2004 European football championships

Euro 2004 took place in Portugal between 12th June to 4th July and it certainly did not disappoint. The hosts Portugal got off to a rocky start stumbling 2-1 at the hands of potential winners Greece. However a Portuguese revival was to take place as they comfortably beat Russia and Spain for a place in the last eight. England were up against holders France in their opening match, they surrendered a 1-0 lead with only two minutes remaining, and lost the match 2-1, a poor back pass by Steven Gerrard was one of the reasons to blame for the defeat. However they were very impressive against their other group opponents, Switzerland and Croatia, beating them 3-0 and 4-2 respectively. Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard were all exceptional scoring for their country.
Sweden started the tournament perfectly, thrashing Bulgaria 5-0, that was to be followed up by two score draws against fellow Scandinavians Denmark and a below par Italy side. However they were to be eliminated on the decisive penalty shoot out against Holland in the last eight.
The Czech Republic emerged as early favorites after winning all three of their group games convincingly. Milan Baros scored three goals during the group stages and later on added another two that earned him the Golden Boot award. Baros and the Czechs were outstanding in their quarter final match against Denmark, thrashing them 3-0, Baros scored twice and Jan Koller scored the other. Greece met the holders France in the quarter finals and managed to beat them 1-0, the French were far from impressive.
England met the hosts Portugal in the other quarter final match, England were looking to book their place in the semi finals of the European Championships for the first time since 1968. England could not have got off to a better start with Michael Owen scoring only after three minutes. Portugal piled on the pressure and it paid off with five minutes of normal time to play when Helder Postiga scored to level the score. The match went into extra time and Rui Costa put the Portuguese in front. With five minutes remaining Frank Lampard force the tie to go to penalties. Michael Owen, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Owen Hargreaves and Ashley Cole all converted their penalties; however David Beckham and Darius Vassel missed the two other penalties taken. Portugal won the shoot out 6-5 and for the second time running Sven Goran Eriksson’s side were eliminated in the last eight of a major tournament.
The clash between Portugal and Holland was considered by many as the game of the tournament, Portugal booked their place in the final as Christiano Ronaldo and Maniche scored for Portugal, an own goal by Jorge Andrade gave the Dutch a ray of hope, however the Portuguese hanged on to the 2-1 score line. Greece were outplayed by a determined Czech republic side in the other semi final match, however to everyone’s surprise Greece scored what proved to be the ‘Silver goal’ in the second period of extra time. Traianos Dellas scored the winner for Greece and they were to meet the hosts Portugal in the final.
The final was played on June 4th and was more or less a rematch of the opening game. Greece won the match 1-0, a header on the hour mark by Angelos Charisteas sealed victory for Greece. Greece to everyone’s surprise was the champions of Euro 2004.