UEFA Euro 2004 was a tournament that left an indelible mark on the history of European football. With stunning upsets, brilliant individual performances, and memorable team efforts, it provided fans with a spectacle that is still discussed with reverence. Let's take a closer look at the lineups and stories of six standout teams: England, Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, Portugal, and the eventual champions, Greece.
England: The Golden Generation's Heartbreak
England entered Euro 2004 with high hopes, boasting a squad full of talent known as the "Golden Generation." Key players included David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and the young sensation Wayne Rooney. Managed by Sven-Göran Eriksson, England's campaign was notable for Rooney's explosive performances, particularly in the group stage where he scored four goals.
England's journey ended in heartbreak in the quarter-finals, losing to Portugal on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Rooney’s injury in that match was a significant blow, and England's penalty woes continued, denying them a deeper run in the tournament.
Netherlands: The Rebirth of Total Football
The Netherlands arrived in Portugal with a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. Managed by Dick Advocaat, the Dutch team featured stars like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Clarence Seedorf, and Arjen Robben.
The Netherlands reached the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Portugal. Despite the loss, Van Nistelrooy's goal-scoring prowess and Robben's electrifying runs left a lasting impression.
France: The End of an Era
France entered Euro 2004 as defending champions, led by their legendary playmaker Zinedine Zidane. The squad was filled with talent, including Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pirès, under the management of Jacques Santini.
France’s campaign came to an unexpected halt in the quarter-finals, where they were defeated 1-0 by Greece. This match marked the beginning of the end for France’s golden generation, as they struggled to replicate their dominance from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Czech Republic: The Dark Horses
The Czech Republic, managed by Karel Brückner, was one of the most exciting teams of the tournament. With a blend of skill, physicality, and tactical nous, they captured the hearts of many neutrals. Key players included Pavel Nedvěd, Tomáš Rosický, and Milan Baroš.
The Czech Republic reached the semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by Greece in extra time. Milan Baroš ended as the tournament's top scorer, while Nedvěd’s leadership and Rosický’s creativity were widely praised.
Portugal: The Host Nation’s Near Glory
Portugal, as the host nation, carried the hopes of a passionate home crowd. Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team featured a mix of experienced veterans like Luís Figo and rising stars like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal’s journey to the final was marked by thrilling matches and dramatic moments, including a penalty shootout win over England in the quarter-finals. Despite their valiant effort, they were stunned by Greece in the final, losing 1-0.
Greece: The Ultimate Underdog Story
Greece’s triumph at Euro 2004 remains one of the greatest surprises in football history. Managed by Otto Rehhagel, Greece employed a disciplined and defensive approach, which proved incredibly effective.
Greece’s journey to the title saw them defeat holders France, the Czech Republic, and hosts Portugal in the final. Angelos Charisteas’s header in the final was the defining moment, while Theodoros Zagorakis’s leadership earned him the Player of the Tournament award. Greece’s victory was a testament to teamwork, strategy, and resilience, making it one of the most remarkable underdog stories in sports.