Greece captain Theo Zagorakis, the former Leicester City midfielder, revealed
his immense pride at having led the Euro 2004 underdogs to a shock final victory
against hosts Portugal.
Zagorakis declared that the heart and soul which had carried his side, who
were 80-1 pre-tournament outsiders, to success were the "greatest gifts that
God ever gave us".
Having defended for all their worth against a Portugal side devoid of
inspiration, Greece completed one of the competition's greatest ever shocks as
Angelos Charisteas headed the winner from their only corner.
The striker, who is not even a regular at Werder Bremen, was just another
example of a supposed journeyman professional turned into a match-winner by
German coach Otto Rehhagel.
Zagorakis, meanwhile, who made just 45 starts in two-and-a-half years with
Leicester, was released on a free transfer to AEK Athens in June 2000.
However, on the day that he equalled the record as his country's most capped
player, the 32-year-old midfielder held aloft the European Championships trophy
after their 1-0 victory.
Zagorakis, voted the man-of-the-match - just as he was in Greece's opening
game victory against the home nation - declared: "My mind was completely blank,
the only thing that I wanted to do was to lift the cup.
"In fact, I have no words to describe how I feel right now.
"We have just proved once again that the Greek soul is, and always will be,
our strength. It is the greatest gift that God ever gave us."
Greece had not previously won a game at a major tournament before their 2-1
win against Portugal in the opening match set them on an amazing path to
success, via further victories against France and the Czech Republic.
"Just getting to the finals was already a great achievement. What we have
done here in Portugal was even greater," added Zagorakis.
"You can't imagine what is going on in the dressing-room, with all the joy in
there. Of course, we dedicate this cup to Greek people all over the world.
"I think we have given then something more than joy. We have given them a
great pride, which they will be able to carry with them for the rest of their
lives."
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