Two of the smallest countries from the extreme corners of Europe showed the supposed ‘big boys’ how to play football with the heart and soul that has traditionally allowed the sport to capture the imagination of nations. The Greek victory was so unexpected that fictitious bonuses agreed at the outset became a reality and threatened to bankrupt the Greek FA, forcing the government to step in and assume the financial burden. The hosts Portugal bared their footballing soul for all the world to see and lived the dream to the end. Never has a championship been so emotional, evocative or smoothly run. Hooliganism was never really a factor, nor was terrorism.
Parabéns Portugal!
