Thursday July 1st

Greece March On To Final

A silver-goal by Dellas sent Greece to the final of Euro 2004. The Czechs, who were favorites to win the match, dominated the first half. Rosicky struck the bar as early as the 3rd minute, and 3 minutes later Jankulovski tested the Greek keeper with a powerful shot, but Nikopolidis stood his ground. The same 2 were involved again in the 33rd minute, this time Nikopolidis getting down to send Jakulovski's shot out for a corner. Jakunovski's optimistic shot in the 44th minute went over the bar. A one-two between Koller and Rosincky in the 80th minute presented Koller with a good opportunity to score, but his shot went wide. With no goals in normal time, extra time was played and the Greeks suddenly came to life. In the 4th minute of extra time Cech came out to block a header by Giannokopoulos, and had to save a header by Dellas a minute later. In the 13th minute another header by Dellas was too close to trouble the keeper, but in the last seconds of the first half of extra time, a corner was delivered close the Czech goal and Dellas beat off his marker to head in the winner. According to the silver-goal rules, if a team are leading after the first 15 minutes of extra time, they will be declared winners. Greece will now play hosts Portugal in the Final on Sunday.