Champions' road to glory

Qualifying success
This remarkable story started in the qualifying round when Greece set the tone by claiming six consecutive victories without conceding a goal to top Group 6 and condemn Spain to the play-offs - this despite losing their first two matches. It was the first UEFA European Championship Greece had reached since 1980 and only their third major tournament appearance.

Surprise package
Accordingly, they were considered outsiders for EURO 2004™ and it was a major surprise when they defeated the hosts 2-1 in the opening game - Greece's first win in a major finals at the seventh attempt. However, this solid, compact team proved the result was no fluke by holding Spain to a 1-1 draw, and could afford to lose 2-1 to Russia and still qualify for the quarter-finals.

France downed
The second-placed finish in Group A sent Greece into the uncharted territory of the knockout stages. Against this backdrop, they ousted holders France 1-0 in the last eight thanks to a headed goal from Angelos Charisteas.

Czechs dispatched
By now, Greece had earned a reputation as a well-organised side that were difficult to break down. This was further enhanced when they held off the formidable attacking challenge of the Czech Republic, who had scored ten goals leading up to their semi-final meeting, to move into the final thanks to Traianos Dellas's silver goal 15 minutes into extra time.

Final hurdle
Greece's stout defence was to withstand one more test against the likes of Luís Figo, Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo, before Charisteas again found the net to complete the fairytale.