Greece produced the biggest upset in European Championship history when they knocked out holders France with a 1-0 quarter-final victory on Friday.

Greece, among the rank outsiders when the tournament started, scored the only goal after 65 minutes when Angelos Haristeas rose unchallenged to power a header past French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez from six meters.

It was the third time in four matches that France had fallen behind but this time there was no way back.

Their dream of becoming the first team to retain the Henri Delaunay trophy is over and Greece will now face the Czech Republic or Denmark in the semi-finals.

It is the first time in its history the Greek national soccer team qualifies for the semi-finals in an international tournament.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou as well as other political party officials and members of the government congratulated in statements the national soccer team and its coach Otto Rehhagel.

Source: Athens News Agency

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