They stunned the big favorites of the Euro 2004, eliminating them one after another - Spain in the group stage, France in the quarter-final, the Czech Republic in the semis and the host country Portugal in the final match. Greece shocked offensive football fans across the continent by winning the European crown. Fortunate were those who bet on this underdog, whose record in international competitions barely even existed.

A solid team with a disconcerting style of play, the Greek squad adapts to its opponent’s game in order to break it up and clinch victory, usually 1-0. Even though the Greeks are ranked eighth, just after France, in FIFA’s list, one has to agree that Otto Rehhagel’s men lack aesthetical acumen. None of the team’s members play for a big European club. Resolute, united and very disciplined, they remain difficult to catch unawares. Four years after their triumph, they’re fielding almost the exact same players, led by the same coach - but this time round, it seems next to impossible that they will repeat history.

Greece made it through the Euro 2008 qualifying matches, suffering just one defeat at the hands of arch rivals Turkey. But their group – which featured none of Europe’s football giants – was undoubtedly one of the weakest. As fate has it, Greece will once again face Russia and Spain in its group (as in 2004), in addition to Sweden. This time, none of its opponents will be entitled to blame the surprise factor should Greece manage another upset.