XII EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP (PORTUGAL 2004)

FINAL STAGE — GAME DETAILS

(From 12-06-2004 to 4-07-2004)

 

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio do Dragão (Porto)

DATE: 12-06-2004 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 48.761

REFEREE: Pierluigi Collina (ITA)

GOALS: 0-1 (Karagounis 7’); 0-2 (Basinas [p.] 51’); 1-2 (Cristiano Ronaldo 90+’)

POR

Portugal

Portugal - Greece

Ελλάδα

GRE

1-2 (0-1)

PORTUGAL

Ricardo

Paulo Ferreira, Jorge Andrade, Fernando Couto (c), Rui Jorge

Figo, Costinha (Nuno Gomes 66’), Maniche, Simão (C. Ronaldo 46’)

Rui Costa (Deco 46’), Pauleta

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

GREECE

Nikopolidis

Seitaridis, Dellas, Kapsis, Fyssas

Giannako. (Niko. 68’), Zagorakis(c), Basinas, Karagounis (Katsou. 46’)

Vryzas, Charisteas (Lakis 74’)

COACH: Otto Rehhagel

GAME SUMMARY

Greece produced the first major surprise of the tournament after defeating host Portugal in the opening game. The Portuguese appeared hamstrung by the pressure during the initial stage and struggled against the unfancied Greeks, who stunned the local fans after only seven minutes when Paulo Ferreira gave the ball away to Karagounis, who was allowed a free run on goal before unleashing a 25-meter strike into the bottom left-hand corner. With Vryzas causing panic in the Portuguese defense, and keeper Ricardo looking decidedly jittery, Greece might have extended their lead. Charisteas sliced his shot after being put through by another defensive mistake by Portugal, and Fyssas saw his volley fly well over the bar. Portugal finally began to find their feet and Rui Costa should have equalized after Paulo Ferreira found him unmarked in the box, but the AC Milan midfielder could only direct his free header tamely wide. Portugal continued to have more of the ball, but were let down by their urgency in the final meters. Just after the half hour, Simão turned his marker and looked ready to apply the finishing touch, but Nikopolidis bravely dived at his feet.

 

Luiz Felipe Scolari responded to a lacklustre first half by replacing Simão and the ineffectual Rui Costa with Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco, but matters only got worse for the hosts as Basinas converted a penalty just after halftime to make it 2-0 following Cristiano Ronaldo’s clumsy challenge on Seitaridis. Even two goals behind, Portugal’s lone striker Pauleta remained isolated up front and Greece had a relatively easy task, solid in the tackle, great defensively and quick on the counterattack. With twelve minutes remaining, Deco might have put Greece under pressure but, after shaking off his marker, he sent a powerful strike high and wide. In injury time, Cristiano Ronaldo headed home a Figo cross, but it was merely a consolation for the hosts, whose qualifying hopes were in the balance after the game. Worse than the defeat for Portugal were the negative vibrations given by Figo, Rui Costa and Fernando Couto, the team leaders.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio do Algarve (Faro/Loulé)

DATE: 12-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 28.182

REFEREE: Urs Meier (SWI)

GOALS: 1-0 (Valerón 60’)

[Incidents: Sharonov was sent off (min. 88).]

SPA

España

Spain - Russia

Россия

RUS

1-0 (0-0)

SPAIN

Casillas

Puyol, Marchena, Helguera, Raúl Bravo

Etxeberría, Albelda, Baraja (Xabi Alonso 59’), Vicente

Raúl (c) (Torres 78’), Morientes (Valerón 59’)

COACH: Iñaki Sáez

RUSSIA

Ovchinnikov

Evseev, Smertin (c), Sharonov, Sennikov

Gusev (Radimov 46’), Alenichev, Aldonin (Sychjov 68’), Mostovoj

Bulykin, Izmajlov (Karjaka 74’)

COACH: Georgij Yartsev

GAME SUMMARY

After the surprise defeat of Portugal in the opening game, Spain and Russia had a great incentive to go for victory. It was the Spaniards who made the brighter start, with wave after wave of attacks from every direction. The in-form Morientes partnered Raúl up front, and the pair rekindled their Real Madrid form of a couple of seasons ago by constantly probing Russia’s defense. The Valencia players—Marchena, Albelda, Baraja and Vicente—looked impressive, with Vicente particularly dangerous on the left wing. Sáez’s men dominated the midfield and constantly pressed their Russian opponents, who were missing key defenders Viktor Onopko and Sergej Ignashevich. Yet Spain were unable to convert their domination into goals in the first half, due to their lack of precision in the final touch. Their clearest chance came in minute 35, when Morientes headed Vicente’s cross straight at Ovchinnikov. One minute later, it was Russia who almost scored on the break when Alenichev jinked past several Spanish defenders and forced a fine save from Casillas. With many doubts and some fears in the Spanish team, the Russians reached halftime clearly in the ascendancy, with Bulykin, Mostovoj and Aldonin the focus of their attacks.

