Greece KO's France at championships

LISBON, Portugal — Defending champion France was knocked out of the European Championship on Friday 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 on 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. The bewildered French players slumped to the ground in disbelief after the final whistle, while the jubilant Greeks rushed toward their fans, linking arms and jumping up and down in celebration.

Playing in only its third major tournament and in the final four for the first time, Greece plays the winner of Sunday's quarterfinal between the Czech Republic and Denmark, the 1992 champion. Portugal meets the winner of Saturday's game between Sweden and the Netherlands, the 1988 winner.

• Italy and Spain removed their coaches after surprising first-round exits. Giovanni Trapattoni was replaced by Marcello Lippi as Italy's coach, and Inaki Saez resigned as Spain's coach. Germany's Rudi Voeller quit on Thursday.

• David Beckham defended his role as England's captain, a day after he missed the first penalty kick of a shootout and his team was ousted by Portugal. "I will not be resigning my position. I am proud to be England captain," he said. He also blamed the condition of the field for the wild kick. European soccer's governing body called the fields at Euro 2004 "outstanding."