Greek mythology never mentions football. But all that is set to change.
 A nation moulded by legendary feats of heroism can now add this sensational sporting achievement to the annals of its magical past. To describe Otto Rehhagel's players as underdogs going into last night's clash would be to underestimate the odds stacked against the most unfancied finalists in European Championship history. Yet Angelos Charisteas made a mockery of those who had suggested this would be one fixture too far for Greece. A second victory within a month against the chastened home nation suggested the rank outsiders were worthy winners of the Henry Delaunay trophy. Triumphs against France and the Czech Republic along the way only serve to confirm the view. Yet Greece, lest we forget, is the country which came into Euro 2004 with a solitary goal and a single point from six previous fixtures at major tournaments. When Charisteas powered home the game's only goal it was as if a corner of Athens came alive inside the Luz and such raw emotion was surely replicated tenfold on the streets of the Greek capital. Rehhagel's squad may not have been every neutral's favourite finalists but 23 fully committed players brought with them one of the most passionate fan bases in Europe. Perhaps burdened by the pressure of playing a first final in front of their own expectant fans, Portugal always struggled for shape and rhythm against the typically diligent Greeks. Luis Figo, finally back to his brilliant best against Holland in last Wednesday's semi-final, was the regular recipient of early possession but in Giorgios Seitaridis the midfielder found a formidable opponent in superb form. Winning a penalty against Portugal in the tournament's opening fixture had hardly endeared the Porto-bound full back to supporters of the host nation and the former Newcastle target was roundly booed each time he featured prominently. Having committed himself to the Dragao, Seitaridis should get used to such barracking from the Lisbon public. But the player who successfully negated Milan Baros's threat to help secure an historic Greek victory five days earlier appeared untroubled by mounting pressure on and off the pitch. As Figo considered switching flanks, Seitaridis considered his first foray forward. Overlapping Theo Zagorakis, the impressive youngster drew a cynical foul from Costinha and referee Markus Merk had no option but to caution Portugal's midfield enforcer. Cue the boos, only this time the intensity was redoubled. Not to be outdone by Greek's outstanding right back, Benfica's Miguel cut inside from the right and forced Antonios Nikopolidis's first save. One of the unsung heroes of a fairytale run to the final, the Panathinaikos No 1 has commanded his penalty area with confidence this summer and there was no slip-up here. Ricardo smothered well at the feet of Konstantinos Katsouranis moments later and, although Cristiano Ronaldo and Maniche both came close to breaking the deadlock, the least fancied finalists since Denmark 12 years ago were on course to cause another upset. Scolari knew nothing but victory would satisfy a country demanding success after so many barren years. Yet whatever the crux of the Brazilian's half-time team talk his players were unable to stem the growing Greek tide and 12 minutes after the restart Charisteas silenced the horrified home fans. The Werder Bremen striker, fresh from a frustrating season of relative inactivity with the Bundesliga club, had knocked out France with the goal which announced his team's arrival as serious Euro 2004 contenders. Scoring last night, direct from Angelis Basinas's right wing corner, was a moment of even greater significance for the 24-year-old and his wild celebration reflected the pride and passion felt across the Hellenic nation.
 Scolari acted swiftly. Rui Costa, that grand master of the Golden Generation was introduced at the fesity Costinha's expense and Nuno Gomes quickly followed. Pauleta, withdrawn 17 minutes from time, followed a long line of much heralded strikers who have failed to transform a prolific strike rate onto the tournament stage and at 31 his final chance may have gone. Portugal's final chance had not. Traianos Dellas blocked Cristiano Ronaldo's run and Figo twisted, turned, focused and shot only to see his angled drive deflected narrowly wide. The figurehead of his country's finest footballing hours, the Real Madrid midfielder had earlier been the subject of an irate supporter's anger and an unseemly pitch invasion necessitated five minutes of added time. For Greece the delay was purgatory. Rehhagel danced a familiarly peculiar jig as Portugal poured forward but the formidable Dellas stood firm - as the tournament's outstanding centre half, the former Sheffield United player did not deserve to concede. And then suddenly the least likely European Champions in the tournament's 44-year history were confirmed and continental football had been turned on its head. | 
