Portugal's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was unable here in the graveyard of Lisbon to add the European Championship to the World Cup he won two years ago, writes John Gibson.
But while a stunned home country came to terms with a demoralising defeat when street parties were planned the length and breadth of the land, Scolari made them a solemn promise.
Wiping away a nation's tears, Scolari insisted: "We are European vice- champions and we're going to work on and win something in the future.
"I'm not going to blame my players. We've been one of the best disciplined teams in the competition and we were patient until the last 10 minutes when they got nervous. It wasn't a case of them letting anyone down. They were well marked.
"Greece play on the mistakes of their opponents. They got a corner and scored one goal. Good luck to them! "They are very strong defensively but I'm not going to criticise the way they play. It was up to us to find a way round it."
Scolari spoke throughout via an interpreter but when someone butted in during his Press conference he suddenly snapped in English: "Show some respect. We have just lost a big game. Do you think we're here joking?"
So Portugal still haven't won a trophy at senior level but Scolari has pledged to stay on and build a new squad for the World Cup in Germany in two years time.
Old players like Luis Figo, Fernando Couto and Rui Costa have reached the end of their distinguished international careers and the likes of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo will lead a new breed in the pursuit of honours.
