The revelation was made by the former head of the Portuguese police
A very serious revelation was made by the former head of the Portuguese police, Carlos Anzos, who stated that a terrorist attack was planned in the premiere of Euro 2004. We remind you that in that first match, Greece faced the "host" Portugal.
It was July 12, 2004 when our national team made its first victory and beat Portugal 2-1. This was the beginning of the dreamy path of Otto Rehhagel's team to the top.
As revealed after 14,5 years by the former head of the Portuguese police, Carlos Anzos, terrorists intended to hit the organization and specifically the premiere of Euro 2004 at the "Dragao" stadium.
According to what he revealed, terrorists had settled in Braga (neighboring city) and were planning to strike at the start of the European Championship. The Portuguese authorities prevented this "hit" by making arrests.
"Terrorists had settled in Braga to prepare for an attack on Porto at the start of Euro 2004. We do not know if it would have been at the opening ceremony or at the match in Dragao. We received the information three months before Euro 2004. We decide to arrest them. And we did well.
The main suspect was Mohamed Bougeri, a hardline Muslim with a Dutch and Moroccan passport. He was convicted and extradited outside Portugal. "After seven months, he assassinated the Dutch director, Theo van Gogh," said Carlos Anzos.