 

After the break, Raúl squandered an excellent opportunity to give Spain the lead when he failed to find the target with a header from Etxeberría’s accurate cross from the right. On the hour, Sáez opted to change his line-up, bringing on Valerón and Xabi Alonso for Morientes and Baraja. These substitutions immediately paid off, as Valerón scored the winner only 36 seconds after coming on. The Deportivo midfielder took two touches before rifling home Puyol’s teasing cross from inside the Russian area. From that moment on, Spain took control of the ball and opened more spaces up front, to the desperation of the Russian players. Rather than holding on to the 1-0 lead, Sáez sought to extend Spain’s advantage and replaced Raúl with Atlético de Madrid’s exciting young prospect Fernando Torres, who almost made an immediate impact, but his goalbound shot was blocked. In the dying minutes, Russia’s already depleted rearguard suffered another blow when Sharonov was sent off for a second bookable offense for bringing down Torres on the edge of the area.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa (Leiria)

DATE: 13-06-2004 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 24.090

REFEREE: Lucílio Cardoso Cortez Batista (POR)

GOALS: -

[Incidents: Vogel was sent off (min. 50).]

SWI

Schweiz / Suisse

Switzerland - Croatia

Hrvatska

CRO

0-0 (0-0)

SWITZERLAND

Stiel (c)

Haas, M. Yakın, Müller, Spycher

Huggel, Vogel, H. Yakın (Gygax 87’), Wicky (Henchoz 83’)

Frei, Chapuisat (Celestini 55’)

COACH: Köbi Kuhn

CROATIA

Butina

Šimić (Srna 61’), R. Kovač, Šimunić, Živković (c)

Mornar, Bjelica (Rosso 74’), N. Kovač, Olić (Rapajić 46’)

Pršo, Šokota

COACH: Otto Barić

GAME SUMMARY

After a bright start, Switzerland and Croatia entered a boring phase of petty challenges which earned both sides a series of yellow cards. Pršo claimed penalty when he was brought down by Haas in the Swiss area, but the Portuguese referee Cortez Batista booked him instead for diving. Just after half an hour, Switzerland’s appeals for a penalty were also denied when Chapuisat went down. Croatia, much sharper than their opponents, had the best chance of the first half in minute 39, when Olić headed against the bar following an awful defensive error by Switzerland, whose offside trap went horribly wrong when Haas played five Croatian players onside from a free kick.

 

Just after halftime, Vogel received a second booking for kicking the ball away after conceding a foul, and his sending-off left a depleted Swiss team to the mercy of Croatia. With Switzerland’s attacking threat now almost non-existent, Croatia coach Otto Barić replaced a defender (Šimić) with a midfielder (Srna) trying to press home their number advantage. But, although Croatia had most of the possession, it was Switzerland who almost stole an unlikely lead in minute 77, when Huggel sent a low shot toward goal and the ball crept under Butina and skimmed past the post.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Novo Estádio da Luz (Lisboa)

DATE: 13-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 62.487

REFEREE: Markus Merk (GER)

GOALS: 0-1 (Lampard 38’); 1-1 (Zidane 90+’); 2-1 (Zidane [p.] 90+’)

[Incidents: Beckham missed a penalty shot (min. 73), saved by Barthez.]

FRA

France

France - England

England

ENG

2-1 (0-1)

FRANCE

Barthez

Gallas, Thuram, Silvestre (Sagnol 79’), Lizarazu

Pirès (Wiltord 75’), Vieira, Makélélé (Dacourt 90+’), Zidane (c)

Trézéguet, Henry

COACH: Jacques Santini

ENGLAND

James

G. Neville, King, Campbell, A. Cole

Beckham (c), Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes (Hargreaves 76’)

Owen (Vassell 69’), Rooney (Heskey 76’)

COACH: Sven-Göran Eriksson

GAME SUMMARY

France started the game with their characteristic fluid football, and produced the first real goalscoring opportunity when Trézéguet headed over from Vieira’s precision cross. However, England’s midfield settled quickly, allowing them to absorb the French pressure and counterattack dangerously. For all France’s possession, England goalkeeper James had little to do in the first half, as his defense was controlling the dangerous French attackers (especially center-half King’s marking on Henry). With lead in their legs and movements excessively mechanized, neither Henry could make any progress on the left nor Zidane could shake the shackles of Lampard and Gerrard. The only French danger came through Pirès, who faded away as the game progressed. Just before halftime, England took the lead when Lampard rose to head home Beckham’s free kick. It was the first English shot on goal in the first half.

