Contrary to the received wisdom, Germany were written off before Euro 2004 and a mediocre side, bar Michael Ballack, were not saved by efficiency, hard work or luck, the qualities usually associated with them.

The reliable cliche thus looked set to receive its long-overdue retirement but Greece's shock victory over France means that commentators will still be able to pull out the phrase with customary glee.

German coach Otto Rehhagel guided his Greek team past the favourites for Euro 2004 with a brilliant, organised, tight display that allowed the French barely a sniff at goal.

Angelos Charisteas' thumping headed goal was all Greece needed to win but they had the better of the other chances.

Fabien Barthez just saved a Demis Nikolaidis shot that bounced off the post and hovered over the line before the French goalkeeper was able to gratefully cling on.

Barthez was again called upon when Fissas' wicked-dipping volley threatened to creep under the bar.

Greece's defence – marshalled by former, and some might say failed, Sheffield United man - Traianos Dellas was again faultless, barely allowing Thierry Henry a chance.

The two headed chances the Arsenal striker did receive failed to hit the target and Greece goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis was able to watch them sail wide.

Injured Stelios Giannakopoulos has already paid tribute to the influence of Rehhagel and that was before their triumph over the French.

The Bolton midfielder had explained: "We Greeks are not disciplined, that is not in our nature, but Rehhagel has changed that.

"Mr Rehhagel has brought German discipline to the Greek character. It is a perfect mix."

The combination has worked perfectly for Greece against first Portugal and now of course France.

An expertly organised team gave little away to either side and when given the slightest chance of a goal they took it with ruthless efficiency.

Charisteas' brilliantly taken goals against Spain (a 1-1 draw) and France were proof of this.

But, Portugal apart, Greece were lucky to even be in the quarter-finals after being completely outplayed by Spain.

Against Russia they were at times embarrassingly poor and could easily have lost by more, a result which would have seen them eliminated.

But given the chance Rehhagel rallied his troops and they pulled off a masterclass in beating a team blessed with far greater talents than themselves.

France on the other hand slipped out of the tournament without even a poor pitch, refereeing error or penalty shoot-out to blame.

Their only possible excuse was the absence of Patrick Vieira, his replacement Olivier Dacourt did little and failed to live up to the abilities of the illustrious midfielder.

France's creativity was shorn by the constant attention that Greece gave Zidane, Pires, Henry and Trezeguet but this poor performance was typical of France's Euro 2004.

In the group stages they looked on edge and only beat England thanks to Zidane's brilliance with a dead-ball. Against Croatia their defence generously gave away two goals and another was casually conceded against Switzerland, a game they won 3-1.

Greece's goal again exposed the defence of Jacques Santini's team. Theo Zagorakis beat Bixente Lizarazu far too easily on the right and Charisteas headed home unchallenged.

Surely though with the talents France possess they could be expected to see off the Greeks, even if they conceded?

A clue to their quarter-final exit lay in their 1-0 win over Ukraine, their final warm-up match before Euro 2004.

Ukraine defended in numbers, gave the French little space to attack and spent 90 minutes frustrating them.

A late Zidane goal was eventually enough to earn France victory but Ukraine proved it was possible to stifle Santini's men.

Greece followed this formula perfectly and their extra quality up front ensured an unexpected triumph.

Rehhagel's men may have been lucky to be in the quarter-finals but their place in the last four is thoroughly deserved after this performance.