The Greek fairytale has become reality and it's partly the doing of a Werder star. Angelos Charisteas scored the only goal on Sunday evening to make Greece European champions, his goal making him the most successful player on the continent at present. No other player is current club champion, cup winner and European champion. His third goal of the tournament catapults him among the absolute stars of the Euro 2004 competition. Each of his goals proved to be a vital point winner for the progression of the south Europeans. In the second group game he scored the all important equaliser against Spain to make the final score 1:1. The he rocked the then holders France before ending the dreams of the host nation and headed his nation into ecstacy. After the final whistle "Harry" was almost lost for words: "Unbelieveable!! We're European champions!! Tonight every Greek has to celebrate whether they are at home, in Germany or Australia...from tonight on everybody will know our names. Greetings to all Greeks and all Werder fans."
In front of a capacity crowd of 64,000 ,of which 15,000 were Greek fans, at the Estadio Da Luz as to be expected the hosts took the initiative. The Greek side trained by ex-Werder coach Otto Rehhagel reacted with some strong defending and reduced their attacks to those available on the counter. The Greek midfield trio of Angelos Basinas, Konstantinos Katsouranis and Theodoros Zagorakis broke down the Portugesse attack early in its development and this system appeared successful up till Dr. Markus Merks half-time whistle.
The hosts created their first opening in the 14th minute when Miguel brought the best out of keeper Antonis Nikopolodis. Angelos Charisteas had one of the few Greek chances of the first half but Portugesse keeper Ricardo was well positioned to deny the Werder star. The hosts best chance fell in the 24th minute. The 19 year-old Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo mis-timed a header but team mate Maniche was first to react from 20 meters and crashed a shot mere centimeters wide of the post.
The Greeks forced their way into the Portugesse half strongly on the half hour mark but they were missing the neccessary aggression and precision in front of goal. The defensive communication between the hosts was lacking and the loss of centre half Miguel with a rib injury created yet more difficulties.
After the break the hosts pressed further but the Greeks continued to disrupt the Portugesse flow and in particular blocked the way for captain Luis Figo to control the game. It was completely against the run of play that Greece should take the lead at this stage of the game. Angelos Charisteas climbed highest to meet an Angelos Basinas corner and put the outsiders into a 1:0 lead. This was the third and surely most significant goal of this tournament for Werders Charisteas.
The consequence was the hosts throwing everything into attack but proved unable to break down the Greek defence. The first real chance to equalise fell to Cristiano Ronaldo in the 75th minute but the striker failed to beat the keeper Nikopolidis. The Greek keeper was also on hand to deny Ricardo Carvalhos shot from distance in the 81st minute. Figo also had a chance to level the scores in the 89th minute but watched distraught as his shot skinned the outside of the post.
John Muldoon
