UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Rehhagel's just reward

Coach Otto Rehhagel's hard work pays off as Greek flair combines with German efficiency to earn an historic quarter-final place.

They say that individuality is the chief feature that characterises the Greeks, their passion for freedom and independence running deeper than in any other nation.

Kamikaze tactics
In the past the same could be said of their football team. Mercurial in the extreme, their temperament and rather kamikaze tactical approach to the game doing little to fuel their ambitions for footballing success.

New regime
The first thing, however, that Otto Rehhagel did when he took up the post of Greece coach was to beat out years of free spirit and individualism and replace it with iron discipline, organisation and efficiency. The Greek ranks, he admitted, were awash with talent and flair, but without the vital ingredients of steely discipline and tactical acumen; there was little hope of glory unless wholesale changes were made.

Blossoming nation
The results were devastating, Rehhagel's organisational skills combining effectively with Greece's natural flair for the game to allow the country to finally strike fear into European football's top nations. A minimalist at heart, Rehhagel's simple but highly-effective 4-5-1 formation had already pooped Portugal's party and gleaned a point off Spain.

Balmy night
So, with four points already on the board courtesy of two splendid performances, the expectation in the Greek camp was every bit as strong as the powerful wind which whipped up off the Atlantic Ocean for their match with Russia on a balmy Portuguese evening.

Key players
Once again Rehhagel called upon his trusty 4-5-1 system to do the damage. This flexible ship, ably steered by Traianos Dellas, Theodoros Zagorakis and Angelos Charisteas, he believed could down the Russian craft and ensure Greece's performance in Portugal was of truly Herculean proportions.

Three Greek giants
Since they landed in Iberia, these three Greek giants have been as sturdy as Faro's gigantic city walls built in 1249 by King Alfonso III, with Zagorakis adding the experience and charisma, Dellas the goalmouth protection and Charisteas the firepower. The Greek party was already well under way as the Russian players took to the pitch, their facial expressions still bearing the scars from the team's structural collapse in their opening two fixtures.

Russian revival
But it was Russia who began the game in bullish fashion, Dmitri Kirichenko tearing through the usually miserly Greek defence before thumping a shot beyond the stunned Antonios Nikopolidis - the fastest goal ever in a UEFA European Championship. Dmitri Bulykin then did his best to ensure it was hearts and not plates being broken in Athens by adding a second.

Back to basics
It was almost as if Greece had gone back to their roots, their new-found discipline deserting them just when they needed it most. The only good news was, with Portugal and Spain drawing in Lisbon, they could still advance even with a defeat. Order was soon to restored to the Greek ranks and they hauled themselves back into contention moments before half-time, Zisis Vryzas chipping in from close range to send their fans into delirium.

Jangling nerves
With the pendulum liable to swing at any moment in Lisbon, Greece swapped jangling nerves for attacking verve in the second half. Alas, it was not to be as a succession of overhit crosses and underhit shots made it look like the party would end in tears.

Greek joy
On the final whistle the stadium fell silent, Greece's hopes in the hands of the football gods as Spain and Portugal wrestled for supremacy 300 kilometres away. But, on hearing Portugal had won 1-0, an explosion of delight lit up the Faro skies as Greece's place in the quarter-finals and footballing folklore was secured.

Selected for you