressing for the opener, but it was Greece who struck against the run of play. In the 57th minute, a corner earned from a Seitaridis surge down the right wing proved decisive. Angelos Basinas delivered a perfectly weighted ball into the box, and Angelos Charisteas rose powerfully above Costinha to head home from close range. The stadium erupted in stunned silence, save for the ecstatic cries from the small pocket of Greek supporters.
Portugal reacted immediately, substituting Costinha with Rui Costa in an attempt to inject more creativity and attacking impetus. Rui Costa almost made an instant impact, but his final pass went astray. As nerves frayed both on and off the pitch, Seitaridis received a caution, and Figo saw his shot comfortably saved by Nikopolidis.
Just past the hour mark, Ricardo Carvalho had to be alert to prevent Zisis Vryzas from doubling Greece’s lead, highlighting the persistent threat posed by the underdogs. The Portuguese fans rallied, urging their team forward, but the resolute Greek defense, which had been a hallmark of their Euro 2004 campaign, remained impenetrable. Rui Costa, Deco, and Figo probed relentlessly, but the Greek defensive wall held firm.
With 17 minutes remaining, Scolari introduced Nuno Gomes for Pauleta in a final roll of the dice. Ronaldo came close to connecting with a long pass from Rui Costa, but his off-balance shot sailed high and wide. Rui Costa himself went closer, but his deflected shot was parried away by the ever-reliable Nikopolidis. Figo also had a late attempt rebound away as time ticked down, and Greece resolutely defended their slender lead to the final whistle.
Reaction and Key Moments
Otto Rehhagel comes off the bench to celebrate
Otto Rehhagel, Greece coach, reflecting on the monumental achievement: “It was an unprecedented achievement for Greek football and for European football. My team played exceptional football. While Portugal might have been technically superior, we maximized our opportunities. We could have even extended our lead to 2-0. Today, the Greeks have etched their names in football history. It’s truly a sensation.”
Angelos Charisteas, Greece forward and hero of the final: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, something many of us may never experience again, and we wholeheartedly deserved this victory. Our journey to this point involved overcoming formidable teams, and today we faced a very strong Portugal side. Yet, we emerged victorious and lifted the trophy. This is undoubtedly the pinnacle of my career. After scoring, I felt an unwavering belief that we would not lose. I knew, somehow, we were destined to lift the cup today.”
Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal coach, expressing his disappointment: “We ask for forgiveness from all Portuguese fans because we couldn’t achieve the goal we all yearned for. It’s devastating to lose in this manner, especially after playing as we did, without scoring. Greece secured victory through their defensive prowess. They won because they executed their game plan flawlessly. Greece showcased superior quality in their areas of strength – aerial balls, set pieces, and disciplined positioning. In these aspects, they were the better team.”
The UEFA Euro 2004 final remains a powerful reminder that in football, and in sport, the underdog can triumph. Greece’s victory was not just a win; it was a testament to tactical discipline, unwavering team spirit, and the beautiful unpredictability of football.
Starting Lineups
Greece line up ahead of the EURO 2004 final
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)