Gallery

Greece's German head coach Otto Rehhagel celebrates, 01 july 2004 at the Dragao stadium in Porto, at the end of the Euro 2004 semi final match between Greece and Czech at the European Nations championship in Portugal. Greece won the match 1 to 0 after the extra time. AFP PHOTO ADRIAN DENNIS

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel, his players and millions of fans around the globe burst into joy after qualifying for the Euro 2004 final. One of the greatest stories in recent footballing history is just one match from becoming legend.

Czech forward Jan Koller (R) and midfielder Tomas Rosicky look dejected, 01 july 2004 at the Dragao stadium in Porto, at the end of the Euro 2004 semi final match between Greece and Czech at the European Nations championship in Portugal. Greece won the match 1 to 0 after the extra time. AFP PHOTO MLADEN ANTONOV

The shock of semi-final defeat was sharp for Czech players Jan Koller and Tomas Rosicky as the team and fans came to grips with their shock 1-0 defeat against Greece. Hotly tipped as favourites, they came back to earth with a shuddering bump.

Two Greek supporters pose, 01 July 2004 at Dragao stadium in Porto, before the beginning of the Euro 2004 semi-final football match between Greece and Czech Republic at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO JAVIER SORIANO

Smiles all around for Greek fans after they overcame massive odds to reach the final of Euro 2004. The 150-1 outsiders are now in the final where they take on hosts Portugal on Sunday.

A Czech supporter looks dejected, 01 july 2004 at the Dragao stadium in Porto, at the end of the Euro 2004 semi final match between Greece and Czech at the European Nations championship in Portugal. Greece won the match 1 to 0 after the extra time. AFP PHOTO JOE KLAMAR

With the euphoria of victory comes the agony of defeat as Czech fans faced up to reality on Thursday when they lost 1-0 to the all-conquering Greek team.

Greek midfielder Theodoros Zagorakis (L) vies with Czech midfielder Tomas Galasek, 01 July 2004 at Dragao stadium in Porto, during the Euro 2004 semi final match between Greece and Czech Republic at the European Nations championship in Portugual. AFP PHOTO Vincenzo PINTO

The battle for every ball during Thursday's semi-final was fierce as Greece eventually came out on top against the Czech Republic to move within one match of a momumental footballing achievement. They now play Portugal in the final on Sunday.

Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky (L) vies with Greek forward Zisis Vryzas, 01 july 2004 at the Do Dragao in Porto, during the Euro 2004 semi final match between Greece and Czech at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Mladen ANTONOV

Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky used every trick in his bag on Thursday but to no avail as Greece pulled off a massive upset to reach the final. Here Zisis Vryzas squares off with the Borussia Dortmand player for possession.

Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved (L) leaves the field after an injury next to his coach Karel Bruckner, 01 July 2004 at Dragao stadium in Porto during the Euro 2004 semi final football match between Greece and Czech Republic at the European Championship in Portugual. AFP PHOTO ARIS MESSINIS

Czech Republic hopes took a massive blow when Pavel Nedved limped out of the semi-final towards the end of the first half. Coach Karel Bruckner shows his concern and after the defeat of his team to Greece says he is uncertain of his future at the Czech helm.

Portuguese fans celebrate, 30 June 2004 outside the Estadio Jose de Alvalade in Lisbon after the European Nations championship semi-final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands. Portugal won 2-1.

Parties have been raging across Portugal and other parts of Europe since the 3-week tournament got under way on June 12. Portuguese fans have had their fair share of good times riding a wave of enthusiasm all the way to the final. What will happen if they beat Greece on Sunday?

Portuguese coach Luiz Felipe Scolari waves to fans, 30 June 2004 at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon prior to the Euro 2004 semi-final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Francois GUILLOT

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is now a hero for ever after guiding the team to their first ever major final. The Brazilian is seeking a unique double trying to win the European title after lifting the World Cup in 2002 with Brazil.

Dutch supporters look dejected, 30 June 2004 at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, at the end of the Euro 2004 semi final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal. Portugal won the match 2 to 1 and will play the final game of the competition. AFP PHOTO FRANCK FIFE

The Netherlands bounced back from a slow start at Euro 2004 to reach the semi-finals. As their hopes grew with every match, they began to entertain visions of victory. Portugal put an end to that with a deserved 2-1 semi-final win.

Dutch forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy (front) tries to get past Portuguese defender Jorge Andrade, 30 June 2004 at the Estadio Jose de Alvalade in Lisbon, during their European Nations championship semi-final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands. AFP PHOTO Vincenzo PINTO

Despite his skills as one of the best goalscorers in world football, Ruud van Nistelrooy of the Netherlands could not inspire his team to semi-final victory against Portugal. The hosts can pick up their first title by beating stubborn Greece in Sunday's final.

Portuguese forward Luis Figo (R) vies with Dutch defender Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (L), 30 June 2004 at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, during the Euro 2004 semi final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Javier SORIANO

Despite criticism early in the tournament, Portugal skipper Luis Figo performed when it mattered with a man-of-the-match showing against the Netherlands in the semi-final. He can solidify his legendary status in his homeland if the hosts can master Greece in Sunday's final.