Greek coach Otto Rehhagel praised his side after they overcame holders France to earn a place in the last four of Euro 2004.

“This story will go around the world,” said Rehhagel.

“I want to congratulate my players for this unbelievable victory which was delivered with passion.

“They kept with the strategy that we had agreed and we won this game. Now we must regroup and are looking forward to the next game with great joy.”

Greece’s goalscorer Angelos Charisteas was understandably elated after his side’s shock victory over France.

“This is the greatest moment in Greek football,” Charisteas said.

“We put in a great effort against a great team.

“We proved, particularly to those that have come from Greece to watch us, that it was because of our effort that we’re here and not because of luck.

“Now that we have reached this point, everything is possible.”