Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Gus Krasonis
Guest(s)
Release Date
20 March 2025
Duration
82 min
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by passionate Greek fan Gus Krasonic to relive one of football’s greatest miracles — Greece’s triumph at EURO 2004.
When Otto Rehhagel took charge, Greek football was divided and directionless. But through structure, self-belief, and tactical discipline, he built a team that rewrote the laws of possibility. Greece began their campaign by shocking hosts Portugal in the opening match — and ended it by beating them again in the final, completing a journey that stunned the world.
Along the way, they overcame Spain, defending champions France, and the golden generation of the Czech Republic, mastering the art of defensive organisation and precision set pieces. With leaders like Theo Zagorakis, Traianos Dellas, and Angelos Charisteas, Greece turned simplicity into science — and teamwork into destiny.
The episode unpacks the tactical brilliance behind Rehhagel’s approach, the man-marking discipline that frustrated Europe’s elite, and the emotional weight of a nation united through football. Greece 2004 wasn’t luck — it was strategy, spirit, and the ultimate proof that greatness comes in many forms.
Takeaways
Otto Rehhagel’s tactical revolution and leadership of Greece
Shock victories over Portugal, Spain, France & Czech Republic
Defensive solidity and set-piece execution as keys to success
The cultural and emotional significance of Greece’s win
Why EURO 2004 remains the greatest underdog story in football history
Greece 2004: The Miracle of Lisbon
At EURO 2004, Greece did the impossible. A nation with no footballing pedigree, written off by every expert, rose to conquer Europe — defeating Portugal, France, and the Czech Republic on their way to immortality.
Under Otto Rehhagel, Greece found order in chaos. The German coach instilled discipline, resilience, and unity in a squad once plagued by division. His tactical structure — a compact 4-5-1 — turned Greece into a wall of resolve. Every man had a task, every pass had purpose.
It began with a shock victory over hosts Portugal, continued through knockout wins over giants like France, and reached its peak with Angelos Charisteas’s header in the final — a single, perfect moment that silenced Lisbon and inspired a nation.
The triumph was about more than football. For Greece, it was cultural catharsis — a symbol of belief, identity, and national pride. In a tournament filled with stars, it was the system, not the superstar, that won.
Nearly two decades later, Greece 2004 remains football’s ultimate underdog story — proof that teamwork, structure, and faith can defy every odd.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Otto Rehhagel’s tactical philosophy and leadership
Greece’s journey from underdogs to champions
Key victories over Portugal, France, and the Czech Republic
The psychological and cultural impact of the triumph
Tactical analysis: set pieces, defensive structure, and man-marking
Opening match victory vs Portugal (2–1)
Quarter-final win over France (1–0)
Semi-final “silver goal” by Traianos Dellas vs Czech Republic
Final header by Angelos Charisteas to seal the title
Lifting the EURO 2004 trophy in Lisbon
Notable Manager
Otto Rehhagel
Notable Players
Angelos Charisteas, Theo Zagorakis, Traianos Dellas, Angelos Basinas, Giorgos Karagounis, Antonios Nikopolidis, Stelios Giannakopoulos, Kostas Katsouranis, Takis Fyssas, Michalis Kapsis
Style of Play
4-5-1, Defensive, Structured, Compact, Set-Piece Focused, Counter-Attacking
Greece’s 2004 triumph was a masterclass in tactical organisation and collective discipline. Under Otto Rehhagel, they deployed a compact 4-5-1, transforming defence into art and set pieces into weapons.
At its core was structure. The back line of Kapsis, Dellas, and Fyssas stayed tight and immovable, shielded by a hard-working midfield led by Basinas and Katsouranis. Captain Zagorakis provided leadership and calm, while wide players tracked back relentlessly, closing space and forcing opponents into frustration.
Going forward, Greece attacked with purpose, not volume. Their transitions were measured — often sparked by long diagonals or well-rehearsed dead balls. Charisteas embodied their efficiency: every run had intent, every touch was decisive.
Rehhagel’s Greece were not entertainers — they were executioners. Each player knew his role to perfection; emotion was channelled through precision. What made them great was not flair, but faith — in the plan, in the structure, and in each other.
Greece 2004 proved that beauty can exist in discipline. Their football wasn’t defensive negativity — it was tactical perfection, a chess match played with human willpower.
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