Czech Republic suffered a tragic 1-0 loss to the determined Greece in the Thursday's semifinal of the European soccer championship, as defender Traianos Dellas headed a dramatic winner in the dying seconds of the first period of extra time.

Greece to meet host Portugal againl in Euro 2004

The Czechs had no chance to respond as underdogs Greece cruised into the final on the silver goal rule when second-half substitute Vasilios Tsiartas' corner-kick was glanced home with Dellas' header on 105 minutes.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel remained faithful to the tactics which made his side, who had previously never won a game at an international tournament, into the final.

"The fairy tale continues, it's unbelievable what they did," said the German. "It's a true miracle. The Czechs were technically better but the passion and the will was on our side.

Greece enter final in Euro 2004

"We had nothing to lose, we could risk everything. We could play for all or nothing. We worked hard for this for three years, step by step," added Rehhagel.

The match could be on Czech's side in the 80th minute as a fantastic burst of pace put Tomas Rosicky into the box and Jan Koller was found one-one in front of Greek goalkeeper Nikopolidic with a best chance of the night, but the big forward failed to convert it with inch-wide shot.

The Czech may pin their defeat on the loss of skipper Pavel Nedved, who sustained an injury in a collision with Greek defender Traianos Dellas in the first half.

Greece enter final in Euro 2004

The Czech playmaker was stretched off and then tearfully substituted in the 39th minute by Vladimir Smicer.

Actually the Czech eleven started the match in a fashion way as they came close to score in the third minute when Tomas Rosikey's fantastic volley hitting the bar.

But after a shaky opening, the Greeks found their feet, defending stoutly and forced the champion favorites Czech into the extra time.

Under Greek's solid defense, Czech prolific strike Milan Baros failed to score during the whole match, although he had a chance to add to his goal tally when he was found in front in the 84th minute but the Greek defense got back well to put pressure on the Liverpool forward and he fired wide.

Czech coach Karel Bruckner refused to blame his players after match.

"We are disappointed with the result but that's all," Bruckner said. "But I have told the boys that I am proud of every one of them.

Bruckner said the manner of Greece's goal came as a surprise. He said: "In three years as coach and 30 matches we have conceded a goal from a corner for the first time and in the very last seconds.

"It proves that the last minute is always a dangerous time," added he.

With the victory Greece found themselves in a major tournament final for first time as they play the hosts Portugal in Lisbon on Sunday for the final champion.

Greeks celebrate historic victory

Waving Greek flags and honking car horns, jubilant fans poured into the streets early Friday to celebrate the national team's run to the final of soccer's European Championship.

After defeating defending champion France in the quarterfinal, the Greek team Thursday beat favorite Czech Republic 1-0 in extratime.

Tens of thousands of fans gathered in Athens' Omonia Square within minutes from the final whistle, waving Greek flags and singing the national anthem. Some fired flares and fireworks in the air. Some young couples kissed and embraced.

"I didn't expect our team to go so far," said a fan who painted his face and hair blue, one of the national colors.

"But now I think we can win the cup," he added.

"I feel very proud of being a Greek. It's a remarkable victory to our country," said Apostolopoulou Constantina.

Greek Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis sent a letter of congratulation to the national team and its German coach Otto Rehhagel.

"Our team, the team of all Greeks, today make the dream come true. It showed that where there is faith, method and collective effort, everything is feasible," said Caramanlis.

Celebrations lasted till late into night.