Greece’s amazing Euro 2004 success has united the nation in its determination to stage the world’s greatest-ever Olympic Games.

The Portuguese press reacted with a mixture of sadness and pride at the host nation’s 1-0 defeat by Greece in last night’s Euro 2004 final.

One of the issues raised by Greece’s unexpected victory in Euro 2004 is how to reward the players for the amazing odyssey that took them further in the tournament than anyone had expected.

Greece's predecessors as European champions.

Luis Figo has insisted he will take his time before deciding whether to retire from international football.

So miracles do happen, after all. The year of the underdog was taken to an incredible extreme as Greece completed one of the biggest upsets in international football to lift the Euro 2004 trophy.

Marcel Desailly has announced his retirement from international football after a record 116 appearances for France.

Euro 2004 final referee Markus Merk angrily rejected claims that his 30-year acquaintance with Greece coach Otto Rehhagel could be considered by some as a conflict of interests ahead of Greece’s final showdown with Portugal at the Estadio da Luz tomorrow.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel moved to increase the pressure on hosts Portugal ahead of the Euro 2004 final by revelling in his team’s status as underdogs.

After Portugal’s victory in the semi-finals the common consensus among Lisbon folk was that the city had not seen such a frenzied outpouring of celebration for 30 years.

Felipe Scolari is ready for “the most important game in his life” in tomorrow’s Euro 2004 final against Greece.

Former Germany and Tottenham striker Jurgen Klinsmann believes Wayne Rooney will have to dig deep to cope with his new status as a superstar.

Former Real Madrid boss Carlos Queiroz lashes David Beckham for blaming his Real training for his poor performances.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been given a two-match Holland ban by UEFA’s disciplinary committee for insulting behaviour towards referee Anders Frisk.

A brave nine-year-old Irish boy, picked to take part in the final ceremony of Euro 2004, is due to undergo pioneering surgery in less than a fortnight, it emerged today.

Portugal defender Jorge Andrade will be available for Sunday’s Euro 2004 final against Greece in Lisbon.

Czech Republic striker Milan Baros wants first-team football at Liverpool next season – or he may move on.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel insisted Portugal should have no concerns that his German compatriot Markus Merk, a friend since his teenage years, is refereeing the Euro 2004 final.

Czech Republic striker Milan Baros admitted last night that he was in no mood to savour his probable coronation as Euro 2004 top scorer as the Czechs were beaten by Greece in a sensational semi-final at the Estadio do Dragao.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side may be out of Euro 2004 but there is still one table at the tournament he tops.

Greece midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos admitted the 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in the Euro 2004 semi-final felt like a “dream”.

Greece 1 Czech Republic 0 (After extra time)

Greece 1 Czech Republic 0 (After extra time)

The second semi-final of Euro 2004 between Greece and the Czech Republic has ended in a scoreless draw in normal time.

Greece 0 Czech Republic 0

Striker Zisis Vryzas returned from suspension to bolster Greece’s starting line-up for the Euro 2004 semi-final with the Czech Republic at the Estadio do Dragao.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was today been charged by UEFA for insulting Swedish referee Anders Frisk after Holland’s defeat in last night’s Euro 2004 semi-final defeat to Portugal.

Spain have today named Real Mallorca boss Luis Aragones as their new coach following the sacking of Inaki Saez last month.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was today been charged by UEFA for insulting Swedish referee Anders Frisk after Holland’s defeat in last night’s Euro 2004 semi-final defeat to Portugal.

UEFA has charged Holland striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with insulting behaviour.

Tottenham are emerging as favourites to sign Holland midfielder Edgar Davids.

Former England manager Bobby Robson has criticised Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo for play-acting in his side’s 2-1 win over Holland in the Euro 2004 semi-final last night.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel revealed he is a big fan of Czech Republic counterpart Karel Bruckner as his side prepares to tackle the new tournament favourites in tonight’s semi-final at the Estadio do Dragao.

Marek Jankulovski insists he will not shrink from the battle when he and his Czech team-mates face Greece in tonight’s Euro 2004 semi-final – even though a yellow card would rule him out of Sunday’s decider.

Star midfielder Maniche was overcome with joy as his wonder goal flew in for Portugal and propelled them to victory over Holland.

The latest news from Portugal…

So much for the training regime at Real Madrid. Where David Beckham faltered, Luis Figo shrugged off any concerns over his own lack of impact to inspire Portugal into their first major final.

Portugal made it into the final of a major tournament for the first time in their history after beating Holland 2-1 in the Euro 2004 semi-final in Lisbon.

Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner insisted he has not been surprised by the performance of Euro 2004’s leading goalscorer Milan Baros as he prepares his troops for tomorrow’s semi-final with Greece at the Estadio do Dragao.

UEFA chiefs today admitted that the performance of the ‘Big Five’ countries in Euro 2004 may have been adversely affected by the number of foreign players in their top leagues.

Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner will draft Zdenek Grygera back into his starting line-up for the Euro 2004 semi-final with Greece at right-back in place of Martin Jiranek who had a groin strain in the 3-0 quarter-final victory over Denmark.

Zisis Vryzas is expected to return to the Greece attack alongside Angelos Charisteas up front for tomorrow’s Euro 2004 semi-final with the Czech Republic at the Estadio do Dragao.

Liverpool have sent a good-luck message to striker Milan Baros ahead of the Czech Republic’s Euro 2004 semi-final against Greece tomorrow.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Euro 2004 may be out of Euro 2004 but there is still one table at the tournament he still tops.