In an exclusive interview with SBOTOP, Angelos Charisteas, the legendary Greek forward who became a national hero at UEFA EURO 2004, shares a heartfelt retrospective on one of football’s most stunning underdog stories. His iconic header in the final against Portugal secured Greece their first major tournament victory, a feat that defied expectations and captured the imagination of football fans worldwide.
The Unlikely Champions
“Nobody expected – us included – that we would make it past the first round,” admits Charisteas, reflecting on the disbelief and the overwhelming odds against the Greek national team during EURO 2004. The tournament, held in Portugal, saw Greece drawn into a challenging group alongside Spain, Portugal, and Russia. “Everyone considered us the weakest team in the group,” Charisteas remembers. “Even in Greece, the expectations were very modest. Most thought we’d be lucky to even score a goal.”
The Strategy and the Spirit
Under the guidance of German coach Otto Rehhagel, Greece adopted a disciplined and tactical approach that focused on strong defense and efficient counter-attacking. “Coach Rehhagel was very clear about our roles,” Charisteas explains. “He knew we didn’t have the individual talent of other teams, so he emphasized unity, discipline, and playing to our strengths.”
The team’s strategy was built around a solid defensive foundation, spearheaded by goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis and a compact backline, which proved impenetrable throughout the tournament. Midfielders like Giorgos Karagounis and Kostas Katsouranis provided the necessary grit and energy in the middle, while Charisteas was tasked with converting the few chances that came his way.
Defying Expectations
Greece’s journey in the tournament was nothing short of miraculous. They began by defeating the host nation Portugal in the opening match, a victory that Charisteas describes as “the moment we started believing in the impossible.” The team went on to draw with Spain and secure a crucial win against Russia to advance to the knockout stages, each match intensifying the belief within the squad.
“In the knockout stages, every game was like a final for us,” says Charisteas. Greece’s defensive resilience continued to frustrate their opponents, with a quarter-final victory over France and a semi-final win against the Czech Republic, both matches won by a single goal. “By the time we reached the final, the whole of Greece was dreaming with us,” he recalls.
The Final Against Portugal
The final, a rematch against Portugal, was the ultimate test of Greece’s resolve. “Playing the host nation, in front of their fans, in the final, was the biggest challenge,” Charisteas reflects. The match was tense and tightly contested, with Greece absorbing immense pressure from the Portuguese side featuring stars like Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The decisive moment came in the 57th minute when Charisteas rose above the Portuguese defense to meet a corner from Angelos Basinas and head the ball into the net. “It was a moment of pure instinct,” he recalls. “When I saw the ball hit the back of the net, it was almost surreal.”
The Legacy of EURO 2004
Greece’s victory at EURO 2004 remains one of the greatest upsets in the history of international football. “It changed Greek football forever,” Charisteas states proudly. “It showed that with unity, hard work, and belief, anything is possible in football.” The win had a profound impact on Greek society and football, inspiring a generation and bringing immense joy to a country that was struggling economically at the time.
Life After Football
Since retiring from professional football, Charisteas has remained involved in the sport, taking roles as a coach and a football ambassador in Greece. His legacy, however, is forever tied to that summer in Portugal. “No matter where I go in Greece, people remember that goal and that tournament,” he smiles. “It’s a memory we all share together, and it’s very special.”
Angelos Charisteas’s story is a testament to the unpredictable and inspiring nature of football. His journey from being an underestimated player on an underestimated team to becoming a national hero encapsulates why football is loved by millions around the world. As EURO 2024 approaches, Charisteas’s reflections remind us that in football, as in life, the underdog always has its day.
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