It was a less than impressive beginning to the European Championship. There’s nothing wrong with an upset, but such a match generally boils down to the more talented side taking a flyer on the day. Portugal can atleast consider itself a generous host for handing Greece a shocking victory over the greatly heralded team in red and green.

Greece were hardly an overwhelming attacking force, but they exploited their few opportunities with perfect sharpness. Barely 7 minutes after the opening ceremony, Greek midfielder Giorgios Karagounis exploited a turnover in the Portuguese half and quickly fired a long shot into the host team’s net.

Portugal, on the other hand, played much of the game as if in a fog. At times, Figo and company would flash a glimpse of their skill, but the Portuguese footballers played flatter than decade old cola for the majority of the match.

Uninspired and disappointing, the humbling adjectives that appropriately describe Portugal’s tepid opening play are numerous. Once referred to fondly as the “Brazilians of Europe”, Portugal’s incisive throughballs into the area and characteristic movements off the ball were non-existent even before Cristiano Ronaldo surrendered a penalty in the second half. The subsequent 51st minute spot kick that Basinas slotted into the top-right of Riccardo’s net ruined Portugal’s hopes for an opening-day triumph. Ronaldo managed a late-header in extra-time, but the workmanlike Greek defence had completely smothered the vaunted Portuguese attack for nearly the entire match.

Greece are now likely to expect atleast a second place slot in Group A, needing a win and a draw from their upcoming matches against Russia and Spain. It’s a completely different story for Portugal who will likely need to beat Spain and Russia in addition to coping with the resounding dissapointment of losing on home soil.

Let’s hope that the rest of Euro 2004 is much more exciting.