Euro 2004 Day Eighteen

The July 4th final is set--as unbelievable as it sounds Greece will take on Portugal in an unprecedented rematch of the first game of the tournament.

In order to get to the final Greece had to get past the only true favorite team of the competition, the Czech Republic. Here's how it happened.

The match began with the Czechs going all-out for an early lead, and when Tom�s Rosicky volleyed a cross against the crossbar in the 3rd minute I felt sure Greece's underdog run would soon be over.

Fate smiled on the Greeks when the Czech's star midfielder Pavel Nedved went down with a knee injury in the first half. Nedved voiced his frustration, and eventually made his way to the bench.

Despite the loss of Nedved, the Czechs still dominated possession throughout the game but couldn't find the target, as star strikers Jan Koller and Milan Baros found themselves tightly marked and constantly fouled by the Greeks. Koller rues a missed shot and Baros burries wipes sweat and/or tears from his eyes.

Andrew commented on how negative the Greeks played, and I had to admit I was frustrated at their success in the tournament playing the type of football that I despise--not going for the win, playing incredibly defensive and waiting for just that one slip up in the opposing team's defense. I watched in shock as they defeated France and I just couldn't believe as the minutes advanced that the Czech's hadn't taken the lead. Dread was setting in and regular time ended with the score still nil-nil.

Finally the Greeks seemed to press forward with some consistent attacking play in the extra period, and just before the end of the first OT, they found their winner on this converted corner-kick header by Traianos Dellas. Reverse angle here.

Greece began their celebrations while the Czechs were distraught.

Photos:

1. Greece takes a bow.

2. Greece's German coach Otto Rehhagel is the man responsible for the ugly yet effective tactics.

3. I'm the annoying Greek man Georgios Karagounis who will miss the final after picking up two yellow cards in consecutive knockout matches.

4. Say goodbye to the most respected referee in the world Pierluigi Collina, who is forced to retire from international football due to age (45). However, he may end up overseeing EPL matches in the future. Or, at least that's what some people think.

5. Greek fan wants you to know she's totally wireless.

6. Meanwhile, Czech supporters are crying, deflated, and just not all that happy.

7. Another old fan photo I missed, this lady highlights one of the few attractive elements of the depressing performance by the Bulgarians.

8. On the flipside, the ladies might appreciate this link to Euro 2004 hunks.

9. Find out what Becks wears on his feet.

10. Finally, check out the amazing tee I sported today, courtesy of my awesome footy-mad mate JBA.

Ok, so who wants to celebrate the 4th of July with the Euro 2004 final?! Join me for the Portugal vs. Greece rematch this Sunday @ 11:30 AM. I'll bring the port.