Greeks celebrate victory

Athens:

Thousands of jubilant fans waving Greek flags and honking car horns poured into the streets to celebrate the national team's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the final of soccer's European championship. The centre of Athens turned into a sea of blue and white flags as Greeks filled the streets to celebrate their side's historic win. Thousands of fans had watched the final against host nation Portugal in Lisbon on a giant screen in Athens' main square. Boundless joy On the final whistle, the crowd erupted into a cacophony of sound cheers, tears, whistles and chants. "No one can believe what happened tonight. For years to come we will believe what happened tonight," said an excited fan. "We are the best, nothing can compare to this, nothing at all, Greece I adore you," said another fan. Celebrations galore Lisbon had been turned into a sea of red and green ahead of the final but that all changed once the final whistle went. As the fireworks display from the stadium lit up the Lisbon night sky, Greek fans began to celebrate the biggest sporting achievement for them. The celebrations were not just confined to Athens and Lisbon. In far off Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, a group of Greek orthodox priest had their own little piece of celebration. They cheered, waved Greek flags and poured champagne as Greece lifted the 2004 European Championships.