XI EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP (BELGIUM & NETHERLANDS 2000)

FINAL STAGE — GAME DETAILS

(From 10-06-2000 to 2-07-2000)

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijnstadion (Bruxelles) DATE: 10-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 50.000 REFEREE: Markus Merk (GER) GOALS: 1-0 (Goor 43'); 2-0 (É. Mpenza 46'); 2-1 (Mjällby 53') [Incidents: Patrik Andersson was sent off (min. 81).]
		Belgium - Sweden
		2-1 (1-0)
BELGIUM De Wilde Deflandre, Léonard (Van Kerckhoven 72'), Staelens (c), Valgaeren Goor, Vanderhaeghe, Verheyen (Peeters 88'), Wilmots É. Mpenza, Strupar (Nilis 69') COACH: Robert Waseige			SWEDEN Hedman Nilsson (Lučić 46'), P. Andersson (c), Björklund, Mellberg Mjällby, Alexandersson, D. Andersson (Osmanovski 70'), Ljungberg K. Andersson, Pettersson (Larsson 50') COACHES: Tommy Söderberg / Lars Lagerbäck
GAME SUMMARY Sweden controlled the first quarter of the game, with Kennet Andersson particularly threatening in the air and Pettersson’s pace a constant problem to the Belgians. Belgium, on the other hand, seemed content to use a slow build-up with Émile Mpenza harrying the Swedish defense via solid midfield work from Goor and Wilmots. Roland Nilsson, the Swedish full-back, appeared to be badly shaken after a blow to the head but, to Sweden’s misfortune, he elected to battle on until halftime and this cost his country the first goal two minutes from the break when he, looking greatly out of sorts, was dispossessed on the edge of his area before Goor put Belgium ahead. Clearly concussed from the earlier injury, Nilsson was replaced by Lučić at halftime, but before Sweden could settle down Belgium made it 2-0 via Émile Mpenza. However, the Swedes had grounds for complaint as the Belgian striker clearly controlled Wilmots’ pass with his arm before putting the ball into the roof of the net. Nevertheless, the joint Swedish coaches, Tommy Söderberg and Lars Lagerbäck, brought on Henrik Larsson (who had just returned to international action after a horrific double leg-break while playing for Celtic) and Sweden went onto the attack. Three minutes later they were back in the game when De Wilde seemed to lose concentration when clearing a back-pass and stood on the ball, leaving Mjällby to walk it into the open net. Minutes later Ljungberg had only the Belgian keeper to beat, but this time De Wilde was up to the job and somehow managed to save with his feet. With the game still balanced on a knife-edge, Sweden continued to pile on the pressure, but in minute 81 they were reduced to ten men when their captain Patrik Andersson was sent off for a second bookable offense. This dismissal, effectively, put an end to Sweden’s challenge and co-hosts Belgium had no difficulty in holding on to their 2-1 winning margin.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Gelredome (Arnhem) DATE: 11-06-2000 (14:30 h) ATTENDANCE: 28.000 REFEREE: Hugh Dallas (SCO) GOALS: 0-1 (Conte 52'); 1-1 (Okan 62'); 1-2 (Inzaghi [p.] 70')
		Turkey - Italy
		1-2 (0-0)
TURKEY Rüştü Ümit (Tugay 76'), Alpay, Ogün (c), Fatih, Abdullah Tayfun, Tayfur, Okan (Ergün 88') Sergen (Arif 81'), Hakan Şükür COACH: Mustafa Denizli			ITALY Toldo Cannavaro, Nesta, Pessotto (Iuliano 62') Zambrotta, Albertini, Conte, Fiore (Del Piero 75'), Maldini (c) Totti (Di Livio 83'), Inzaghi COACH: Dino Zoff
GAME SUMMARY Italy threatened to overrun Turkey for the first twenty minutes of the game, as the lively Italian forward-line submitted their rivals to a constant barrage of attacks. However, Turkey somehow managed to stay on level terms during this period, and halfway through the first half they overcame their nerves and started creating some chances. Early in the second half, Italy took the lead through Conte with a superb overhead kick after Inzaghi’s attempt at goal had been half-cleared. Ten minutes later, just as Italy began to control the game, Okan surprised the Italian defenders by heading the equalizer from a Sergen free kick. However, in minute 70 the Scottish referee handed Italy the win when he was taken in by a “masterly” dive by Inzaghi. The Turkish captain Ogün appeared to challenge fairly for the ball, but Inzaghi’s dramatic fall was enough to convince Hugh Dallas that a penalty should be awarded. Disregarding the Turkish fans’ whistling and a barrage of cans and bottles, Inzaghi calmly slotted the penalty home. The final twenty minutes were all Italy’s as Turkey, smarting at the penalty decision, lost their shape, but the score remained 2-1 and all that Turkey picked up for their troubles was a 5,000 € fine for their fans’ misbehavior.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Jan Breydelstadion (Brugge) DATE: 11-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 29.000 REFEREE: Günter Benkö (AUT) GOALS: 1-0 (Blanc 16'); 2-0 (Henry 64'); 3-0 (Wiltord 90+')
		France - Denmark
		3-0 (1-0)
FRANCE Barthez Thuram, Blanc, Desailly, Lizarazu Djorkaeff (Vieira 58'), Deschamps (c), Petit, Zidane, Henry Anelka (Wiltord 82') COACH: Roger Lemerre			DENMARK Schmeichel (c) Colding, Henriksen, Schjønberg, Heintze Bisgaard (Jørgensen 72'), A.Nielsen, Tøfting (Gravesen 72'), Grønkjær Tomasson (Beck 79'), Sand COACH: Bo Johansson
GAME SUMMARY France made short work of Denmark with a superb performance worthy of World Champions. To their credit, Denmark gave their best, but it was not enough as France’s speedy striking duo of Anelka and Henry constantly exposed their defensive shortcomings. After Tomasson had given the French an early scare in the second minute, with a goalbound shot which Barthez managed to save with his feet, Denmark never looked like scoring. Zidane ran the game from midfield and sent first Henry and then Anelka through on goal. France’s first came in minute 16 when Schmeichel dived at Anelka’s feet when he was clear on goal and Blanc slipped the loose ball into the Danish net. Sterling work by Schmeichel kept the French out until the 64th minute when Henry, sent clear again by Zidane, outpaced Colding to score the second goal. The Danish coach brought on three substitutes, but his side were unable to make any headway and it was France, through substitute Wiltord, who scored the third French goal in injury-time.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Amsterdam Arena (Amsterdam) DATE: 11-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 50.883 REFEREE: Pierluigi Collina (ITA) GOALS: 1-0 (F. de Boer [p.] 89') [Incidents: Látal was sent off in minute 90+, when he was sitting on the bench after substitution.]
