Well, who would have believed it? Not even the most optimistic Greek could have imagined that they would be in the final, which will now be a re-run of the first game of Euro 2004. And what are the odds of the same result? In a game which saw the Czechs in control for long periods of time they could not capitalise on the chances that came their way. It was a last-minute goal by perhaps the best Greek player on the day — Dellas — that sealed this historic victory and sent he Czech fans home in tears.
Greece's opponents are now new favourites Portugal, who took the Dutch apart in their semi-final with a fantastic performance especially by Luis Figo who was seen all over the pitch.
It is going to be close final as the Greeks will have a slight psychological advantage while the Portuguese will have the home crowd's support. It is interesting to hear what the foreign coach of the Greek side said when asked what was the reason behind his team's success. Otto Rehhagel was quoted in the media as saying: "Before I came in the players did what they liked, now they do as I say."
Portugal who will also be looking to make history by winning their first trophy, have mainly used an attacking 4:4:2 though, to be fair, the full-backs have been pushed up into midfield to support the runs of Ronaldo and Deco as well as Figo.
Greece will have to be mindful of this going into the game. The Greeks have played a classic 3:5:2 with two man-markers and a hard-working midfield that closes up at the slightest sign of danger. Dellas has been the mainstay in the defence. His role is that of a sweeper who can play the ball out. In using this system it lends added flexibility and also the ability to either close in or get wide as soon as the ball is won.
{{/usCountry}}Greece will have to be mindful of this going into the game. The Greeks have played a classic 3:5:2 with two man-markers and a hard-working midfield that closes up at the slightest sign of danger. Dellas has been the mainstay in the defence. His role is that of a sweeper who can play the ball out. In using this system it lends added flexibility and also the ability to either close in or get wide as soon as the ball is won.
{{/usCountry}}I have said all long the Greeks could do well and they proved me right as have the Portuguese and I am eagerly awaiting the clash of these two Mediterranean sides.
With the Portuguese you are sure to get fast-flowing football and they have been one of the best teams in the tournament. The Greeks will again try to shut out the Portuguese and try to hit them on the break, something they did successfully against them in the opening game of Euro 2004. Only this time, the Portuguese be a little more wary of the Greeks.
One thing is for sure it won't be one of Europe's so-called 'big' teams that will win the title. And that's good for the game. Long live the underdogs! (Cafe Cricket)