The 2004 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2004, was the 12th edition of the UEFA European Championship. It was a memorable final with surprises and upsets as Germany, Spain, and Italy were eliminated as early as the group stage, while France, the defending champions, were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Greece. Get the latest soccer predictions and more here!
In 2004, the moment Greek sport was waiting for happened as their national team became champions of Europe for the first time by beating in the final round, the hosts, Portugal 0-1. Greece is one of the four additional nations included in the competition after it expands its admission from four teams to eight, making the nation a pioneer in this format and older than most nations in the modern format. Continue reading for the football odds.
Prior to the big win and yet a major upset to the runners-up Portugal, a classic matchup during the knockout stage emerged. The knockout rounds of Euro 2004, hosted by Portugal, were a single-elimination tournament involving the eight teams that qualified from the group stage of the tournament. Portugal aims to recover from their opening loss to Greece to advance in the finals.
Michael Owen’s classic 50-yard hit put England ahead after a Costinha error, but Portugal’s Helder Postiga equalized the game. Ronaldo’s first attempt, eight yards out, was blocked by Cole’s slides in and England cleared. Portugal got the most possession in the 18th minute until the half-time. Five minutes into the second half, and England struggled to get into their pitch.
In the 84th minute, Ronaldo’s cross found Tottenham’s Helder Postiga to equalize the game before Sol Campbell had a 90th- minute goal controversially ruled out. Rui Costa’s extra-time scorcher shrugged-off Phil Neville before hitting from 20-yards which crashed off the bar that put the hosts ahead. England found a way to launch their sustained attack, but struggled to get through the Portuguese defense.
However, Frank Lampard, who swivels 180 degrees before blasting it home, turned sharply and scored to force penalties. The shoot-out went the way of the hosts to bounce back and knock the three-lions out of a major tournament on penalties for the fourth time. Portugal won the toss and elected to go second. David Beckham steps up, but it was a poor attempt from Beckham.
Deco jogs forward before confidently taps it into James’ right to put the hosts on top of the penalties. However, Michael Owen stepped up and equalized the shootout. Both Simao and Lampard hit the goal for each side until Rui Costa missed his chance. Ronaldo, Terry, Hargreaves followed and hit the goal for each side. Maniche ruled out the pressure of missing it with a goal the put the hosts safe.
It was Prostiga and Cole’s turn and they did not disappoint each side. Ricardo also aimed straight for the Portuguese’s home before Darius Vassell stepped up and was saved by the Portuguese keeper. England was out. They were left to reflect on another evening of hurt as their quest for international honors stays unfulfilled.
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