		Netherlands - Czech Republic
		1-0 (0-0)
NETHERLANDS Van der Sar Reiziger, F. de Boer (c), Stam (Konterman 75'), Van Bronckhorst Seedorf (R. de Boer 57'), Cocu, Davids, Zenden (Overmars 78') Bergkamp, Kluivert COACH: Frank Rijkaard			CZECH REPUBLIC Srníček Látal (Bejbl 70'), Rada, Řepka, Gabriel Nedvěd (Lokvenc 89'), Němec (c), Poborský, Rosický Koller, Šmicer (Kuka 83') COACH: Jozef Chovanec
GAME SUMMARY Co-hosts Holland, who had been the pre-tournament favorites, made hard work of it against the Czech Republic. Probably a little weighed down by the expectations of the home crowd and media, the Dutch struggled to make any real headway against a well-organized and coached Czech team and, at halftime, the game remained goalless. After the break, the Czechs moved on to the offensive and, for a twenty-minute spell, gave Holland a lesson in attacking play. Nedvěd, in particular, caused the Dutch all sorts of problems but, with the assistance of the woodwork and Van der Sar in goal, the Czechs were kept at bay and the game seemed to be heading for a goalless draw. However, in minute 89 a somewhat controversial penalty was awarded to Holland when Overmars crossed the ball to Ronald de Boer, who dived in the area when he felt that Němec was pulling his shirt. Referee Collina pointed to the spot and Frank de Boer calmly converted his short to give Holland their first win of the tournament.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Sclessin (Liège) DATE: 12-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 25.000 REFEREE: Kim Milton Nielsen (DEN) GOALS: 0-1 (Moldovan 5'); 1-1 (Scholl 28')
		Germany - Romania
		1-1 (1-1)
GERMANY Kahn Linke (Rehmer 46'), Matthäus (Deisler 78'), Nowotny Babbel, Häßler (Hamann 73'), Jeremies, Scholl, Ziege Rink, Bierhoff (c) COACH: Erich Ribbeck			ROMANIA Stelea Ciobotariu, Popescu, Filipescu, Petrescu (Contra 69') Gâlcă, Munteanu, Chivu, Hagi (c) (Mutu 73') Ilie, Moldovan (Lupescu 85') COACH: Emerich Jenei
GAME SUMMARY Dissent with coach Erich Ribbeck was barely concealed by many German players, and the game against Romania sowed the seeds of his ultimate departure. On the other hand, Romanian football had progressed significantly in the preceding few years and had gathered a squad which blended exciting young talent with a good deal of experience in both midfield and defense. Within five minutes, Romania took the lead when a defensive lapse enabled Ilie to cross unchallenged for Moldovan to score at the far post. The German defense looked very unsettled as their lack of pace was continually exposed by probing passes from veteran Hagi, and when Scholl equalized in minute 28 it was very much against the run of play. However, Romania continued to make the pace and should have had a penalty late in the first half when Ilie was brought down by Nowotny. Instead, to add insult to injury, both Ilie and Hagi were cautioned for protesting. In the second half, Romania again created enough chances to claim victory, but Germany held on for a less than creditable draw.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Philips Stadion (Eindhoven) DATE: 12-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 30.000 REFEREE: Anders Frisk (SWE) GOALS: 0-1 (Scholes 3'); 0-2 (McManaman 18'); 1-2 (Figo 22'); 2-2 (João Pinto 37'); 3-2 (Nuno Gomes 59')
		Portugal - England
		3-2 (2-2)
PORTUGAL Vítor Baía (c) Abel Xavier, Jorge Costa, Fernando Couto, Dimas Figo, Paulo Bento, Rui Costa (Beto 85'), Vidigal Nuno Gomes (Capucho 90+'), João Pinto (Sérgio Conceição 75') COACH: Humberto Coelho			ENGLAND Seaman G. Neville, Adams (Keown 82'), Campbell, P. Neville Beckham, Ince, McManaman (Wise 58'), Scholes Owen (Heskey 46'), Shearer (c) COACH: Kevin Keegan
GAME SUMMARY England took an early lead when Scholes outjumped the Portuguese defense to put Beckham’s cross past Vítor Baía. Portugal reacted well to this setback and should have squared it eight minutes later when João Pinto’s powerful downward header actually bounced over the English crossbar when a goal seemed certain. Portuguese pressure mounted but, in minute 18, another terrific Beckham cross exposed their defense and McManaman scooped the ball into the top of the net. Just four minutes later Portugal, somewhat luckily, pulled one back when Figo’s 25-meter drive was slightly deflected by Adam’s outstretched foot and flew past Seaman. Fifteen minutes later, Portugal were level when Campbell failed to cut out Rui Costa’s cross and a diving João Pinto headed the equalizer. At halftime, Kevin Keegan replaced Owen with his fellow Liverpool striker Heskey, and this substitution seemed to unbalance the English attack completely. Portugal then took control of the game and rained shots at an uncomfortable-looking Seaman. Just one minute after another odd substitution in the English side (Wise for McManaman), Portugal completed their comeback when Nuno Gomes smashed in another assist from Rui Costa. England’s disjointed attack created little danger in the final half-hour as Portugal cruised to a comfortable win.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stadion Feijenoord / De Kuip (Rotterdam) DATE: 13-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 45.000 REFEREE: Gamal el-Ghandour (EGY) GOALS: 0-1 (Iversen 65')
		Spain - Norway
		0-1 (0-0)
SPAIN Molina Míchel Salgado, Hierro (c), Paco, Aranzábal Etxeberría (Alf. 72'), Guardiola, Valerón (Helgu. 80'), Fran (Mendi. 72') Raúl, Urzaiz COACH: José Antonio Camacho			NORWAY Myhre Heggem, Berg (c) (Eggen 59'), Bragstad, Bergdølmo Iversen (Riseth 89'), E. Bakke, Skammelsrud, Mykland, Solskjær Flo (Carew 71') COACH: Nils Johan Semb
GAME SUMMARY Norway produced the first major shock of the tournament after defeating Spain in a game in which both sides totally lacked shape and struggled to make any headway at all. Etxeberría almost got Spain off to a flying start when he hit the crossbar after just nine minutes. Three minutes later, Raúl wriggled his way through only for his strike to deflect off a Norwegian defender for a corner. Norway then came within a whisker of breaking the deadlock in minute 20 when Solskjær got on the end of a left-wing cross from Bergdølmo only to see his glancing header come back off the bar. Spain were rattled by that narrow escape, but almost hit back with a goal when Míchel Salgado swung in a cross from the right and Urzaiz rose powerfully above Berg to get in a firm header, but Myhre pulled off a smart save lowdown to his right, clutching the ball at the second attempt. Raúl then had two chances to settle Spain’s nerves just before the break, when he forced Myhre into another fine save before dragging a left-foot shot wide of the post as the Norwegian defence claimed offside. In injury-time of the first half, Solskjær brought the first meaningful save out of Molina when he hooked in a shot from close range. Spain started a little brighter after halftime, dominating possession as Norway continued to defend in numbers, but they couldn’t find a way past Myhre. The Norwegian goalkeeper failed to hold onto a fierce drive from Fran in minute 54, but showed plenty of bravery in diving at the feet of Raúl as the Real Madrid striker looked to pounce. Norway suffered a major blow just short of the hour mark when Berg limped off after suffering a recurrence of the hamstring strain which had hampered him in the build-up to this game. But the loss of Berg was quickly forgotten in minute 65, when Iversen finally ended the stalemate after a tremendous misjudgement by the Spanish goalkeeper. Molina rushed way out to reach a towering punt by Myhre, which he had no real chance of reaching, and Iversen floated the simplest of headers into the empty net. Spain were handed a golden opportunity to equalize just four minutes later, when the referee awarded them a controversial free kick inside the Norwegian penalty area, but Hierro could only blaze his effort into the wall. Substitute Mendieta came close to levelling matters with ten minutes left, but was denied by Myhre, who blocked his shot at the near post. Spain grew increasingly desperate as they went in search of an equalizer, but failed to find a way through Norway’s stubborn defense.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Communal (Charleroi) DATE: 13-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 20.000 REFEREE: Vítor Manuel Melo Pereira (POR) GOALS: 0-1 (Zahovič 23'); 0-2 (Pavlin 52'); 0-3 (Zahovič 57'); 1-3 (Milošević 67'); 2-3 (Drulović 70'); 3-3 (Milošević 73') [Incidents: Mihajlović was sent off (min. 60).]
