In the summer of 2004, against all odds, a footballing miracle unfolded in Portugal. Greece, a team with modest achievements, etched their name into the annals of European football history by winning the UEFA European Championship. Let’s recap on the remarkable journey of Greece’s national team and their unforgettable triumph in Euro 2004.
Underestimation
Greece entered the tournament as the dark horses, with expectations low and many believing their participation was simply to make up numbers. Coached by the German tactician Otto Rehhagel, the team had a solid defensive foundation but lacked the star-studded roster that other nations like France and Germany possessed.
Group Stages
Greece’s journey began in Group A, alongside host nation Portugal, as well as Spain and Russia. The opening match against Portugal set the tone for the tournament. Angelos Basinas converted a second half penalty, securing a shock 2-1 victory. The win against Portugal was followed by a hard-fought draw against Spain and a 2-1 defeat against Russia, meaning Greece snuck through to the knockout stage ahead of Spain.
Knockout Stages
In the quarterfinals, Greece faced defending champions and tournament favourites France. Angelos Charisteas, the tournament’s unlikely hero, rose to the occasion, scoring the only goal of the match. The victory over France sent shockwaves through the footballing world and secured Greece’s place in the semifinals.
In the semifinals, they faced the Czech Republic, a team that had impressed throughout the tournament. The match ended 1-1 in regular time, with Traianos Dellas scoring a dramatic silver goal in extra time, sending Greece to the final.
The Final
Greece’s opponents in the final were Portugal, the team they had defeated in the tournament opener. The Portuguese side, led by the charismatic Luis Figo, was eager for redemption. Against all expectations, Angelos Charisteas rose above the Portuguese defence to head in the winning goal in the 57th minute. The underdogs held on to secure a 1-0 victory, completing an astonishing journey from obscurity to European champions.
Legacy and Impact
Greece’s triumph in Euro 2004 remains one of the most remarkable stories in football history. The victory highlighted the potency of teamwork, tactical discipline, and a resilient spirit. Otto Rehhagel’s strategic brilliance, combined with the dedication of the players, demonstrated that success in football is not solely determined by a team’s reputation or star power.
The Miracle of Lisbon will forever stand as a testament to the magic and unpredictability that makes football the beautiful game we all cherish.
