From Antony Kastrinakis in Lisbon
THIS was the moment Greece finally realised they were a football force powerful enough to take on the best in the world.
David Beckham's last-minute free-kick curled into the net to give England a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford and a place in the 2002 World Cup finals.
It was just the second game in charge for Greek coach Otto Rehhagel but his side pushed England so close that the Greek players suddenly began to believe in themselves.
Theo Zagorakis, who skippers the Greeks in tonight's Euro 2004 final against Portugal, revealed: "The game against England was a landmark for us.
"The way we played that day, reducing England to wild celebrations for scoring a last-minute leveller, made us think we should be challenging for international greatness instead of just doing it on the odd occasion.
"We completely dominated the game and England were very lucky to get a draw."
That match, on October 6, 2001, came after Rehhagel's side had been hammered 5-1 by Finland and almost certainly saved his job.
Quality
The Greeks had nothing to play for, while England needed at least a draw to qualify for the World Cup.
Now Rehhagel's side stand on the brink of history, after a sensational Euro 2004 which has seen them beat Portugal, France and the Czechs.
Former Leicester star Zagorakis, 32, said: "We're so happy to reach the final but we still have one more game. What we're living now, what we're experiencing cannot be put into words.
"People talk about quality of play and criticise us. But when you beat all the best teams how can you talk about quality?
"You deserve to be lucky in one game but you can't win all those matches with luck alone. I hear the Spanish and English Press have criticised us. But we beat Portugal and both these countries lost to them.
"We also beat the reigning champions and there was universal acclaim for our performances and how we dominated France.
"We have a tight, well-drilled team but we keep possession, we don't just stay back and give the ball to the opposition like some teams did in this tournament.
"They can say whatever they want across Europe. But now they're all at home and we're still here.
"And on Sunday night they'll be watching us on the telly, playing our guts out for the country we love — the country that makes us proud to be alive."
Zagorakis (above right) has been inspirational for Greece, which will amaze those who saw him during his two-year stint at Leicester.
He said: "I only have good memories of Leicester, they treated me brilliantly.
Bond
"The secret of this Greece team is that we are in great shape and the bond between the players is so strong. Results speak for themselves.
"We are already happy with what we have achieved and we will give it our best against Portugal so that in the future we will have no regrets."
Greek central defender Nikos Dabizas, now at Leicester, paid tribute to Rehhagel for the way he has transformed Greece.
Dabizas said: "We combined Greek talent with German mentality of our coach. We have always had talent but we just couldn't combine that with results. The final will be different to the first game when we beat Portugal.
"They have made a lot of changes since then and are favourites on paper. But they have to prove it on the pitch.
"Anyone who says they expected this is a liar — it's beyond the wildest dreams of any Greek and it's not just about football. It's a great achievement."
The Greeks will miss Inter Milan's Giorgos Karagounis, who is suspended tonight after being booked against the Czechs.
The midfield star admitted: "It's a massive blow, a huge disappointment.
"But this match is a fantastic moment for us and for all Greeks around the world.
Fantastic
"Thursday was the best day of my life. But Sunday could be the worst. When you miss a game like that, a once-in-a-lifetime chance, it leaves you absolutely devastated."
He also hit back at the criticism of the Greeks.
Karagounis blasted: "We score in EVERY game so I don't know what people mean about us being defensive."
--------------------
Greek Singles - Omogenia Singles Join now for Free
http://www.omogeniasingles.com
|
Previous
Index
Next
Flat
After this we knew we could beat anyone
Edit
Reply
Quote