		Yugoslavia - Slovenia
		3-3 (0-1)
YUGOSLAVIA Kralj Dudić, Đukić, Mihajlović, Nađ D. Stanković (Stojković 36'), Jokanović, Jugović, Drulović Mijatović (c) (Kežman 82'), Kovačević (Milošević 52') COACH: Vujadin Boškov			SLOVENIA Dabanovič Milanič (c), Galič, Milinovič Novak, Čeh, Pavlin (Pavlovič 74'), Rudonja, Karič (Osterc 78') Zahovič, Udovič (Ačimovič 64') COACH: Srečko Katanec
GAME SUMMARY Widely regarded as the weakest team of the tournament, Slovenia stunned neighbors Yugoslavia as they romped to a 3-0 lead within the first hour. Milinovič served early notice of Slovenia’s intent when he drilled a free kick centimeters wide of the far post from 25 meters after just four minutes. Man-of-the-match Zahovič put Slovenia ahead in minute 23 with a glancing header from Karič’s cross, and was the driving force behind his country’s splendid performance. Zahovič was given a second glorious opportunity 12 minutes before halftime when Udovič put him clean through with a pin-point pass, but goalkeeper Kralj came to Yugoslavia’s rescue as he blocked with his legs. With Yugoslavia in disarray, coach Vujadin Boškov was quick to change his tactics, bringing Stojković on for Dejan Stanković in midfield with just 36 minutes on the clock. However, this substitution failed to stem the flow of Slovenian attacks, and Zahovič turned provider for his side’s second 12 minutes into the second half as his free kick was deftly flicked home by the head of Pavlin. Mihajlović then suffered a crazy five-minute spell which saw him pick up two yellow cards and gift Slovenia a third goal. A foul on Udovič and the protests which followed earned him his first booking on 55 minutes, and he was clearly still fuming two minutes later as a dreadful loose pass allowed Zahovič to run clear and clip in Slovenia’s third. Mihajlović’s misery was completed on the hour after an off-the-ball push on Udovič earned him his second yellow card. The dismissal of the Lazio defender appeared to have hammered the final nail into Yugoslavia’s coffin but, remarkably, they fought back with only ten men. Substitute Milošević inspired the fightback with a tap-in after Slovenia had failed to deal with a corner. Three minutes later, the Slovenian nerves started to jangle as Drulović drilled home clinically from 12 meters after Mijatović had teed him up. Milošević completed the amazing Yugoslavian comeback with his second goal in minute 73, with another tap-in after a jinking run and a pin-point low cross from Drulović on the right. Slovenia seemed to go to pieces after this unexpected equalizer and, for a while, it looked as if Yugoslavia would take all three points. The last quarter of an hour was pretty even with both sides going close. Jokanović flicked a header just over the bar from Stojković’s free kick and, deep into injury-time, Slovenia came agonizingly close to snatching back victory when Milinovič’s shot was cleared off the goaline by Dudić. On balance, the final score of 3-3 was a fair result.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijnstadion (Bruxelles) DATE: 14-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 50.000 REFEREE: José María García-Aranda (SPA) GOALS: 1-0 (Totti 6'); 2-0 (Fiore 66')
		Italy - Belgium
		2-0 (1-0)
ITALY Toldo Cannavaro, Nesta, Maldini (c) Zambrotta, Albertini, Conte, Fiore (Ambrosini 83'), Iuliano Totti (Del Piero 63'), Inzaghi (Delvecchio 77') COACH: Dino Zoff			BELGIUM De Wilde Deflandre, Valgaeren, Staelens (c), Van Kerckhoven (Hendrikx 45') Vanderhaeghe, Goor, Verheyen (M. Mpenza 67'), Wilmots É. Mpenza, Strupar (Nilis 58') COACH: Robert Waseige
GAME SUMMARY Italy got off to a tremendous start with Maldini and Inzaghi both forcing spectacular saves from De Wilde in the opening minutes. In the 6th minute Totti headed his country into the lead from Albertini’s free kick. Goor came close to equalizing a couple of minutes later when his long-distance drive was turned onto the bar by Toldo and, despite good possession by Belgium, Italy had no further difficulty in holding their lead until the break. Toldo was called upon to make another finger-tip save from Nilis in minute 64 but, two minutes later, Fiore curled a beautiful shot around De Wilde for Italy’s second goal. This put paid to Belgium’s chances as Italy had little difficulty in holding on for the victory to become the first country to qualify for the quarterfinals.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Philips Stadion (Eindhoven) DATE: 15-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 26.000 REFEREE: Dick Jol (NED) GOALS: -
		Sweden - Turkey
		0-0 (0-0)
SWEDEN Hedman Lučić, Mellberg, Björklund, Sundgren Mjällby (c), Mild, Alexandersson (A. Andersson 63'), Ljungberg Larsson (Svensson 78'), K. Andersson (Pettersson 46') COACHES: Tommy Söderberg / Lars Lagerbäck			TURKEY Rüştü Fatih, Ogün (c) (Tugay 59'), Alpay Okan, Suat, Mustafa (Sergen 58'), Hakan Ünsal, Ümit (Tayfun 45') Arif, Hakan Şükür COACH: Mustafa Denizli
GAME SUMMARY In one of the most boring games of the first round, Sweden and Turkey scrapped out a goalless draw which left both countries able to go into their final group games with a chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals. Both sides were desperate for a win following defeats in their opening group matches, but both struggled to create openings in a stale first half. Sweden recalled Celtic striker Henrik Larsson for the game, while Turkey gave a debut to Leicester striker Mustafa İzzet. It was Kennet Andersson who came closest to the opener inside three minutes as his long-range free kick was pushed away from the top left-hand corner by Rüştü. The Bologna striker went close again on 29 minutes when he followed a neat exchange of passes with Larsson with a low drive that the Turkish keeper pushed away with his outstretched foot. Arif had Turkey's best effort when his spectacular bicycle kick flew over the crossbar. Five minutes before halftime, Ljungberg had the best chance of the opening 45 minutes, but appeared to have his leg clipped by Suat as he ran clear with just the keeper to beat. The stalemate continued in the second half, with neither side able to open up tight defenses. But, with both teams needing a victory to realistically keep their quarterfinal hopes alive, the game began to open up in the final 20 minutes. Turkey, despite losing Mustafa to a second-half injury, at last began to increase the pace. A storming run from midfield by Sergen ended in a stinging shot from the edge of the area. Hedman did well to block this shot, but the loose ball fell invitingly for Okan, only for the midfielder to loop a left-foot shot over the bar. Five minutes from time, Turkish frustrations increased when Hakan Ünsal broke down the left and whipped in a teasing cross that flew straight across the face of goal with no Turkish forward able to get a touch. Two minutes later a foul on Ljungberg on the edge of the Turkish box gave Pettersson an ideal chance to show his dead-ball skills, but his shot flew over the crossbar. Turkey answered back once more and finally presented Hakan Şükür with his first chance of the game after 89 minutes of waiting, but the striker headed over from Arif’s dangerous cross. The final whistle heralded a chorus of boos from the Eindhoven crowd and left both teams in a delicate situation.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Jan Breydelstadion (Brugge) DATE: 16-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 28.000 REFEREE: Graham Poll (ENG) GOALS: 0-1 (Henry 7'); 1-1 (Poborský [p.] 35'); 1-2 (Djorkaeff 60')
		Czech Republic - France
		1-2 (1-1)
CZECH REPUBLIC Srníček Řepka, Rada, Bejbl (Lokvenc 49'), Gabriel (Fukal 46') Poborský, Rosický (Jankulovski 62'), Nedvěd, Němec (c) Šmicer, Koller COACH: Jozef Chovanec			FRANCE Barthez Thuram, Blanc, Desailly, Candela Deschamps (c), Petit (Djorkaeff 46'), Vieira, Zidane Anelka (Dugarry 55'), Henry (Wiltord 90+') COACH: Roger Lemerre
GAME SUMMARY France took an early lead when Gabriel’s careless back-pass was pounced upon by Henry, who quickly dispatched it past Srníček into the Czech’s goal. Undaunted, the Czechs kept their composure and launched a series of attacks which failed to achieve very much until they were awarded a controversial penalty in minute 35, when Deschamps fouled Nedvěd outside the box and the Czech midfielder tumbled inside the area. Poborský netted the spot-kick and the score remained 1-1 at halftime. After the break, Djorkaeff replaced Petit in the French midfield and, on the hour, he was the man who put France ahead after meeting a cross by Henry. The Czechs’ continued efforts on goal proved fruitless against the well-organized French defense and, with the score remaining 2-1, they became the first team to go out of the competition.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stadion Feijenoord / De Kuip (Rotterdam) DATE: 16-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 51.000 REFEREE: Urs Meier (SWI) GOALS: 0-1 (Kluivert 57'); 0-2 (R. de Boer 66'); 0-3 (Zenden 77') [Incidents: Schjønberg missed a penalty shot (min. 81).]
