Greece were crowned European champions in sensational style tonight as a second-half header from Angelos Charisteas at the Estadio da Luz saw them beat hosts Portugal to complete one of the most fairytale victories ever in a major competition.
The first 56 minutes had seen few chances created with Portugal reduced to shooting from long distance against a previously unheralded Greek side showing all the grit that has characterised their amazing performance in this tournament.
But then Charisteas leaped to head an Angelis Basinas corner into the net to ensure Greece's German coach Otto Rehhagel became the first foreign boss to win a European Nations Cup.
It is a stunning achievement for Greece who had never won a match in a major tournament before arriving in Portugal but have now beaten the hosts twice – in the opening match and the final - and also eliminated outgoing champions France and the Czech Republic.
The Greek supporters were scenting victory and turned up the decibel level and again Portugal were forced to shoot from distance with Rui Costa unable to find the target and Scolari made his final change with Nuno Gomes replacing Pauleta whose tournament ended without a goal.
But then Ronaldo had a great opportunity to level the match when he collected the ball well but fired over the bar from close with only Nikopolidis to beat although it was a tight angle. Figo's cross was well held by Nikopolidis and then Rehhagel brought off Giannakopoulos with Stylianos Venetidis coming on in a defensive move.
A minute later Rui Costa tried his luck again from distance but could not find his range. Rui Costa played in Ronaldo again but this time the Manchester United teenager's shot was deflected off a Greek knee for a corner.
Rehhagel brought on Dimitrios Papadopoulos for Vryzas and then Carvalho's run and shot forced Nikopolidis to make a fine save and the substitute was quickly cautioned. Play was interrupted as a fan invaded the field and eluded a posse of security men before being apprehended in the Greek goal and then they had to disentangle him from the netting.
Merk was being jeered by the Portuguese fans as he awarded a series of free-kicks against the hosts. Some brilliant skill by Figo saw him lose his marker but his shot was deflected behind for a corner but try as they might the equaliser would not come and Valente was booked in the closing seconds.
Filed by Barry J Whyte
