Greek soccer breathed a sigh of relief on Monday following national coach Otto Rehhagel's decision to turn down Germany and stay in charge until 2006.

• Images: Euro 2004 final - Greece vs Portugal

The 65-year-old had been touted as a replacement for Rudi Voeller in his native Germany, but has decided to guide his newly-crowned European champions through to the next World Cup.

Also Read Greece win Euro 2004 Hail 'King Otto'

Rehhagel, dubbed "King Otto" in Greece, became a national hero by masterminding Greece's stunning Euro 2004 victory in Portugal -- one of the biggest upsets in football history.

His loyalty to the European champions was saluted by the Greek players.

"It's extremely important that our coach has decided to stay, it gives the national team the stability it needs," said inspirational central defender Traianos Dellas.

Midfielder Costas Katsouranis said: "We feel that we are continuing as a family," while Bolton Wanderers winger Stelios Giannakopoulos added: "He's our guy and he showed that he loves and believes in this team."

Franz Beckenbauer, who heads a commission at the German Football Association (DFB) charged with replacing Voeller, admitted on Saturday that he had failed to convince Rehhagel to take charge of the national team.

"I was surprised. I was expecting to discuss the details of the contract. I think emotional reasons prevailed for Rehhagel," said Beckenbauer on Sunday.

The Greek FA announced on Friday that Rehhagel had agreed to honour his contract to 2006 but speculation remained that the coach would be tempted by the German offer.

Greece begin their qualification campaign for the 2006 World Cup away to Albania on September 4.