The Greek National Team at the 2004 European Championship
Overview
The Greek national football team made history at the 2004 European Championship, capturing the trophy in a stunning upset against all odds. Despite being considered one of the underdogs of the tournament, the Greeks showcased remarkable resilience, determination, and tactical prowess throughout their campaign.
Key Players
The team was led by captain and defender Theodoros Zagorakis, who played a pivotal role in organizing the backline and inspiring his teammates. Striker Angelos Charisteas emerged as a tournament hero, scoring key goals in the semi-final and final. Goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis was a rock between the posts, making several game-saving stops at crucial moments.
Tournament Performance
Greece began their EURO 2004 journey in Group A, facing hosts Portugal, Spain, and Russia. They shocked the world by defeating Portugal 2-1 in their opening game, and then held Spain to a goalless draw. Their only loss in the group stage came against Russia (2-1), but they still advanced to the knockout round.
In the quarter-finals, Greece faced France, one of the tournament favorites. In a thrilling contest, the Greeks stunned the French by winning 1-0, thanks to a goal from Charisteas. In the semi-final, they faced the Czech Republic and once again prevailed 1-0, with Traianos Dellas scoring the decisive goal.
The final match against Portugal was a tense and emotional affair. Greece, with their backs against the wall, defended valiantly and ultimately secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of Charisteas's header in the 57th minute. The win sparked wild celebrations across Greece, as the team became the first underdog to win the European Championship since Denmark in 1992.
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