"THE STAGE IS SET IN LISBON"



The Stage is set for Europe's best! In tonight's final, we may be missing some of the remarkable names in European football, but two of the best teams and two of the best coaches will battle head to head in the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal to determine which country will wear the European crown for the next four years.

It has been a tournament of surprises, of wonderful goals, the odd controversy and glorious celebration: courtesy of the Portuguese and the Greeks, the partying has spread far beyond the continent's boundaries. The only pity is that supporters of these two fanatical footballing nations will not be able to celebrate together after the final as someone has to lose, penalties or not.

Greece:
After years of under achievment, Greece stands in a new light as they already gone beyond their wildest fantasy merly by reaching the final. Their players, since many of whom failed to reach first-team places in their clubs, found a new revelation called "Team work" and thankfully because of this, they stand where they are today.

Greece's probable first 11: Nikopolidis; Seitaridis, Dellas, Kapsis, Fyssas; Katsouranis, Giannakopoulos, Zagorakis, Basinas; Charisteas, Vryzas

Portugal
This will be Luiz Felipe Scolari's finest hour as the whole country of Portugal's hopes of winnng rests in his hands. Portugal, too, are anxious to herald a new dawn but victory is needed to ensure that the purpose and direction the Brazilian Scolari has added to their innate talent are not questioned again. They have not lost a match in the capital since 1987, a run of 30 games, and with a settled side they are entitled to be confident.

Portugal's probable first 11: Ricardo; Miguel, Ricardo Carvalho, Jorge Andrade, Nuno Valente; Costinha; Luís Figo, Deco, Maniche, Ronaldo; Pauleta.

Information c/o: Uefa.com