Greece captain Theo Zagorakis has revealed his immense pride at having led the Euro 2004 underdogs to a shock final victory against hosts Portugal. Zagorakis declared that the heart and soul which had carried his side, who were 80-1 pre-tournament outsiders, to success were the greatest gifts that God ever gave them.
Having defended for all their worth against a Portugal side devoid of inspiration, Greece completed one of the competition's greatest ever shocks as Angelos Charisteas headed the winner from their only corner.
Zagorakis, voted the man-of-the-match, just as he was in Greece's opening game victory against the home nation, said: "My mind was completely blank, the only thing that I wanted to do was to lift the cup. In fact, I have no words to describe how I feel right now. We have just proved once again that the Greek soul is, and always will be, our strength. It is the greatest gift that God ever gave us."
Greece had not previously won a game at a major tournament before their 2-1 win against Portugal in the opening match set them on an amazing path to success, via further victories against France and the Czech Republic.
He added: "Just getting to the finals was already a great achievement. What we have done here in Portugal was even greater. You can't imagine what is going on in the dressing room, with all the joy in there. Of course, we dedicate this cup to Greek people all over the world. I think we have given then something more than joy. We have given them a great pride, which they will be able to carry with them for the rest of their lives."
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
