It was a tournament that was supposed to be just another participation trophy for Greece, a celebration of having made it to the big stage of UEFA EURO 2004. However, the narrative took a monumental shift as Greece advanced from the group stage and prepared to face France, then considered the best football team in the world. The French team was a constellation of football’s brightest stars, including Zinédine Zidane and Thierry Henry. Here, Angelos Charisteas, a key figure in that historic Greek squad, reflects on the turning point that propelled Greece not just to believe in miracles but also to create one.
Surpassing All Expectations
“As we progressed past the group stage, back home, everybody was saying that we had achieved our goal by getting out of the group stage at the EURO,” recounts Angelos Charisteas. The public sentiment in Greece was a mix of shock and pride. Few had anticipated that their national team, considered underdogs, would advance beyond the group stages, especially given the quality of their opponents.
Preparing for the Giants
The real test, however, was just about to begin. Greece was set to face France in the quarter-finals. France, the defending champions from EURO 2000 and a team that had also won the 1998 World Cup, were favorites not only to win the game but the tournament. With a lineup that boasted some of the era’s most formidable players, including Zidane and Henry, the French team was a formidable force, known for their skill, tactical intelligence, and offensive power.
The Greek Strategy
The matchup seemed uneven, with most spectators expecting a swift victory for the French. However, the Greek team, led by German coach Otto Rehhagel, had other plans. “We knew we couldn’t match them in skill,” Charisteas admits, “but football isn’t just about skill. It’s about strategy, heart, and sometimes, destiny.”
Rehhagel devised a plan that focused on strong defensive tactics and exploiting opportunities through counter-attacks. The team was well-aware of the French prowess in maintaining possession and creating chances. Thus, their strategy was to disrupt the French rhythm, force errors, and capitalize on any set-piece opportunities—a method that had served them well in the group stages.
The Turning Point
As the match unfolded, it became clear that Greece was not there to merely participate; they were there to compete. The Greek defense, disciplined and unyielding, successfully thwarted the French attacks. Zidane and Henry found themselves stifled by a blue wall that refused to break.
Then, in the 65th minute, the deadlock was broken. A perfectly executed corner kick by Angelos Basinas met the head of Charisteas, who had slipped his marker. The ball soared into the back of the net, sending the Greek players and fans into a frenzy. Greece was leading against the best team in the world.
Holding On
The remainder of the match saw France in an all-out attack, trying desperately to equalize. But Greece held firm, their defense resolute and their commitment unwavering. When the final whistle blew, it confirmed the unimaginable. Greece had defeated France 1-0.
“It was at that moment we started to believe,” Charisteas says. “If we could beat France, why couldn’t we go all the way?” The victory was more than just a triumph; it was a signal to the rest of the competition that Greece was a serious contender.
The Ripple Effect
The victory had a profound impact back home in Greece. What had begun as a surprise had now turned into a national euphoria. Greek fans started to dream, and the players started to believe in the possibility of winning the tournament.
“This belief was crucial,” explains Charisteas. “It transformed our mindset. We were no longer satisfied with just participating. We wanted to win.” The confidence gleaned from the victory over France galvanized the team and fortified their resolve as they advanced to the semifinals and eventually the final.
The match against France in the quarter-finals of EURO 2004 was a defining moment for Greek football. It altered the course of the tournament and changed the perception of Greek football on the international stage. The belief that stemmed from this victory carried Greece through to their ultimate triumph in the tournament, proving that in football, the underdog has its day, and sometimes, that day can lead to glory that resonates far beyond the final whistle.
Greece’s story in EURO 2004 is a testament to the unpredictability of football and the power of a united team spirit backed by a strategic, disciplined approach. For Angelos Charisteas and his teammates, it was the moment they believed they could achieve the impossible, inspiring countless others to believe in the power of dreams.
Also Read:
