Greece gave the surprise in the Eurocopa 2004. PHOTO: ABC
Greece surprised the football world. In the Euro 2004 one of the biggest surprises on the world football scene happened. Few people would have bet that a selection like Greece managed to win the tournament of the old continent, but that block of Hellenic players exceeded all expectations until they lifted the title. On his way he left behind powers like Spain, France and Portugal, who was the hostess and had in her ranks a young man Cristiano Ronaldo.
Greece drew with Spain on the pitch and in the group
At first, he painted complicated on the way for the Greeks. In group A they were framed with the Iberian duo that was the great favorite to pass the phase. But the Hellenic set surprised from the start, winning 1 a 2 in the first match against Portugal. The goal Karagounis in the minute 7 gave hints of what was going to happen. Then, Thanks to Basinas' penalty goal, Ronaldo's final goal was not served in added time.
On the second day, Spain played, which struck through Morientes first but Charisteas got the call. After this tie came defeat by 2 a 1 against russia. This group was exciting for calculator lovers. Russia finished last with only three points (by the way, would be the only team capable of beating the champion), Portugal overcame the initial stumble and led the group with six points (on the way he beat Spain with a goal from Nuno Gomes). Spain and Greece tied with four points and with the same goal difference; yes the Hellenes marked 4 goals for please 2 from Spain.
Greece step to the knockout phase of the Euro 2004 as second classified and then the change was made. The group closed, they relied on a strong defense and that gave them the championship. If in the group stage they fit 4 goals, they would no longer see their goal pierced.
In the quarterfinals they beat France, the current champion and who kept a large part of the block that also added the world 98, by 1 a 0 with a goal from Charisteas, who became a national hero during that tournament. And in the semi-finals they got the same result against Nedved's Czech Republic, Rosicky and Baros, with a silver goal (when the silver goal existed) by defender Dellas.
Final against Portugal of Cristiano Ronaldo and Figo
How the tournament started, ended. Hosts Portugal appeared in the final of the Da Luz stadium in Lisbon as favorites, with a scary attack: Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Deco and Pauleta, and the mood of the public. All that was not enough to bring down the Greek wall, and the 'cinderella’ of the championship enforced the goal of Charisteas in the minute 57 to make history.
Once that blow is over, Portugal managed to conquer in 2016 the long-awaited Eurocup that resisted him at home. While Greece celebrated its machado with a group of players who did not become world stars but whose names will be remembered by the most soccer fans: Dellas, Charisteas, Zagorakis, Karagounis, Papadopoulos, Seitaridis…
