remmebering one of the greatest euros ever 2004

The tournament was rich in surprises: Germany, Spain and Italy were knocked out during the group stage; title-holders France were eliminated in the quarter-finals by underdogs Greece, and the Portuguese hosts recovered from their opening defeat to reach the final, eliminating Spain, England and Netherlands along the way. For the first time, the final featured the same teams as the opening match, with the hosts losing both of them, for the first time as well, as Portugal were beaten by Greece on both occasions. Greece's triumph was even more outstanding considering that they had only qualified for two other major tournaments – Euro 1980 and the 1994 FIFA World Cup – and their victory in the opening match was their first in a major tournament.


why dont major tourneys end like this

The way Greece played in the final was disgusting to watch. Portugal should have done better finishing theyre chances.

EURO 2008 >>>>>>>>>>>

but hey if it wasnt for them this wouldnt be here

Because such feats happen once in a lifetime. Or tragedies for some

However , it has some logic Greece won it then. All players were at their peaks at that time and they all had great team spirit and passion to do well. Also , the greates weapon that team had , is that all the other teams they faced , kept underestimating them. One by one , even in the later stages. And luck of course , you need luck.. I still remember Henry missing some sitters in France-Greece game at the 8 stage.

I even remember a player saying in an interview "if you told me that 1 month before , i would still be laughing" .
Above all, we had a great coach who worked perfectly in the team and the players went into the tournament just to have fun and give their all in that competition. They all thought it was their first and last time .

Many many factors were correct for that team to win it . But it's very difficult to see an outsider win major tournaments anymore. The big dogs are bigger these days..

one of the greatest Euros ever - 2004 ? Really ?

drakefyre wrote:one of the greatest Euros ever - 2004 ? Really ?

may not be the greates but surely is the weirdest
why not had you bet a hundred dollars on greece hmmmm

man this tournament just showed the entire world what football is about
a team out of nowhere winning it....
considering the nature of teams they knocked out, they should be applauded