[Euro 2004] Greece 1–0 Czech Republic: Silver Goal Glory | Player Ratings

 

Not one of the most spectacular matches in terms of quality, aside from a few flashes of Czech creativity. The rhythm was rather monotonous with plenty of fouls. The real intrigue was that the game was decided by the silver goal rule.

 

 

 

GREECE [5-3-2] 

Rehhagel 8: Once again set up his team with an outstanding defensive plan. Luck was on his side in the few Czech chances, but his golden substitution – bringing on Tsiartas – proved decisive. Greece were in the final!

Nikopolidis 7: Probably his best performance up to that point in the tournament. Produced two key saves against Jankulovski, though questionable in an aerial ball around the 59th. In extra time he also parried a Baroš volley, even if the play had already been whistled for a foul.

Dellas 9: Didn’t have much to do thanks to Kapsis, but when called upon he stood tall. Looked shaky once or twice – like on Koller’s header in the 80th or when a mistake of his led to another chance – but his golden goal header makes his rating inevitable. He had even warned the Czechs a bit earlier.

Seitaridis 7: Mostly acting as a third center-back, he supported the defensive line excellently. Won several battles and even had a forward run that earned a yellow card.

Kapsis 8: The man who did most of the “dirty work” for Greece, as the Czech game revolved around the towering Koller. Took on the task of marking him directly and responded brilliantly with smart positioning and timely interventions.

Katsouranis 7: One of his most complete games in the tournament. Patrolled the right flank tirelessly in his wing-back role. In the 33rd minute, though he lost the duel, he ended up colliding with Nedved, forcing the Czech captain out injured – a turning point in the match, even if unintentional.

Fyssas 7: Another strong performance on the left, full of energy and important touches. Reliable and committed throughout.

Basinas 7: A key presence in midfield during his time on the pitch. Worked hard, was sharp in possession, and contributed both defensively and in ball circulation.

Zagorakis 7: Another very solid display. Covered ground tirelessly, helped maintain possession when possible, and offered his trademark leadership on the field.

Karagounis 7: In the first half he looked like Greece’s most visible player. Gradually tired, committed fouls, and was eventually booked – which cost him a place in the final due to suspension.

Charisteas 7: Once again decisive, even if his impact was mostly felt in extra time. Created consecutive chances for Giannakopoulos and it was his relentless pressure that won the corner leading to Dellas’ golden goal.

Vryzas 7: A positive performance overall. Didn’t shine as much as others but fulfilled his duties and produced a solid header on target.

Substitutes

Giannakopoulos 6: Brought fresh energy into the team. Made his presence felt in the box during extra time, but was denied first by Cech and then by Bolf.

Tsiartas 8: Just like against Spain, it was his magical left foot that rescued Greece. Delivered the decisive corner for Dellas’ winner. The ultimate X-factor of this run despite limited playing time.

 

 

CZECH REPUBLIC [4-4-2]

Brückner 6: His team entered the tournament as one of the dark horses with a very strong generation, but they ran into Greece’s destiny and their dreams of something bigger came to an end.

 

 

 

Čech 6: Had little trouble in the first half and dealt well with the shots that came his way. His best moment came in the 94th minute when he denied Giannakopoulos in a one-on-one. Still, at the decisive moment he was left helpless from close range.

Bolf 6: His rating is affected by the goal, as he failed to challenge Dellas. Otherwise, he cleared his lines well and had a solid game.

Ujfaluši 6: Statistically dominant in clearances, though Greece didn’t apply heavy pressure. At fault for conceding the corner that led to the goal, as he could have done better. Also lost track of Giannakopoulos in stoppage time.

Grygera 6: Perhaps the most anonymous performance of the backline. Held his ground, wasn’t exposed, but contributed little else.

Jankulovski 7: One of the standout players for the Czechs. Forced Nikopolidis into two strong saves in the first half and delivered several dangerous crosses. In the second half, his best moment was a ball towards Koller, cleared just in time by Kapsis.

Galásek 6: Played with bite and discipline, kept his area tidy, but lacked influence. Would have earned more had the result gone in his team’s favor.

Poborský 6: Used his experience to try to spark attacks and had a few quality touches, but he couldn’t change the course of the game.

Nedvěd 6: His tournament ended in cruel fashion after the clash with Katsouranis forced him off. Until then, he had shown flashes of influence, but his absence proved a huge blow to the Czechs.

Rosický 7: Very active throughout. Rattled the crossbar early with a stunning volley and was at the heart of most creative moments. In the 80th minute, he created Koller’s biggest chance.

Baroš 6: Among the most energetic in attack, chased every ball and constantly tried to find space. At the 84th minute, Zagorakis intervened at the last second to deny him a clear strike.

Koller 6: The focal point of the Czech offense. However, he was surprisingly contained by the shorter Kapsis, who marked him superbly. Had his golden chance in the 80th minute but finished poorly. The image of him crying against the post after Dellas’ goal became symbolic.

Subs 

Šmicer 6: Came on for the injured Nedvěd. Tried to inject energy but couldn’t make a decisive impact.