Description

The 2004 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly known as Euro 2004, took place in Portugal from June 12 to July 4, marking the first time the country hosted the tournament. It was a memorable championship, both for its impressive stadiums and its stunning upsets. Portugal, the host nation, entered with a strong lineup led by emerging stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and veteran players such as Luís Figo. Expectations were high as the host nation reached the final after defeating England and the Netherlands. The tournament featured thrilling matches, including standout performances by lesser-known teams, and displayed a more defensive, tactical style of play, diverging from the higher-scoring tournaments of the past.

The biggest surprise of Euro 2004 was the unexpected success of Greece. Managed by Otto Rehhagel, the Greek team focused on a disciplined, defensive strategy that allowed them to beat heavily favored opponents, including France in the quarterfinals and the Czech Republic in the semifinals. In a shocking finale, Greece defeated Portugal 1-0, with Angelos Charisteas scoring the decisive goal. This victory marked Greece’s first major international trophy and was hailed as one of the greatest underdog achievements in sports history. The tournament remains iconic for its upsets and for showcasing rising talents who would shape European football for years to come.