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History of the European Championships

 
 

 

2004

Hosts: Portugal
Winners: Greece

Angelos Charisteas headed the winner as Greece shocked hosts Portugal, and the European football community, with a 1-0 win in Lisbon.

The Greeks had not won at a major tournament before their appearance at Euro 2004, and had lost their opening two qualifying games before making it to the finals.

They then beat Portugal in the tournament opener in Group A, but a draw against Spain and defeat to Russia meant they only just squeezed through on goals scored.

Then 1-0 victories over France, thanks to Charisteas in the 65th minute, and Czech Republic - defender Traianos Dellas' silver goal on 115 minutes - took them to the final.

Portugal had beaten Holland 2-1 in their semi-final, after a penalty win over England in the quarter-finals - David Beckham firing over for England, before goalkeeper Ricardo saved from Darius Vassell and put away the winner himself.

After defeat to Greece the Portuguese beat both Spain and Russia, though they were only seven minutes away from exiting against England after Michael Owen's third-minute opener.

But Helder Postiga equalised in normal time, before Rui Costa and Frank Lampard strikes ensured penalties.

England came second in Group B to France, thanks to Zinedine Zidane's penalty winner with the last kick of their game, as Croatia and Switzerland bowed out.

In Group C Italy could only watch after they beat Bulgaria as Denmark and Sweden drew 2-2 in their last game, ensuring both Scandinavian sides went through.

Sweden lost out to Holland on penalties after a goalless draw, Edwin van der Sar saving from Olof Mellberg in sudden-death, while Denmark fell 3-0 to the Czech Republic, Milan Baros becoming the top-scorer with a second-half brace.

The Czechs won all their Group D games, qualifying with Holland ahead of Germany and Latvia.

 

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