 

In the second half, France tried to pick up the pace and one quick counterattack saw Vieira surge forward before finding Henry, whose curled shot was gathered by James. Henry, missing in the first half, started to become more influential as the game wore on, but it was the raw aggression of Rooney that stood out as he tormented France with his power and pace. Eriksson replaced the ineffective Owen with Vassell in an attempt to freshen things up. Just when England were showing the first signs of weariness, Rooney stormed forward and was crudely hacked down in the French box by Silvestre. A penalty shot was duly called by the referee, but Beckham saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by Barthez to give France a lifeline. England were made to pay a heavy price for that miss in the dying minutes of the game. It all happened in injury-time, when Heskey needlessly gave away a foul on the edge of the area and the imperious Zidane strode forward to send a curling free kick past James and equalize. But the game was not over yet, and England lost all sense of discipline when Gerrard attempted a dangerous backpass to James, with Henry in close pursuit. The French striker pounced on the loose ball and was hauled to the ground by a despairing James. Referee Markus Merk pointed to the spot and Zidane showed no nerves as he converted the penalty with aplomb to hand France a very late and unexpected victory which left England’s players inconsolable at the final whistle, while the French stayed on the pitch to celebrate their opening game win.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio D. Afonso Henriques (Guimarães)

DATE: 14-06-2004 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 19.595

REFEREE: Manuel Enrique Mejuto González (SPA)

GOALS: -

DEN

Danmark

Denmark - Italy

Italia

ITA

0-0 (0-0)

DENMARK

Sørensen

Helveg, Laursen, Henriksen (c), N. Jensen

Jørgensen (Pérez 72’), Poulsen (Priske 76’), D. Jensen, Rommedahl

Tomasson, Sand (C. Jensen 69’)

COACH: Morten Olsen

ITALY

Buffon

Panucci, Nesta, Cannavaro (c), Zambrotta

Camoranesi (Fiore 68’), Zanetti (Gattuso 57’), Perrotta

Totti, Vieri, Del Piero (Cassano 64’)

COACH: Giovanni Trapattoni

GAME SUMMARY

Italy, one of the tournament’s favourites, got off to a poor start in their Euro 2004 campaign as they produced a disappointing display against Denmark, who dominated most of the game but lacked the cutting edge in attack to capitalize the speed of their wingers. The Italians were on the backfoot from the beginning, struggling to find their rhythm, although their adroit defense constantly thwarted the Danish attacks (especially left-back Niclas Jensen’s forward runs). However, Italy were always dangerous in their attacks, and a long-range shot by Totti was pushed around the post by keeper Sørensen. A similarly well struck 20-meter shot by Helveg forced Buffon into punching the effort clear. In minute 43, Italy had their clearest goalscoring chance when Sørensen produced a superb double save from Del Piero’s close-range shot and then Totti’s follow-up effort. Denmark immediately went up the other end and Buffon had to scramble low to his right to keep out Jørgensen’s angled shot.

 

After the interval, the heat and the poor rhythm of the game exacerbated even more the fear to lose, and both teams reinforced their defensive display. Sørensen was quickly in action again as he superbly tipped over a firm Vieri header from a Zambrotta cross. The goalkeepers were having a major say in the game and, in minute 74, Buffon was at full stretch to keep out a well struck Tomasson shot from 18 meters. The rebound fell to Rommedahl, but he chose to shoot instead of passing and his effort was cleared. In the end, Italy had to settle for a point after a poor match.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: José Alvalade XXI (Lisboa)

DATE: 14-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 31.652

REFEREE: Michael Riley (ENG)

GOALS: 1-0 (Ljungberg 32’); 2-0 (Larsson 57’); 3-0 (Larsson 58’); 4-0 (Ibrahimović [p.] 78’); 5-0 (Allbäck 90+’)

SWE

Sverige

Sweden - Bulgaria

България

BUL

5-0 (1-0)

SWEDEN

Isaksson

Lučić (Wilhelmsson 41’), Mellberg (c), Jakobsson, Edman

Nilsson, Linderoth, Svensson (Källström 76’), Ljungberg

Larsson, Ibrahimović (Allbäck 81’)

COACHES: Tommy Söderberg / Lars Lagerbäck

BULGARIA

Zdravkov

Ivanov, Kirilov, Pažin, I. Petkov

Peev, S. Petrov (c), Khristov, M. Petrov (Lazarov 84’)

Janković (Dimitrov 62’), Berbatov (Manchev 76’)

COACH: Plamen Markov

GAME SUMMARY

Sweden made a lively start to the game, and Ibrahimović had an early chance when he controlled a raking through ball only to see his goalbound shot deflected away for a corner. Bulgaria, after starting nervously, soon acclimatized to the ferocious pace of the game established by the Swedes. Sweden suffered a scare when Khristov tumbled in the box, but the English referee waved play on. Soon after, Bulgaria had a real chance to take the lead, Martin Petrov swinging in a lovely cross from the left that Janković volleyed narrowly wide. As the game swung from end to end, Larsson directed Nilsson’s right-wing cross over, before Berbatov’s thumping header forced Isaksson to brilliantly tip over the bar. Just after the half-hour mark, Sweden went ahead when Ibrahimović raced away down the right, surged into the box and fed Ljungberg in the far post, who tapped home from close range. Bulgaria almost replied immediately, but Stilijan Petrov’s sizzling 30-meter volley flashed wide of Isaksson’s right-hand post.

