France gets boot as upsets continue

LISBON -- Defending champion France was knocked out of the European Championship last night, losing, 1-0, to Greece in a quarterfinal that became the latest upset in a tournament filled with surprising results.

For the first time in the history of the quadrennial tournament, which began in 1960, Europe's five biggest soccer powers all failed to make the semifinals. Germany, Italy, and Spain were eliminated in the first round, and England lost its quarterfinal to Portugal Thursday.

Angelos Charisteas scored in the 66th minute on a header. Greek captain Theodoros Zagorakis chipped the ball over Bixente Lizarazu and sped down the field and crossed to Charisteas, who beat goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.

Thierry Henry almost tied the score with three minutes left, but his powerful header went wide.

France had been unbeaten in 22 consecutive games.

Playing in only its third major tournament and in the final four for the first time, Greece plays the winner of tomorrow's quarterfinal between the Czech Republic and Denmark, the 1992 champion. Portugal meets the winner of today's game between Sweden and the Netherlands, the 1988 winner. . . .
Italy and Spain removed their coaches after their unexpected first-round exits. Giovanni Trapattoni was replaced by Marcello Lippi as Italy's coach, and Inaki Saez resigned as Spain's coach. Germany's coach, Rudi Voeller, quit Thursday.