		Denmark - Netherlands
		0-3 (0-0)
DENMARK Schmeichel (c) Colding, Henriksen, Heintze, Schjønberg (Helveg 82') Bisgaard, A. Nielsen (Tøfting 61'), Gravesen (B.Nielsen 67'), Grønkjær Tomasson, Sand COACH: Bo Johansson			NETHERLANDS Van der Sar (Westerveld 89') Reiziger, F. de Boer (c), Konterman, Van Bronckhorst Zenden, Cocu, Davids, Overmars (R. de Boer 62') Kluivert, Bergkamp (Winter 76') COACH: Frank Rijkaard
GAME SUMMARY At the end of a disappointing game against Holland, Denmark became the second team to be eliminated from the tournament, after group mates Czech Republic earlier on the day. For most of the first hour, the Danes controlled the play and were unfortunate not to be in the lead. Van der Sar was quite busy and both teams came close to scoring on several occasions before Holland, against the run of play, took the lead in minute 57 when Kluivert finished off a fine piece of work by Bergkamp. Nine minutes later Ronald de Boer, who had just came on, made it 2-0. Although the Danes continued to battle on, Zenden scored the third Dutch goal in minute 77 to put Holland through to the quarterfinals.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Gelredome (Arnhem) DATE: 17-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 18.000 REFEREE: Gilles Veissière (FRA) GOALS: 0-1 (Costinha 90+')
		Romania - Portugal
		0-1 (0-0)
ROMANIA Stelea Contra, Popescu, Filipescu, Chivu Petrescu (Petre 64’), Gâlcă, Munteanu, Hagi (c) Moldovan (Ganea 69'), Ilie (Roşu 78') COACH: Emerich Jenei			PORTUGAL Vítor Baía (c) Secretário, Fernando Couto, Jorge Costa, Dimas Paulo Bento, Figo, Rui Costa (Costinha 87'), Vidigal Nuno Gomes (Sá Pinto 56'), João Pinto (Sérgio Conceição 56') COACH: Humberto Coelho
GAME SUMMARY Portugal started brightly enough with Figo, Rui Costa and João Pinto pressuring the Romanian defense without creating any openings of note. Romania held their line and the game settled down into virtually a midfield stroll with few, if any, chances created at either end. Hagi received his second yellow card of the tournament and found himself with an automatic one-match suspension as a result. In the second half, play continued in the same humdrum fashion until the final few seconds of injury-time, when Costinha headed a winner for Portugal from a Figo free kick.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Communal (Charleroi) DATE: 17-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 30.000 REFEREE: Pierluigi Collina (ITA) GOALS: 1-0 (Shearer 53')
		England - Germany
		1-0 (0-0)
ENGLAND Seaman G. Neville, Campbell, Keown, P. Neville Beckham, Wise, Ince, Scholes (Barmby 71') Shearer (c), Owen (Gerrard 61') COACH: Kevin Keegan			GERMANY Kahn (c) Babbel, Matthäus, Nowotny Deisler (Ballack 72'), Hamann, Scholl, Jeremies (Bode 78'), Ziege Jancker, Kirsten (Rink 70') COACH: Erich Ribbeck
GAME SUMMARY England and Germany met in Charleroi after some scuffles between fans of both sides, but the match itself was something of an anticlimax. Still looking for their first competitive win over Germany since the 1966 World Cup final, England began the game hesitantly and most of the first half went Germany’s way. Seaman made good saves from both Hamann and Scholl as Germany controlled midfield, and it was not until minute 35 that Scholes had England’s first shot on goal, which Kahn turned round the post. At halftime the game was still goalless and, after the break, England began to threat more. In minute 53 Beckham was awarded a free kick which he curled into the German box. The pace of the ball beat both Owen and Scholes before falling nicely for Shearer to head past Kahn. Germany pressed for an equalizer without creating many opportunities, but when Gerrard replaced Owen in the 61st minute, their dominance of midfield was broken as England took control for the first time in the game. Ribbeck re-organized his team and brought on three substitutes, including two extra attackers (Bode and Rink), but the overall lack of play and ideas of Germany enabled England to hold on to their lead without much difficulty.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Amsterdam Arena (Amsterdam) DATE: 18-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 43.000 REFEREE: Markus Merk (GER) GOALS: 0-1 (Raúl 4'); 1-1 (Zahovič 58'); 1-2 (Etxeberría 60')
		Slovenia - Spain
		1-2 (0-1)
SLOVENIA Dabanovič Milanič (c) (Knavs 68'), Galič, Milinovič Novak, Čeh, Pavlin (Ačimovič 82'), Rudonja, Karič Zahovič, Udovič (Osterc 46') COACH: Srečko Katanec			SPAIN Cañizares Míchel Salgado, Hierro (c), Abelardo, Aranzábal Etxeberría, Guardiola (Helguera 81'), Valerón (Engonga 89'), Mendieta Alfonso (Urzaiz 71'), Raúl COACH: José Antonio Camacho
GAME SUMMARY Slovenia were a goal down within four minutes when Raúl collected a deflected shot from Míchel Salgado, turned and lashed the ball past Dabanovič. The Slovenians struggled to stay in the game throughout the first half as Spain controlled much of the play without creating many opportunities. Five minutes after the break, Raúl was nearly on target when his powerful header from Aranzábal’s cross went just wide, but Slovenia hit back immediately, with Pavlin going close. The Slovenians equalized in minute 58 when Zahovič, together with team-mates Rudonja and Osterc, broke and caught the Spanish defense flatfooted. Rudonja’s cross was missed by Osterc, but Zahovič was there to slip the ball past Cañizares. Unperturbed, Spain immediately swept onto the offensive and, within seconds, were back in the lead through Etxeberría as the Slovenian defense was caught napping following a surging run from Mendieta. The second Spanish goal seemed to finish off Slovenia, and Spain dominated the remaining half hour of the game to earn the three points which they needed to stay alive in the tournament.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Sclessin (Liège) DATE: 18-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 24.000 REFEREE: Hugh Dallas (SCO) GOALS: 0-1 (Milošević 8') [Incidents: Kežman was sent off (min. 88).]
		Norway - Yugoslavia
		0-1 (0-1)
NORWAY Myhre Heggem (Bjørnebye 35'), Eggen, Bragstad, Bergdølmo Mykland, Skammelsrud (c), E.Bakke (Strand 76'), Iversen (Carew 71') Solskjær, Flo COACH: Nils Johan Semb			YUGOSLAVIA Kralj Komljenović, Đukić, Saveljić, Đorović Jugović, Jokanović (Govedarica 89'), Drulović, Stojković (c) (Nađ 84') Mijatović (Kežman 87'), Milošević COACH: Vujadin Boškov
GAME SUMMARY An eighth minute goal from Milošević decided a bad-tempered game between Yugoslavia and Norway. The Real Zaragoza striker claimed his third goal of the tournament with the faintest of touches to a well-delivered free kick from Drulović’s left boot. Thereafter, Yugoslavia settled down to employ spoiling tactics to protect their advantage, with constant fouls and play-acting, although an uninspired Norwegian team never really looked like threatening them with their all-too predictable tactic of pumping long balls at Flo, which were easily dealt with by the solid Yugoslav rearguard. With veteran midfielders Jugović and Stojković in complete control in midfield, Norway chased Yugoslav shadows for most of the opening 45 minutes, particularly those of strikers Milošević and Mijatović. Norway’s cause was not helped by injuries to key players. On 35 minutes, Liverpool full-back Vegard Heggem limped off with what looked like a hamstring injury and was replaced by club colleague Bjørnebye. After 71 minutes, the Scandinavians were forced to replace Iversen with Carew after the Tottenham Hotspur striker was injured in a heavy collision with Yugoslav goalkeeper Kralj. Near the end, and only one minute after coming on as a substitute for Mijatović, the young striker Mateja Kežman was incredibly sent out for what looked an innocuous challenge. The game remained 1-0 to Yugoslavia after the final whistle, and this score allowed all four teams to go into the final group matches with a realistic chance of progress into the next round.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijnstadion (Bruxelles) DATE: 19-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 40.000 REFEREE: Kim Milton Nielsen (DEN) GOALS: 1-0 (Hakan Şükür 45+'); 2-0 (Hakan Şükür 70') [Incidents: The referee was injured in min. 41 and Günter Benkö (from Austria) substituted him. De Wilde was sent off (min. 84).]
