Surprise, surprise

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The Greeks stripped Figo and the Portugese of the cup (photo: AFP)

GREECE pulled off one of the biggest shocks in football history to beat Portugal 1-0 in the Euro 2004 final.

Angelos Charisteas scored from the Greeks' first corner after 57 minutes, heading in an Angelis Basinas cross.

And the Greek defence then stifled the hosts' flair in a tense second half, led by the inspired Traianos Dellas.

Portugal surged forward and came close through Cristiano Ronaldo, Maniche, and Luis Figo but Greece goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis stood firm. The hosts were frustrated from the start by a superbly-drilled Greek side, pulled together by coach Otto Rehhagel.

It was disappointment for Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who failed to add the European crown to the World Cup he won with Brazil two years ago.

The Greeks made it a double over Portugal after beating them 2-1 in the opening game of the tournament. And few could begrudge them their joy after they also beat holders France and the free-scoring Czech Republic.