Greece is the new European Football Champion after defeating host Portugal in a dramatic game in Lisbon.

Greece pulled off arguably the biggest shock at a major football championship as a goal by Angelos Charisteas gave them victory at EURO 2004.

Having begun the tournament as 80-1 outsiders, the achievement of Otto Rehhagel's team of European journeymen is hard to put into perspective, but once again the belief they have shown in themselves throughout this amazing adventure was too strong for their opponents.

Portugal thus became the first host nation to lose a UEFA European Championship final and they will have to wait at least another two years to claim their first senior title.

Perhaps contrary to some expectations, the game was an attractive spectacle from the start, with both sides playing fluently. Although the first half ended goalless, Charisteas took the chance in the 57th minute and put the ball into the Portuguese net for 1-0.

After the goal the Portuguese attacks towards the Greek net were intercepted in the 85th minute when a fan ran onto the pitch brandishing a Barcelona flag, which he threw into the direction of Figo once of the Catalan club. The fans then launched himself into the Portugal goal, crashing into the net to cause a big delay.

The European title is the first major tournament win for Bulgaria's southern neighbour.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!