Teamwork the key to Greek success

Greece's stunning 1-0 win over France in the Euro 2004 quarter-finals prompted a flood of questions to the tournament surprise packages about the secret of their success.

With no outstanding individual players and a squad that cost less than half what Real Madrid paid for England captain David Beckham last year, coach Otto Rehhagel has no doubts about the most important factor behind his side's success.

"Nothing comes above the team, this is the first rule," Rehhagel said after the France match on Friday.

"The players have understood that to succeed you have to follow rules, you can't just do your own thing."

Rehhagel, who took charge of the side three years ago, has brought in young blood while keeping a core of experienced players.

That same group of players, however, failed to qualify for the last two World Cups and Euro 2000.

Now they are in their first major tournament semi-final following their eighth win in 10 competitive games. Greece have lost only three times, twice in friendlies and in their last Euro 2004 Group A match against Russia, in 22 matches.

"My boys have worked hard for the past three years and they have understood our strategy," Rehhagel said. "You have to run the tactics that you have agreed otherwise you cannot play your game."

His strategy worked perfectly against champions France, with a tight back line made up of four tall defenders and hungry midfielders who kept pressing deep inside the French half.

Rehhagel smiled when asked whether France had just had a bad day. "You only play as well as your opponents let you," he said.

Hodgson hails tactics of 'heroic' Greeks

Greece's tactical play has also earned glowing praise from UEFA technical delegate Roy Hodgson.

"It was a very good tactical display by the Greeks, very disciplined," said Hodgson.

"I thought they showed two vital qualities you seek in all teams, energy and enthusiasm.

"There was a magnificent header at the back post by Michalis Kapsis to prevent a goal," he added.

"There were many, many blocks, Traianos Dellas got his head to many balls that were flying into the penalty area.

"This is the stuff of which heroes are made and the Greek team were heroes."