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.

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.

The latest news from Portugal…

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.

Greece striker Demis Nikolaidis believes the Euro 2004 surprise packages will seize their “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity and claim a place in the final by beating the Czech Republic tomorrow.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel is boosted ahead of the Euro 2004 semi-final with the Czech Republic by the return of Zisis Vryzas after he missed the quarter-final win over France through suspension.

France 0-1 Greece

Russia 2 Greece 1

Greece survived conceding the fastest ever goal in European Championships history to edge into the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 by the skin of their teeth.

Greece 1 Spain 1

Greece’s players believe their German coach Otto Rehhagel has given them the fighting spirit they need to become a respected side on the international scene.

Greece are fully prepared to poop the party tomorrow when they provide the opposition to host nation Portugal in the opening match of Euro 2004.

PSV Eindhoven’s false start to their European season does not necessarily mean they cannot make a sprint finish.

Ireland and Greece drew 0-0 in their friendly international in Athens.