Greece 2004 EURO Away kit Large

The UEFA Euro 2004, held in Portugal, was a historic tournament for Greece. Against the odds, the Greek national football team won the championship, achieving their first major international title in football.

Greece's journey in the Euro 2004 was remarkable because they were considered underdogs and were not among the favorites to win the tournament. Coached by Otto Rehhagel, Greece displayed a strong defensive strategy coupled with efficient counter-attacks throughout the tournament.

In the group stage, Greece was placed in Group A alongside Portugal, Spain, and Russia.

In the quarter-finals, Greece faced France, the defending champions. They secured a surprise 1-0 victory, with Angelos Charisteas scoring the winning goal.

In the semi-finals, Greece faced the Czech Republic. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, and Greece won 1-0 in the extra time, with Traianos Dellas scoring a golden goal, sending them to the final.

The final match, played on July 4, 2004, at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, saw Greece facing Portugal again. Greece continued their defensive resilience and scored the only goal of the match in the 57th minute, with Angelos Charisteas heading in a corner kick delivered by Angelos Basinas. Greece held on to their lead and secured a historic 1-0 victory, becoming the surprise champions of Europe.

Greece's triumph in Euro 2004 was a significant moment in football history, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of the sport. It remains one of the most memorable underdog stories in football, and it had a profound impact on Greek football, inspiring future generations and leaving a lasting legacy in the country's sporting history.

Several key players contributed to Greece's success in the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament:

1. Angelos Charisteas: Charisteas was the hero of the final, scoring the winning goal against Portugal. His physical presence and aerial ability made him a threat in set-piece situations throughout the tournament.

2. Antonios Nikopolidis: Greece's goalkeeper, Nikopolidis, played a crucial role in their defensive strategy. He made several important saves, especially in the knockout stages, helping Greece to maintain their defensive solidity.

3. Theodoros Zagorakis: Zagorakis, the team captain, was the heartbeat of Greece's midfield. His leadership, work rate, and ability to disrupt opponents' attacks were instrumental in Greece's defensive resilience.

4. Traianos Dellas: Dellas formed a formidable defensive partnership with Michalis Kapsis. He scored the golden goal in the semi-final against the Czech Republic, securing Greece's place in the final.

5. Giorgos Karagounis: Karagounis was a creative force in Greece's midfield, providing energy and driving the team forward. His vision and passing ability helped Greece in launching counter-attacks.

6. Angelos Basinas: Basinas was another important midfielder for Greece, providing stability and control in the center of the park. His delivery from set-pieces was also crucial, as seen in the final when he provided the assist for Charisteas' winning goal.

7. Stelios Giannakopoulos: Giannakopoulos was a versatile midfielder who provided creativity and attacking threat for Greece. He scored crucial goals during the qualifying campaign and offered valuable support to the team's forwards.

8. Georgios Seitaridis: Seitaridis was a reliable presence in Greece's defense, offering defensive solidity and also contributing to attacks with his overlapping runs from the right-back position.

9. Vassilis Tsiartas: Tsiartas was an experienced midfielder whose technical ability and vision added depth to Greece's midfield. His set-piece deliveries and ability to dictate the tempo of the game were important for Greece's tactics.

The Greek national football team earned the nickname "The Pirate Ship" during their remarkable UEFA Euro 2004 campaign. This moniker was bestowed upon them due to their underdog status and unexpected success in the tournament. Like a pirate ship, they surprised and outmaneuvered their opponents, ultimately sailing to victory and capturing the Euro 2004 title against all odds.