2004 Greece Home- Theodoros Zagorakis #7 XL

The 2004 UEFA European Championship in Portugal produced one of the greatest underdog stories in football history, as Greece stunned the continent to claim their first-ever major international trophy. Managed by Otto Rehhagel, Greece entered the tournament as heavy outsiders, expected to exit quietly in the group stage. Instead, they delivered a masterclass in tactical discipline, defensive organization, and collective belief.

Drawn into Group A alongside hosts Portugal, Spain, and Russia, Greece shocked Europe by defeating Portugal 2–1 in the opening match. A 1–1 draw with Spain followed, before a narrow 2–1 loss to Russia, which was still enough to progress from the group. From there, Greece eliminated France (1–0) in the quarter-finals, edged past the Czech Republic (1–0, silver goal) in the semi-finals, and completed the fairy tale by defeating Portugal 1–0 again in the final, silencing the Estádio da Luz.

Greece’s triumph was built on compact defensive blocks, set-piece efficiency, and unwavering tactical discipline. It redefined what was possible for smaller nations in international football and remains one of the most remarkable tournament wins of all time.

The 2004 Greece away kit, produced by adidas, featured a deep royal blue base with a bold white cross across the chest, directly referencing the Greek flag. Clean, symbolic, and instantly recognizable, the shirt has become a highly sought-after vintage football shirt, forever associated with football’s greatest upset.

2. Player’s Impact – Theodoros Zagorakis

The Euro 2004 tournament was the defining moment of Theodoros Zagorakis’ career and one of the greatest captaincy performances in international football history. As Greece captain, Zagorakis embodied the team’s identity: disciplined, tireless, and mentally unbreakable.

Operating as a central midfielder, Zagorakis was the engine of the side. He combined relentless defensive work with intelligent ball progression, often covering enormous ground to support both fullbacks and central defenders. His reading of the game, positional awareness, and leadership allowed Greece to maintain structure even under sustained pressure.

Zagorakis played every minute of the tournament, delivering standout performances against elite opposition. His display in the quarter-final win over France was particularly influential, where his composure and work rate helped neutralize a midfield featuring world-class talent. He consistently set the tempo, slowed matches when required, and led by example in the most demanding moments.

At the conclusion of the tournament, Zagorakis was named UEFA Euro 2004 Player of the Tournament, a rare honor for a player from a defensively oriented side. His leadership transformed Greece from outsiders into champions and cemented his legacy as one of international football’s most iconic captains.

3. Full Squad List (Greece – Euro 2004, Portugal)

Manager: Otto Rehhagel

Goalkeepers:
Antonios Nikopolidis, Konstantinos Chalkias, Dimitrios Eleftheropoulos

Defenders:
Traianos Dellas, Michalis Kapsis, Panagiotis Fyssas, Giourkas Seitaridis, Stelios Venetidis, Christos Patsatzoglou, Angelos Basinas (also midfield usage)

Midfielders:
Theodoros Zagorakis (captain), Giorgos Karagounis, Konstantinos Katsouranis, Vassilis Tsiartas, Grigoris Georgatos, Ioannis Amanatidis

Forwards:
Angelos Charisteas, Zisis Vryzas, Dimitris Papadopoulos, Demis Nikolaidis