Greece captain Theo Zagorakis, the former Leicester City midfielder, revealed his immense pride at having led the Euro 2004 underdogs to a shock final victory against hosts Portugal. Zagorakis declared that the heart and soul which had carried his side, who were 80-1 pre-tournament outsiders, to success were the "greatest gifts that God ever gave us". Zagorakis, who made just 45 starts in two-and-a-half years with Leicester, was released on a free transfer to AEK Athens in June 2000. However, on the day that he equalled the record as his country's most capped player, the 32-year-old midfielder held aloft the European Championships trophy. Zagorakis, voted the man-of-the-match - just as he was in Greece's opening game victory against the home nation - declared: "My mind was completely blank, the only thing that I wanted to do was to lift the cup. In fact, I have no words to describe how I feel right now. "We have just proved once again that the Greek soul is, and always will be, our strength. It is the greatest gift that God ever gave us." Greece had not previously won a game at a major tournament before their 2-1 win against Portugal in the opening match set them on an amazing path to success, via further victories against France and the Czech Republic. "Just getting to the finals was already a great achievement. What we have done here in Portugal was even greater," added Zagorakis. "You can't imagine what is going on in the dressing-room, with all the joy in there. Of course, we dedicate this cup to Greek people all over the world. "I think we have given them something more than joy. We have given them a great pride, which they can carry with them for the rest of their lives." Coach Otto Rehhagel side-stepped questions as to whether he would now be lured into becoming the new Germany boss ahead of the 2006 World Cup in his homeland. "Now is the time for the team. We are off to the hotel to celebrate this victory and there is no place for any other words," he insisted. | 
