The Portugal vs Greece 2004 final is etched in football history as one of the biggest upsets of all time. No one, and I mean no one, saw it coming. Greece, a team that was considered a major underdog, went all the way and defeated the heavily favored Portugal on their home soil. Let's dive into the starting lineups that fateful day and see what made this match so incredibly memorable.

Portugal's Starting XI: The Golden Generation

Portugal, coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari, boasted a squad filled with talent and experience. This was supposed to be their moment, playing in front of their passionate fans, with a team dubbed the "Golden Generation." Let's break down the lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Ricardo Pereira – Ricardo was known for his penalty-saving heroics and solid presence in goal. He was a key part of Portugal's defense and a reliable last line of defense.
• Defense:
  • Paulo Ferreira – A consistent right-back who was known for his defensive capabilities and ability to join the attack when needed.
  • Ricardo Carvalho – One of the best center-backs in the world at the time, Carvalho brought composure, tackling ability, and excellent positioning to the Portuguese defense.
  • Jorge Andrade – Partnering with Carvalho in the center, Andrade added steel and determination to the backline. His physical presence was crucial in dealing with opposing strikers.
  • Nuno Valente – A dependable left-back, Valente provided balance to the defense and offered support in attack.
• Midfield:
  • Costinha – A defensive midfielder whose primary job was to shield the defense and break up opposition attacks. Costinha's work rate and tackling were vital for Portugal.
  • Maniche – A dynamic midfielder known for his box-to-box play, Maniche provided energy, creativity, and goals from midfield. He was a key player in linking defense and attack.
  • Deco – The creative hub of the team, Deco's vision, passing range, and dribbling skills made him a constant threat. He was instrumental in unlocking opposition defenses.
• Attack:
  • Cristiano Ronaldo – A young, emerging superstar, Ronaldo's pace, trickery, and goal-scoring ability were already evident. He was a constant threat to defenders and a rising star in world football.
  • Pauleta – The team's main striker, Pauleta was known for his clinical finishing and ability to find the back of the net. His experience and goal-scoring record made him a key part of the attack.
  • Luís Figo – The captain and one of the team's most experienced players, Figo's dribbling, crossing, and leadership were crucial for Portugal. He provided a calming presence and inspiration to the team.

This lineup was designed to be both solid defensively and creative going forward. With a blend of youth and experience, Portugal looked poised to lift the trophy on home soil. The midfield trio of Costinha, Maniche, and Deco was expected to control the game, while the attacking trident of Ronaldo, Pauleta, and Figo was meant to provide the goals.

Greece's Starting XI: The Underdogs Who Shocked the World

Greece, coached by Otto Rehhagel, were the ultimate underdogs. No one gave them a chance, but their disciplined, organized, and resilient approach proved to be the perfect recipe for success. Let's look at the lineup that started the final:

• Goalkeeper: Antonis Nikopolidis – Nikopolidis was a reliable and experienced goalkeeper who provided a calming presence in goal. His shot-stopping ability and command of the area were crucial for Greece.
• Defense:
  • Giourkas Seitaridis – A solid right-back known for his defensive capabilities and work rate. Seitaridis was tasked with containing the opposition's wingers and providing defensive stability.
  • Traianos Dellas – A towering center-back who was excellent in the air and a rock in the heart of the Greek defense. Dellas's aerial ability and defensive positioning were vital in thwarting opposition attacks.
  • Michalis Kapsis – Partnering with Dellas, Kapsis added experience and composure to the defense. His tackling and reading of the game were crucial in keeping the Portuguese attack at bay.
  • Takis Fyssas – A dependable left-back who provided balance to the defense and offered support in attack. Fyssas was known for his consistency and defensive awareness.
• Midfield:
  • Angelos Basinas – A defensive midfielder whose primary job was to shield the defense and break up opposition attacks. Basinas's work rate and tackling were vital for Greece.
  • Kostas Katsouranis – A versatile midfielder who could play in various positions, Katsouranis provided energy, tackling, and passing ability to the Greek midfield. He was a key player in both defense and attack.
  • Theodoros Zagorakis – The captain and midfield general, Zagorakis was the heart and soul of the Greek team. His leadership, work rate, and ability to control the game were crucial for Greece's success.
• Attack:
  • Angelos Charisteas – The hero of the final, Charisteas was a striker known for his aerial ability and knack for scoring important goals. His headed goal in the final secured Greece's victory.
  • Zisis Vryzas – A hardworking striker who led the line for Greece, Vryzas provided physicality and determination in attack. His work rate and willingness to chase down balls were crucial for Greece.
  • Stelios Giannakopoulos – A winger who provided pace and creativity to the Greek attack. Giannakopoulos's dribbling and crossing ability were important in creating chances for Greece.

Greece's game plan was simple but effective: defend deep, stay organized, and capitalize on set-pieces. Their midfield was compact and hard-working, denying the Portuguese space and time on the ball. Upfront, Charisteas and Vryzas worked tirelessly to disrupt the Portuguese defense and create opportunities.

The Key Moments and Tactical Battles

The match itself was a tactical battle of wits. Portugal, with their attacking talent, struggled to break down Greece's stubborn defense. The Greek midfield, led by Zagorakis, effectively neutralized Deco and Maniche, preventing them from dictating the tempo of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo, though showing flashes of brilliance, was well-marked and couldn't find the space to make a decisive impact.

Greece's strategy revolved around frustrating Portugal and waiting for their chance. That chance came in the 57th minute when Angelos Charisteas rose above the Portuguese defense to head home a corner kick. The goal sent shockwaves through the stadium and put Greece in the driver's seat.

Portugal threw everything they had at Greece in the remaining minutes, but the Greek defense stood firm. Otto Rehhagel's men defended with incredible discipline and determination, denying Portugal any clear-cut chances. The final whistle blew, and Greece had done the unthinkable – they were European champions.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The Portugal vs Greece 2004 final will forever be remembered as one of the greatest shocks in football history. Greece's triumph was a testament to the power of teamwork, organization, and belief. They proved that you don't need a team of superstars to win; you just need a well-defined plan and the determination to execute it.

For Portugal, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. The Golden Generation had failed to deliver on their promise, and the dream of winning a major trophy on home soil was shattered. However, the tournament did mark the emergence of Cristiano Ronaldo as a global superstar, and he would go on to lead Portugal to future success.

The legacy of the Portugal vs Greece 2004 final lives on. It's a reminder that anything is possible in football and that even the biggest underdogs can achieve greatness. The starting lineups of that match tell a story of contrasting styles, tactical battles, and ultimately, a triumph of the underdog spirit. This game continues to inspire teams and fans alike, showing that passion, discipline, and a well-executed plan can overcome even the most talented opponents. And that, guys, is why we still talk about it today!