Lisbon: Greece has created one of the biggest shocks in the history of the European Championships by dumping defending champions France out of the tournament.

A 65th-minute header by Werder Bremen striker Angelos Charisteas was enough to give Otto Rehhagel's tightly-organised side a 1-0 win, sending them into a meeting with either the Czech Republic or Denmark in their first ever appearance in the semi-finals of a major tournament.

The demise of Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Co. will be regretted by most neutrals. But Jacques Santini's side had only themselves to blame after another listless display resulted in them joining England, Spain, Italy and Germany on the Euro 2004 scrap heap.

France coach Jacques Santini said he was sad that he hadn't bowed out by defending the title successfully.

"It is a big disappointment because the adventure has come to an end when we could have hoped to go all the way," said the 52-year-old, who is due to coach Spurs for the forthcoming season.