		Turkey - Belgium
		2-0 (1-0)
TURKEY Rüştü Fatih, Ogün (c), Alpay Tayfun, Okan (Ergün 77'), Suat, Tugay (Tayfur 37'), Abdullah Arif (Osman 87'), Hakan Şükür COACH: Mustafa Denizli			BELGIUM De Wilde Deflandre, Valgaeren, Staelens (c), Van Kerckhoven Goor (Hendrikx 59'), Vanderhaeghe, Wilmots, Verheyen (Strupar 63') É. Mpenza, Nilis (De Bilde 79') COACH: Robert Waseige
GAME SUMMARY Belgium, needing only a draw and playing in front of a fully packed King Baudouin stadium (former Heysel), were favorites to progress to the quarterfinals. However, the noisy Turkish fans outshouted the local supporters for much of the time. Belgium controlled most of the early play. In minute 24, Émile Mpenza appeared to have put Belgium ahead when he netted the ball after Goor’s shot had been parried by Rüştü, but the Danish referee controversially ruled him offside. Then, against the run of play, Turkey took the lead in first half extra-time after a serious mistake by the Belgian goalkeeper. Suat hopeful upfield punt bounced on the edge of Belgium’s penalty area and De Wilde was easily outjumped by Hakan Şükür for the simplest of goals. After the break, the Belgians attacked with renewed vigor but Rüştü had no difficulty in keeping his opponents at bay. In minute 63, Strupar replaced Verheyen as Belgium switched to a three-striker attack, but Turkey soaked up everything that was thrown at them and attacked on the break. So it was that, in minute 70, Hakan Şükür scored another easy second goal after Suat had broken clear on the right. With Belgium facing elimination, they were reduced to ten men in minute 84 when the hapless De Wilde was red-carded for a dreadful foul on Arif, and the co-hosts went tamely out of the tournament.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Philips Stadion (Eindhoven) DATE: 19-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 26.000 REFEREE: Vítor Manuel Melo Pereira (POR) GOALS: 1-0 (Di Biagio 39'); 1-1 (Larsson 77'); 2-1 (Del Piero 88')
		Italy - Sweden
		2-1 (1-0)
ITALY Toldo Negro, Ferrara, Iuliano (Cannavaro 46'), Maldini (c) (Nesta 42') Pessotto, Di Livio (Fiore 64'), Di Biagio, Ambrosini Del Piero, Montella COACH: Dino Zoff			SWEDEN Hedman Mellberg, P. Andersson (c), Björklund, Gustafsson (K. Andersson 75') Svensson (Alexander. 52'), Mild, Mjällby (D. Andersson 56'), Ljungberg Larsson, Osmanovski COACHES: Tommy Söderberg / Lars Lagerbäck
GAME SUMMARY Italy, already qualified and resting a slew of starters, had little difficulty in seeing off Sweden. The entire game was one of missed opportunities for Sweden. Italy attacked first but then settled back, saved energy and let the Swedes come at them. The Swedes started brightly enough, but were fortunate to be just 1-0 down at halftime. Del Piero starred in the first attack of the game when, in the 4th minute, he chested down the ball on the left wing following a fine lob pass from Montella and, unbothered by Mellberg at his side, fired the ball from the corner of the box but just over the bar. Sweden almost went one up in the 10th minute when Mjällby had a header cleared from the goalline by Di Livio. Moments later, Osmanovski picked up on a neat heel pass by Larsson into the area, but had his shot blocked by Iuliano. But it was in the 14th minute when Swedish fans’ hearts soared and plunged when Ljungberg received the ball on a clever downward header from Larsson and found himself with an open goal as Toldo dived too early, but he fumbled the shot and the ball crawled wide of the far post. Italy had their second chance in the 18th minute when Montella ran the ball into the area virtually unchallenged, but Hedman had little trouble clearing the shot. Sweden were back on the attack seven minutes later, this time when Svensson took control of a loose ball in the box forcing Toldo to leave his line and veer off the shot with his body. In minute 28, Montella and Del Piero delighted the crowd with a one-two move in a packed Swedish box leaving Montella before Hedman, but his cheeky chip just pipped the crossbar. Italy went ahead in the 39th minute in the simplest way. A swerving corner kick from Del Piero found Di Biagio unmarked in the penalty area and the shaven-headed midfielder nodded the ball past Hedman. Captain Paolo Maldini took a bad knock on the knee and was replaced by Nesta just before the break. In the second half, Sweden tried hard to equalize, but the Italian defense held on firm. In the 67th minute, Del Piero almost got the second goal when he slid along the ground in an attempt to connect with a low pass across the goalmouth by Negro. Three minutes later, Sweden missed yet another superb opportunity to score when Ljungberg chipped the ball to the edge of the area for Larsson to head it behind him to captain Patrik Andersson, whose close-range shot was miraculously blocked by Toldo. Larsson finally gave the Swedish fans something to cheer for in the 77th minute when he gathered the ball following a defensive error by Di Biagio and dribbled past Toldo to make it 1-1. But Del Piero, who appeared for the first time in the tournament in the Italian starting lineup, banged in the the winner in the 88th minute.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stadion Feijenoord / De Kuip (Rotterdam) DATE: 20-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 51.504 REFEREE: Dick Jol (NED) GOALS: 1-0 (Sérgio Conceição 35'); 2-0 (Sérgio Conceição 54'); 3-0 (Sérgio Conceição 71')
		Portugal - Germany
		3-0 (1-0)
PORTUGAL Pedro Espinha (Quim 90') Beto, Jorge Costa, Fernando Couto (c), Rui Jorge Sérgio Conceição, Paulo Sousa (Vidigal 72'), Costinha, Capucho Pauleta (Nuno Gomes 67'), Sá Pinto COACH: Humberto Coelho			GERMANY Kahn (c) Rehmer, Nowotny, Matthäus, Linke Deisler, Hamann, Ballack (Rink 46'), Scholl (Häßler 60') Bode, Jancker (Kirsten 69') COACH: Erich Ribbeck
GAME SUMMARY Fielding no fewer than nine reserves, Portugal hammered the lacklustre Germany and qualified for quarterfinals as group winners thanks to a hat-trick by Sérgio Conceição. On the other hand, Germany bowed out after their worst overall performance in a major tournament since World War II. In minute 35, Sérgio Conceição was standing just off the goalline when he headed home from a precise Pauleta cross to put Portugal in the lead. The Lazio player hit his side’s second goal with a swerving left-foot drive from some 20 metres which bounced under Kahn’s body in the 54th minute. Sérgio Conceição saved his best for last, completing his hat-trick in the 71st minute with a superb effort from just inside the area which left Kahn no chance. The landmark 150th international appearance of Lothar Matthäus was also the saddest possible international exit for the 39-year-old veteran German player. Jancker, with his imposing heigth, was the only danger for the Portuguese defense, but then again, the Bayern Munich striker lacked speed and vision to impress.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Communal (Charleroi) DATE: 20-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 30.000 REFEREE: Urs Meier (SWI) GOALS: 0-1 (Chivu 22'); 1-1 (Shearer [p.] 41'); 2-1 (Owen 45+'); 2-2 (Munteanu 48'); 2-3 (Ganea [p.] 89') [Incidents: The English goalkeeper Seaman, who had been officially confirmed in the starting line-up, was injured during the pre-match warm-up and replaced by Martyn.]
		England - Romania
		2-3 (2-1)
ENGLAND Martyn G. Neville, Campbell, Keown, P. Neville Beckham, Ince, Scholes (Southgate 81'), Wise (Barmby 75') Shearer (c), Owen (Heskey 66') COACH: Kevin Keegan			ROMANIA Stelea Filipescu, Popescu (c) (Belodedici 32'), Contra Petrescu, Gâlcă (Roşu 68'), Mutu, Munteanu, Chivu Moldovan, Ilie (Ganea 74') COACH: Emerich Jenei
GAME SUMMARY After their win over Germany, England only needed a draw to progress to the quarterfinals. Things began badly for them though when Seaman, who was registered in the starting line-up, was injured in the pre-match warm-up. His replacement, Martyn, was quickly in action when Ilie’s thunderous 3rd minute free kick looked to be goalbound. After this encouraging start, Romania continued to put pressure on the English defense and, in minute 22, went ahead when Chivu’s mishit cross beat Martyn and went in off the back post. Although England created few opportunities, Shearer equalized in minute 41 from the penalty spot and, much against the run of play, the English took the lead in injury time when Owen beat the offside trap and put the ball past Stelea. With the score in the other group game 1-0 for Portugal, England looked certain of qualification at halftime. Romania came back strong in the second half and, after only three minutes, levelled the score when Munteanu punished Martyn’s poor clearance of a Petrescu cross. Thereafter, England seemed to be prepared to play for the draw which they needed to progress further, and these unwise tactics were to be their undoing as they came under increasing pressure from the lively Romanian attack. Even so, they appeared to be poised to hold out, until left-back Phil Neville brought down Moldovan inside the English penalty area with two minutes to go. Substitute Ganea placed the spot-kick well away from Martyn to steal the qualifying spot from England.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Jan Breydelstadion (Brugge) DATE: 21-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 22.000 REFEREE: Gilles Veissière (FRA) GOALS: 1-0 (Milošević 30'); 1-1 (Alfonso 38'); 2-1 (Govedarica 50'); 2-2 (Munitis 51'); 3-2 (Komljenović 75'); 3-3 (Mendieta [p.] 90+'); 3-4 (Alfonso 90+') [Incidents: Jokanović was sent off (min. 63).]
