Katidis lifts Greece into last four at Portugal's expense

Greece emerged triumphant from a thrilling encounter with Portugal to claim second place in Group A, captain Giorgos Katidis leading from the front with two goals as both teams ended with ten men.

Kostas Tsanas' side needed all three points in Haapsalu – against opponents who started the day top of the section – to make sure of a semi-final place, and took a first-half lead through Giannis Gianniotas. André Gomes replied instantly, but the dismissal of Daniel Martins shortly before half-time tipped the match Greece's way. Katidis struck either side of the interval and, though Charis Mavrias was sent off, Betinho's added-time strike came too late to prevent their progress.

Both teams had already threatened, Ivan Cavaleiro going close for Portugal and Panagiotis Ballas going close for Greece, before the opening goal arrived in the 18th minute. It was a fine individual effort from Gianniotas, who dribbled past Tiago Ilori and fired a left-footed shot beyond Rafael Veloso.

The celebrations lasted barely 60 seconds. Gomes collected the ball outside the box, beat three defenders and levelled with a powerful shot from the penalty spot.

Eight minutes before half-time, Portugal were reduced to ten men after Martins was shown a straight red card for violent conduct. Greece sensed their opportunity, Veloso at full stretch to save a Kostas Stafylidis free-kick and Dimitris Diamantakos directing the rebound just wide. In the 42nd minute the pressure paid off, Katidis restoring Greece's lead with a close-range finish from Mavrias' fine left-wing cross.

Greece continued to enjoy the upper hand as the second half unfolded, Diamantakos hitting the crossbar with a fine effort. In the 69th minute their numerical superiority told again, Gianniotas breaking free of João Cancelo on the right and providing a pinpoint cross for Katidis to head his second of the afternoon.

Although Mavrias collected a second yellow card in the 76th minute Greece continued to look the likelier scorers, substitutes Tasos Bakasetas and Antreas Bouchalakis going close in the last five minutes. In fact it was Portugal, through their own replacement Betinho, who had the final word but it is Greece who advance to play Group B winners England in the last four on Thursday.