The UEFA Euro 2004 Final was a historical match played on 4 July, 2004, at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, when Greece was crowned European Champions! The match featured tournament hosts Portugal, who went into the match as favourites, and Greece, playing in only their second European Championship.
It was the first time in a major international tournament where both finalists had also played in the opening game of the tournament. Both teams had qualified for the knockout stage from Group A of the tournament’s group stage, with Greece winning 2–1 in the teams’ earlier meeting.
Euro 2004 Greece won the final 1–0, defying odds of 80–1 from the beginning of the tournament, with Angelos Charisteas scoring the winning goal in the 57th minute. Greece booked a place in the Final thanks to a 1-0 win in extra time against the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, Portugal beat England in the quarters on penalties and then notched a 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the semifinals. With home field advantage and a young Cristiano Ronaldo on their side, the money was clearly on Portugal.
Except the passion of the Greek team was undeniable and on the field Greece did what they did best and proved they were the best team of the tournament. Till this day, Greeks all over the world remember the pride and joy they felt when Greece won the Euro Cup and this day will always remain as one of Greece’s greatest sporting moments!