		Yugoslavia - Spain
		3-4 (1-1)
YUGOSLAVIA Kralj Komljenović, Đukić, Mihajlović, Đorović (J. Stanković 12') Stojković (c) (Saveljić 68'), Jokanović, Jugović (Goveda. 46'), Drulović Milošević, Mijatović COACH: Vujadin Boškov			SPAIN Cañizares Míchel Salgado (Munitis 46'), Paco (Urzaiz 64'), Abelardo (c), Sergi Mendieta, Guardiola, Helguera, Fran (Etxeberría 22') Alfonso, Raúl COACH: José Antonio Camacho
GAME SUMMARY In an exciting game, it was surprising that it was not until minute 30 when the opening goal was scored. Against the run of play, the Yugoslavian topscorer Milošević easily beat Cañizares with a free header to give his county the lead. But, eight minutes later, Alfonso levelled the score from within the area. At halftime, with the other group game tied at 0-0, Spain needed to win the game to qualify, and this task was made even more difficult when Govedarica made it 2-1 for Yugoslavia five minutes after the re-start. However, Munitis equalized one minute later and, when Jokanović was sent off in minute 63, it was beginning to look good for Spain. However, as in their first game against Slovenia, Yugoslavia seemed to be boosted by this setback and, in minute 75, full-back Komljenović put them ahead again after a free kick was not cleared by the Spanish defense. To their credit, Spain were undaunted by this reversal and continued to control the game and pressure the Yugoslav goal, but the much-needed breakthrough came in stoppage-time. After seven minutes of added time had been signalled, Mendieta equalized for Spain from the penalty spot and then, with just seconds remaining and Yugoslavia hanging on doggedly for a point, Alfonso fired the winner through the congested Yugoslavian area to give Spain a last gasp victory and qualification for the quarterfinals.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Gelredome (Arnhem) DATE: 21-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 22.000 REFEREE: Graham Poll (ENG) GOALS: -
		Slovenia - Norway
		0-0 (0-0)
SLOVENIA Dabanovič Milinovič, Knavs, Novak, Galič (Ačimovič 83') Čeh (c), Karič, Rudonja, Pavlin Zahovič, Šiljak (Osterc 86') COACH: Srečko Katanec			NORWAY Myhre Bergdølmo, Eggen, Bragstad, Bjørnebye Solskjær, Mykland, Solbakken (c), Iversen Flo, Carew (E. Bakke 61' (Strand 82')) COACH: Nils Johan Semb
GAME SUMMARY Slovenia and Norway fought out a dreary goalless draw which in the end turned out useless for the Scandinavians, as Spain snatched the qualifying spot from them with a dramatic injury-time comeback against Yugoslavia. After a cagey and tense first half, the removal of the dangerous Carew for the defensive midfielder Eirik Bakke on the hour was indicative of Norway’s defensive gameplan. The only interest left in the match came from the contrast between Norway’s direct and physical approach and Slovenia’s more patient style. With Norwegian players and fans celebrating their qualification after the final whistle, the news of Spain’s improbable late comeback filtered through the stadium and left them in shock and disbelief, probably rueing their overly-cautious display against Slovenia.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Amsterdam Arena (Amsterdam) DATE: 21-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 50.000 REFEREE: Anders Frisk (SWE) GOALS: 1-0 (Dugarry 8'); 1-1 (Kluivert 14'); 2-1 (Trézéguet 31'); 2-2 (F. de Boer 51'); 2-3 (Zenden 59')
		France - Netherlands
		2-3 (2-1)
FRANCE Lama Karembeu, Leboeuf, Desailly (c), Candela Pirès, Micoud, Vieira (Deschamps 90+'), Dugarry (Djorkaeff 67') Trézéguet, Wiltord (Anelka 80') COACH: Roger Lemerre			NETHERLANDS Westerveld Bosvelt, Stam, F. de Boer (c), Numan Overmars (Van Vossen 90'), Cocu, Davids, Zenden Bergkamp (Winter 78'), Kluivert (Makaay 60') COACH: Frank Rijkaard
GAME SUMMARY France played a virtual reserve team against Holland, but still managed to take an early lead when Dugarry beat Westerveld to head home a Micoud corner. This goal was a huge setback for the co-hosts, but they hauled themselves off the ropes to deliver a knockout blow of their own with an equalizer six minutes later, when Bergkamp put Kluivert clear as the French appealed in vain for offside and the Barcelona striker took full advantage, cutting back inside and bending a shot beyond Lama for his 25th international goal. Bergkamp went close to putting the Dutch ahead midway through the first half, but his scuffed shot bounced against the crossbar with Lama backpedalling furiously. Instead, it was the French who regained the upper hand on 31 minutes, when Wiltord’s stinging shot from the edge of the area was flicked home by Trézéguet. After the break, Holland came out strong and they were soon back on level terms. Six minutes after the re-start, Frank de Boer caught the French defense out with a thumping left-foot free kick as the defensive wall was still being built. Buoyed by the break, Holland completed their comeback with the winner on 59 minutes. Westerveld’s long clearance instantly put full-back Karembeu on the back foot and Zenden took full advantage, outstripping his marker and planting a clinical low shot beyond Lama from just inside the penalty area. France were not about to accept defeat though, and sixteen minutes from time Wiltord came agonizingly close to an equalizer as his shot flew wide of the far post following a neat pass from substitute Djorkaeff. Trézéguet had an even better chance to restore parity moments later, but shot straight at Westerveld after a storming run into the box.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Sclessin (Liège) DATE: 21-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 20.000 REFEREE: Gamal el-Ghandour (EGY) GOALS: 0-1 (Šmicer 64'); 0-2 (Šmicer 67')
		Denmark - Czech Republic
		0-2 (0-0)
DENMARK Schmeichel (c) Helveg, Henriksen, Heintze (Colding 68'), Schjønberg Goldbæk, Tøfting, B. Nielsen, Grønkjær Tomasson, Beck (Molnár 74') COACH: Bo Johansson			CZECH REPUBLIC Srníček Rada, Řepka, Fukal, Bejbl (Jankulovski 62') Nedvěd, Šmicer (Lokvenc 79'), Němec (c), Poborský Berger, Koller (Kuka 74') COACH: Jozef Chovanec
GAME SUMMARY Two second half strikes from Šmicer gave the Czech Republic their only win of the tournament and sent Denmark, goalless and pointless, to the last position in the group. Both teams only had pride to play for after losing their opening two encounters against Holland and France. The game began in a scrappy and tepid fashion, with both sides unable to string more then five passes together. Denmark midfielder Grønkjær looked lively on the left and threatened the Czech goal with a powerfully struck effort from the edge of the area. Five minutes later, the tricky Ajax winger fizzed in a low cross along the small area which Srníček somehow managed to hold on to. Denmark’s grip of the game grew stronger as Grønkjær had two opportunities to put his side in the lead. His first effort was a low goalbound strike which the Czech defense managed to clear, and his second, a minute later, was an overhead kick which had to be tipped over by the alert Srníček. After the interval, the game reached a lull as the Czechs sensed that Denmark started to run out of ideas. Šmicer began to impose himself upon the Danish defense and tested Schmeichel twice, although with tame efforts. But just after the hour mark, the Liverpool attacker got his reward when good work from Poborský inside the area ended with a well-weighed pass to Šmicer, who made no mistake with an easy tap-in. Three minutes later, a long clearance from the Czech defense was headed by the towering Koller into the path of Šmicer, who reached the ball just before Schmeichel to ease the ball over the keeper and slot home into an empty goal.

1/4 FINAL
STADIUM: Amsterdam Arena (Amsterdam) DATE: 24-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 42.000 REFEREE: Dick Jol (NED) GOALS: 1-0 (Nuno Gomes 44'); 2-0 (Nuno Gomes 56') BOOKED: João Pinto (29’), Fernando Couto (37’), Rui Costa (39’), Costinha (41’), Paulo Sousa (60’) / Alpay (RC 30’), Okan (32’), Hakan Ünsal (56’), Ogün (82’) [Incidents: Alpay was sent off with a straight red card for an aggression on Fernando Couto (min. 30). Arif missed a penalty shot (min. 45+), saved by Vítor Baía.]
		Portugal - Turkey
		2-0 (1-0)
PORTUGAL Vítor Baía (c) Sérgio Conceição, Jorge Costa, Fernando Couto, Dimas J.Pinto, Costinha (P.Sousa 46'), R.Costa (Capucho 87'), P.Bento, Figo Nuno Gomes (Sá Pinto 74') COACH: Humberto Coelho			TURKEY Rüştü Fatih, Ogün (c) (Sergen 84'), Alpay Tayfun, Okan (Oktay 62'), Tayfur, Ergün, Hakan Ünsal Arif (Suat 62'), Hakan Şükür COACH: Mustafa Denizli
GAME SUMMARY In a bad-tempered game, in which eight players were booked and one more sent off, Portugal became the first team to book a semifinal place at Euro 2000 with a stylish performance against Turkey. After a furiously contested first half, which saw Turkey reduced to ten men, the Portuguese played arguably the best football of the tournament, creating chance after chance, with the skills of Figo and Rui Costa very much coming to the fore. Before Alpay’s dismissal, the unfancied Turks very much held their own with an unspectacular although effective performance. Costinha nearly opened the scoring in the 18th minute, benefitting from a wicked corner by Figo that found him unmarked at the far post. After controlling the ball, he struck a left-footed shot which failed to get past the imposing frame of Rüştü. At the other end, Hakan Şükür lifted a header over the Portuguese crossbar from Ogün’s free kick. A stormy period of play followed, culminating in Alpay’s dismissal for an attempted right-hand uppercut on Fernando Couto which did not fully connect. However, Portugal seemed more affected by the dismissal than the Turks, with Fernando Couto, Rui Costa and Costinha all booked before the end of the half. It wasn’t until one minute before halftime that Portugal made their numerical superiority pay when Nuno Gomes headed the first goal from a Figo cross. Seconds later, Turkey should have squared it when they were awarded an injury-time penalty for a foul of Fernando Couto on Arif, but his weak spot-kick was scrambled clear by Vítor Baía. After the interval, Tayfur had an early chance to give his country parity, the ball falling to him from Vítor Baía’s error at a corner, by he failed to control his short-range lob, which floated over the crossbar. However, with a man short, Turkey left gaps at the back and Figo took full advantage when he beat his man on the right and drifted into the penalty area to provide the unmarked Nuno Gomes with a tap-in in minute 56. The second goal effectively ended the contest, as the dispirited Turks were dominated by Portugal, with their sublime talents taking advantage of gaps in the Turkish defense. Figo, Nuno Gomes and João Pinto all had chances to extend the lead, but amazingly the score remained 2-0.

