© EuroFootball.com
In the second quarter-final of Euro 2004, a sensation was recorded - the surprise of the tournament: the Greek national team unexpectedly beat the team considered the main favorite in this championship, and the winner of this tournament four years ago - the French national team. The Greeks will now await their semifinal opponent, which will be determined in the Sunday match between the Czech Republic and Denmark.
France - Greece 0 - 1 65'
At the beginning of the match, the teams played sluggishly. But already in the 15th minute after a shot by Katsouranis, the Greek footballers could break forward. Fortunately for the French, their goalkeeper Barthez saved them.
In the 37th minute, the Greeks launched another dangerous attack. Fyssas shot strongly from afar, but Barthez saved the French again. Immediately after this attack, the French footballers could have scored, but the shot by Henry was saved by the Greek goalkeeper Nikopolidis.
In the first half, the French created fewer chances, but in the second half they were increasingly threatening. Three players from this team could have scored a goal. But they couldn't break through. However, to everyone's surprise, in the 65th minute, the Greeks succeeded. After a perfect breakthrough and pass from the right flank by Theodoros Zagorakis, they scored with a header.
Then the French coach Jacques Santini immediately sent in two new attacking players - Saha and Wiltord - and left-back Rothen. They revitalized the French game: first, Saha broke into the penalty area but shot weakly, then Henry's attack ended similarly.
Perhaps the most realistic chance to equalize the score, with three minutes left in the match, was for Henry, but his headed shot flew well wide of the goal. In added time, defender Lizarazu took a shot at goal, but he also failed to score. So the Greeks provided another sensation, while the French are going home.
