Greece Looks for Big Finish
For Greece, this could be the last dazzling step in a remarkable journey. For Portugal, this could be the ultimate payback.
The European Championship, in the unlikeliest of pairings, ends today at the Stadium of Light, with host Portugal looking to make up for its opening loss to Greece and win its first major title.
The Greeks, who until this event had never won a game at the Euros or World Cup, beat Portugal, 2-1, three weeks ago in the biggest opening-game upset in the tournament’s 44-year history. Now the outcome doesn’t look so embarrassing.
Greece, coached by Otto Rehhagel of Germany and a 100-1 longshot at the start, went on to tie Spain, beat defending champion France in the quarterfinals and beat the undefeated Czech Republic in the semifinals.
Portugal wants to wipe away memories of its opening defeat and impose itself on a Greek team relying on strong defense and teamwork.
“We’re working on correcting what went wrong last time,” said Portugal midfielder Nuno Maniche, who scored on a 22-yard shot in the 2-1 semifinal victory over the Netherlands. “We’ll need to be patient and disciplined. They close down well, they’re very organized.”
The Greeks insist they have become stronger as the tournament has progressed.
“The first match is over, it doesn’t mean a thing,” said Greek defender Traianos Dellas, who scored seconds from the end of overtime in the semifinal against the Czech Republic.
“A lot of things are changed in the middle and we will have to face a completely different Portugal, stronger. But they will also find Greece, with a great soul, even better than in the opening match.”
Portugal Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari guided Brazil to its fifth World Cup two years ago. The Brazilian can become the first coach to win the World Cup and European Championship with different teams.
But he must find a way to unravel a Greek defense that has proved unshakable. Dellas and Georgios “Giourkas” Seitaridis have been the stars of a well-organized back four. Missing the final will be Georgios Karagounis, who received a yellow card in every game he played and will serve his second suspension of the tournament.
The Greeks must try to stifle Portugal’s attack, probably by putting two defenders on Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo whenever they have the ball. Greece may crowd the midfield to make sure Deco and Maniche have little room to work.
“Winning on Sunday would be the crowning moment of a fantastic season,” said Maniche, who plays for an FC Porto team that won the European Champions League last spring. “I’m really fired up to play and get a trophy for Portugal.”