1/4 FINAL
STADIUM: Stade Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijnstadion (Bruxelles) DATE: 24-06-2000 (20:45) ATTENDANCE: 40.000 REFEREE: Vítor Manuel Melo Pereira (POR) GOALS: 1-0 (Totti 33'); 2-0 (Inzaghi 43') BOOKED: Albertini (38’) / Hagi (54’), Hagi (59’ > RC) [Incidents: Hagi was sent off after a second bookable offense (min. 59).]
		Italy - Romania
		2-0 (2-0)
ITALY Toldo Cannavaro, Nesta, Iuliano, Maldini (c) (Pessotto 46') Zambrotta, Albertini, Fiore, Conte (Di Biagio 55') Totti (Del Piero 75'), Inzaghi COACH: Dino Zoff			ROMANIA Stelea Filipescu, Ciobotariu, Belodedici, Chivu Petre, Gâlcă (Lupescu 68'), Hagi (c), Munteanu Mutu, Moldovan (Ganea 54') COACH: Emerich Jenei
GAME SUMMARY After an evenly-balanced first half-hour, in which Hagi scurried from one wing to the other seeking space and the ball without the Italian midfielders being able to lay a hand glove on him, Italy moved up a gear taking control of the match and, in minute 33, went ahead when Totti coolly chested down a Fiore lob before volleying past Stelea. Romania’s response saw Hagi beat the Italian keeper, but his shot bounced off the post. Two minutes before halftime, Albertini sent Inzaghi clear of the Romanian defense and his low shot made it 2-0 for Italy. After the break, the Romanians became increasingly frustrated by Italy’s defensive superiority, and Hagi disgraced himself with a vicious stamp on Conte’s ankle which was leniently punished by a mere yellow card, despite Conte being carried off with ligament injuries. However, a few minutes later the Romanian captain received his second yellow card when he dived in the Italian area, and he was duly sent off. Without their playmaker and down to ten men, Romania could oppose nothing to the Italian superiority.

1/4 FINAL
STADIUM: Stadion Feijenoord / De Kuip (Rotterdam) DATE: 25-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 51.504 REFEREE: José María García-Aranda (SPA) GOALS: 1-0 (Kluivert 24'); 2-0 (Kluivert 38'); 3-0 (Govedarica [o.g.] 51'); 4-0 (Kluivert 54'); 5-0 (Overmars 78'); 6-0 (Overmars 90+'); 6-1 (Milošević 90+') BOOKED: Bosvelt (48’)
		Netherlands - Yugoslavia
		6-1 (2-0)
NETHERLANDS Van der Sar (Westerveld 65') Bosvelt, Stam, F. de Boer (c), Numan Overmars, Cocu, Davids, Zenden (R. de Boer 80') Bergkamp, Kluivert (Makaay 60') COACH: Frank Rijkaard			YUGOSLAVIA Kralj Komljenović, Saveljić (J. Stanković 56'), Mihajlović, Đukić Govedarica, Stojković (c) (D. Stan. 52'), Jugović, Drulović (Kova. 70') Mijatović, Milošević COACH: Vujadin Boškov
GAME SUMMARY In front of a tide of orange shirts, Netherlands trounced Yugoslavia to claim a ticket in the semifinals. The Yugoslavs held out until minute 24, when Kluivert opened the scoring after an intelligent run into the Yugoslav box to latch onto Bergkamp’s defense-splitting pass. The Barcelona striker, in stunning form, added a second emphatic goal in minute 38 after side-footing a pinpoint pass from Davids. Early in the second half, Kluivert pressed Govedarica to send the ball into his own net, and three minutes later he volleyed a superb ball from Zenden to complete his hat-trick. With 4-0 and the game virtually won, man-of-the-match Kluivert was substituted for Makaay on the hour, but the scoring did not end here. Overmars cracked in a great 20-meter shot in minute 78 and scored one more in injury-time to make it 6-0 for Holland. Seconds from the end, Milošević netted his fifth goal of the tournament after Mijatović’s looping shot came back off Holland’s crossbar, but it was scant consolation for the Yugoslavs.

1/4 FINAL
STADIUM: Jan Breydelstadion (Brugge) DATE: 25-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 29.000 REFEREE: Pierluigi Collina (ITA) GOALS: 0-1 (Zidane 32'); 1-1 (Mendieta [p.] 38'); 1-2 (Djorkaeff 44') BOOKED: Alfonso (55’), Guardiola (61’), Míchel Salgado (64’), Paco (71’) / Deschamps (60’) [Incidents: Raúl missed a penalty shot (min. 90).]
		Spain - France
		1-2 (1-2)
SPAIN Cañizares Míchel Salgado, Abelardo (c), Paco, Aranzábal Mendieta (Urzaiz 57'), Guardiola, Helguera (Gerard 77') Alfonso, Raúl, Munitis (Etxeberría 73') COACH: José Antonio Camacho			FRANCE Barthez Thuram, Desailly, Blanc, Lizarazu Dugarry, Vieira, Deschamps (c), Zidane, Djorkaeff Henry (Anelka 81') COACH: Roger Lemerre
GAME SUMMARY For the first time in the competition, Camacho went for an attacking 4-3-3 formation with Alfonso, Raúl and Munitis together in the forward line, and this certainly added to the excitement of the game. Both keepers were in action from the start as play swung from end to end, and Vieira headed a Zidane free kick over the bar in the opening minutes. Barthez kept France on level terms with saves from both Guardiola and Raúl in a bright spell of Spanish attacking play before the World Champions eventually took the lead around the half-hour mark, just after Zidane sliced his shot wide with only Cañizares to beat. Within a couple of minutes, the Juventus midfielder made up for his miss when he curled a wonderful free kick over the Spanish defensive wall into the top corner of the net, in which—amazingly—was his first direct free kick goal of the tournament. Spain were quick to respond to this setback when, six minutes later, a penalty was awarded to them after Munitis had been fouled. Mendieta calmly placed the ball past Barthez and the game was all square again, but not for too long. Just before halftime, Djorkaeff smashed the ball home after good work from Vieira and Spain were under pressure again. In the second half, Zidane’s continued control of midfield frustrated the Spanish efforts to get back into the game. Djorkaeff came close to scoring his second later in the game, but the real drama was reserved for the 89th minute, when Spain were awarded a penalty. With regular penalty-taker Mendieta substituted earlier, Raúl stepped up to take the kick which could earn his country extra-time, but he ballooned the ball high over the French bar. Still, it was not quite over yet, as in injury-time Urzaiz missed an easy chance when he headed over the bar.

1/2 FINAL
STADIUM: Stade Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijnstadion (Bruxelles) DATE: 28-06-2000 (20:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 45.000 REFEREE: Günter Benkö (AUT) GOALS: 1-0 (Nuno Gomes 19'); 1-1 (Henry 51'); 1-2 (Zidane [p.] [Golden Goal] 117') BOOKED: Vidigal (44’), Figo (54’), Jorge Costa (55’), Dimas (62’), João Pinto (107’), Nuno Gomes (RC 116') / Vieira (23’), Desailly (39’) [Incidents: Nuno Gomes was sent off with a straight red card for protesting a penalty call (min. 116).]
		Portugal - France
		1-2 (1-0)
PORTUGAL Vítor Baía (c) Abel Xavier, Fernando Couto, Jorge Costa, Dimas (Rui Jorge 91') Sérgio C., Vidigal (P. Bento 61'), R. Costa (J. Pinto 78'), Costinha, Figo Nuno Gomes COACH: Humberto Coelho			FRANCE Barthez Thuram, Desailly, Blanc, Lizarazu Vieira, Deschamps (c), Petit (Pirès 87') Zidane, Anelka (Wiltord 72'), Henry (Trézéguet 106') COACH: Roger Lemerre
GAME SUMMARY After some early French pressure, Portugal took the lead in minute 19 when Nuno Gomes, with his back to goal, turned to his left and cracked a volley which flew into the French net with Barthez unable to move. For the remainder of the first half, the Portuguese took control of the midfield and had little difficulty in keeping France at bay. Although both Henry and Anelka showed pace in wide areas, there was little cohesion in their attacking play. After the break, France fought back to level terms and achieved it in minute 51, when Vieira found Anelka in space on the right edge of the Portugal penalty area, allowing the Real Madrid striker to feed Henry, whose shot swept past Vítor Baía after taking a deflection on Fernando Couto. Afterwards, Portugal released their grip on midfield and this allowed Zidane to get into the game for the first time. The Juventus playmaker proved his ability to play killer balls, finding Henry in space behind the Portuguese defense twice, with Fernando Couto and Jorge Costa making important blocks. However, nothing came from the intense French pressure, although three late chances during normal time could have swung the game either way. Substitute João Pinto just failed to get a touch to Nuno Gomes’ header across goal, while in the Portuguese penalty area Thuram dribbled his way into a shooting position, only to lose his footing at the vital moment. In the dying seconds of regulation it looked as if Portugal could snatch victory with a goalbound header by Abel Xavier from a Figo free kick, but Barthez produced a tremendous flying save. Neither side made much headway during extra-time. In the first period, it was France who looked more dangerous, with Zidane and Blanc both missing heading chances. At the start of the second period of extra-time, João Pinto again came close to winning the contest, breaking into the French half from Figo’s pass before uncorking a right-footed shot which went just wide. Seconds later, with a penalty shoot-out beckoning, Trézéguet forced Vítor Baía to come from his goal, and after the ball came loose, Wiltord’s goalbound shot was intercepted by Abel Xavier’s outstretched arm. The Austrian referee Benkö at first appeared to award a corner but, after consulting his linesman, pointed to the penalty spot, sparking furious protests from the Portuguese, who believed that the handball was unintentional. Some players manhandled and harassed the referee and the linesman who had spotted the offense, and Nuno Gomes was red-carded. The penalty was taken by Zidane, who scored the “Golden Goal” to send France to the final. For Portugal, their brave and exhilarating tournament was over, although their reputation in world football was enhanced.

1/2 FINAL
STADIUM: Amsterdam Arena (Amsterdam) DATE: 29-06-2000 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 51.300 REFEREE: Markus Merk (GER) GOALS: - BOOKED: Zambrotta (15’), Iuliano (16’), Zambrotta (34’ > RC), Toldo (38’), Maldini (45+’), Di Biagio (87’) / Zenden (28’), Davids (50’), Van Bronckhorst (75’), Stam (93’) PK: 1-0 (Di Biagio); 1-0 (F. de Boer [saved]) / 2-0 (Pessotto); 2-0 (Stam [out]) / 3-0 (Totti); 3-1 (Kluivert) / 3-1 (Maldini [saved]) / 3-1 (Bosvelt [saved]) [Incidents: Zambrotta was sent off after a second bookable offense (min. 34). Frank de Boer missed a penalty shot (min. 39), saved by Toldo. Kluivert missed a penalty shot (min. 62).]
		Italy - Netherlands
		0-0 (0-0;0-0) (pk: 3-1)
ITALY Toldo Cannavaro, Nesta, Iuliano Zambrotta, Albertini (Pess. 77'), Di Biagio, Fiore (Totti 83'), Maldini (c) Del Piero, Inzaghi (Delvecchio 67') COACH: Dino Zoff			NETHERLANDS Van der Sar Bosvelt, Stam, F. de Boer (c), Van Bronckhorst Overmars, Cocu (Winter 95'), Davids, Zenden (Van Vossen 77') Bergkamp (Seedorf 86'), Kluivert COACH: Frank Rijkaard
GAME SUMMARY Once again, a sea of orange shirts showed the overwhelming level of support for the home team. The game was a constant series of Dutch attacks and robust Italian defending but, for all their guile and constant pressing, Holland were unable to break their rivals down, despite a string of first-half chances. Clearly, Italy knew how to pack their defense and this is precisely what they did as they snuffed out the efforts of Holland’s forward line by fair means or, if necessary, by foul. Zambrotta, in particular, seemed bent upon stopping the Dutch attacks at any cost and, after being booked in the 15th minute, was sent off twenty minutes later for a vicious foul on Zenden. Soon afterwards Holland seemed destined to break the deadlock when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Kluivert, but Frank de Boer’s kick was saved by Toldo. In the second half, Holland continued to attack and only had themselves to blame when a second penalty, this time from Kluivert, was missed. Italy continued to squeeze the life out of the game, though they did at least begin to look threatening on the counterattack, particularly after the introduction of substitute Totti. They were very close to snatch a dramatic victory in the third minute of injury-time as another substitute, Delvecchio, raced clear of Frank de Boer but shot straight at the previously untested Van der Sar. Delvecchio again had the first chance in the sudden death extra period, sprinting clear on the break and sending in a low shot that Van der Sar pushed round the post with an outstretched leg. Kluivert then created an opening for himself with a sharp turn of pace to take him between two defenders, but his left-foot shot dragged agonizingly wide of the far post. Substitute Seedorf saw a shot fly just narrowly wide of the far post following an exchange of passes with Van Vossen, and Kluivert was wide of the mark again with a flicked header from Van Bronckhorst’s cross. After a goalless 90 minutes and extra-time, the ticket to the final was decided in a penalty shoot-out. With two spot-kicks already missed in regulation, the dejected Dutch sensed that it wasn’t going to be their day, and further misses by Frank de Boer, Stam and Bosvelt meant that the resilient Italians would play the final.

FINAL
STADIUM: Stadion Feijenoord / De Kuip (Rotterdam) DATE: 2-07-2000 (20:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 48.200 REFEREE: Anders Frisk (SWE) GOALS: 0-1 (Delvecchio 55’); 1-1 (Wiltord 90+’); 2-1 (Trézéguet [Golden Goal] 103’) BOOKED: Thuram (58’) / Di Biagio (31’), Cannavaro (42’), Totti (90+’)
		France - Italy
		2-1 (0-0;1-1)
FRANCE Barthez Thuram, Blanc, Desailly, Lizarazu (Pirès 86') Djorkaeff (Tréz. 76'), Vieira, Deschamps(c), Zidane, Dugarry (Wil. 58') Henry COACH: Roger Lemerre			ITALY Toldo Cannavaro, Nesta, Iuliano Pessotto, Albertini, Di Biagio (Ambro. 66'), Fiore (Piero 53'), Maldini(c) Totti, Delvecchio (Montella 86') COACH: Dino Zoff
Contrary to their display in the semifinal against Holland, this time Italy came out to play and both sides went for goal from the very beginning. Initial pressure from the Italians yielded nothing more than a couple of corners, although Totti should have scored after only three minutes, heading wastefully wide from Fiore’s corner. Zidane was skillfully shadowed by Albertini, and it was Henry who posed the main threat for the Italian defense. In minute 6, the Arsenal striker hit a post from an acute angle when his shot seemed to be going wide. Later on, Henry’s pace forced Di Biaggio and Cannavaro into challenges that earned them yellow cards. Half-chances were created and missed at both ends and, at the interval, the game remained goalless (although Desailly was fortunate to escape a red card when he elbowed Cannavaro on the blind side of referee Frisk at a free kick on the stroke of halftime). The second half started brightly and, in minute 50, Zidane only just failed to take advantage of Henry’s superb low cross. Dino Zoff decided to increase the pressure on France three minutes later when he brought Del Piero on in place of Fiore, and this substitution soon paid dividends as the increased width which this gave his team opened up the French defense. In minute 55, an Italian corner was played short to Totti, whose backheel found space for Pessotto on the right flank to thread a dangerous cross across the French goalmouth, which was met by Delvecchio to put Italy ahead. Del Piero squandered a glorious chance to give Italy a two-goal cushion three minutes later when he was put clear by Totti, but pulled his finish hopelessly wide. Lemerre brought on an extra attacker, Wiltord, who almost immediately came close to equalize when his close-range shot was saved by Toldo’s legs. In minute 68, the Fiorentina goalkeeper was his team’s savior again when he bravely dived at Henry’s feet. However, Italy still looked dangerous on the break, and five minutes from time Del Piero shot straight at Barthez when it seemed easier to score. With just seconds of injury-time remaining, and some Italian players celebrating victory, Trézéguet and Wiltord combined on the left and the latter scored the equalizer to force the game into extra-time. After so dramatically levelling the scores, France were clearly on the rise during the additional period. After a couple of early chances by Del Piero, Italy came under such sustained pressure that it seemed to be just a question of time before France would score. Toldo made a brilliant save from French substitute Pirès four minutes into extra-time, sustaining a bloody nose in the process. The fresh legs of Pirès ran the Italian defense ragged and, in minute 13 of extra-time, his by-line cross was blasted home by Trézéguet to give France victory with another “Golden Goal.”

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