 

The second half began in the same fashion, with both sides creating chances. First Janković headed wide from close range when it looked easier to score. Moments later an impetuous flick from the cunning Ibrahimović sent Ljungberg through, but the Arsenal midfielder could only shoot straight at Zdravkov. Bulgaria went within inches of levelling in minute 55 when Martin Petrov’s right-footer flew just past Isaksson’s left-hand post, but within two minutes Larsson wrapped up the game for Sweden. Edman found room down the Swedish left and whipped over a glorious cross that Larsson met with a stunning diving header. Just 71 seconds later, Svensson sent a right-wing center across the face of goal for Larsson to fire into the roof of the net. Bulgaria looked shell-shocked by this heavy punishment, and it almost got worse for them when Ibrahimović dribbled in the area again only to be thwarted by Zdravkov. In minute 78, Ljungberg was fouled by Ivanov in the Bulgarian area to earn a penalty that Ibrahimović converted. In injury-time, Ibrahimović’s replacement Allbäck sealed the Swedish thrashing with a terrific volley.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Mário Duarte (Aveiro)

DATE: 15-06-2004 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 21.744

REFEREE: Gilles Veissière (FRA)

GOALS: 0-1 (Verpakovskis 45+’); 1-1 (Baroš 73’); 2-1 (Heinz 85’)

CZR

Česká Republika

Czech Republic - Latvia

Latvija

LAT

2-1 (0-1)

CZECH REPUBLIC

Čech

Grygera (Heinz 56’), Ujfaluši, Bolf, Jankulovski

Galásek (Šmicer 64’), Poborský, Rosický, Nedvěd (c)

Koller, Baroš (Jiránek 87’)

COACH: Karel Brückner

LATVIA

Koļinko

Isakovs, Zemļinskis, Stepanovs, Blagonadeždins

Bleidelis, Lobaņovs (Rimkus 90’), Astafjevs (c), Rubins

Prohorenkovs (Laizāns 72’), Verpakovskis (Pahars 81’)

COACH: Aleksandrs Starkovs

GAME SUMMARY

The Czech Republic started the game in a dominant fashion, and Nedvěd gave Latvia an early scare in the opening seconds with a teasing cross which had Koļinko backpedalling furiously before the ball drifted over his crossbar. Prohorenkovs gave a glimpse of the pace of the Latvian front players when he outstripped Grygera to whip in a cross which Bolf stabbed behind for a corner. Captain Nedvěd was a growing presence in the game, and when a loose clearance fell to him 18 meters out, Stepanovs had to throw himself in front of his powerful shot. The Juventus midfielder was popping up all over the place, and his cross from the right dead-ball line was finger-tipped off Koller’s head by Koļinko. But Latvia’s pace always posed a threat, and Prohorenkovs sent over a cross from the right which the diving Verpakovskis just failed to make contact with. However, the Latvian inexperience showed as they conceded possession cheaply, and Rosický almost made them pay as he found space to fire in a shot which drew a full-length save from Koļinko. New Czech opportunities came as Bolf planted a header over the bar and Poborský’s rasping drive was centimeters over. Stepanovs again came to Latvia’s rescue when he bravely threw himself in front of Nedvěd’s shot, and on the stroke of halftime played an instrumental role as Latvia took a shock lead. After breaking up an attack, Stepanovs’ pass sent Prohorenkovs away down the left, and his perfect cross provided a tap-in for Verpakovskis.

 

After taking the lead, Latvia started the second half full of confidence, and a combination of stubborn Latvian defending and the poor quality of the Czech final pass frustrated Karel Brückner’s men. Koļinko was again alert to drop on to Poborský’s deflected shot, and the Sparta Prague midfielder then saw a thumping half-volley clip the outside of the post. Baroš twice spurned clear-cut chances as the Czechs threw men forward. Latvia came within a whisker of extending their lead when Prohorenkovs curled a shot centimeters past the post, while at the other end Koļinko produced a brilliant save to claw away Nedvěd’s volley. But it was the Latvian keeper’s error which handed the Czech a face-saver on 73 minutes. Poborský’s persistance gave him some space to play in a cross which Koļinko could only flap down to Baroš, who this time made no mistake from close range. The Czechs could sniff victory now and laid siege to the Latvian goal. They got their reward five minutes from time when Baroš gave chase to a long ball and Zemļinskis’ sliced clearance fell kindly for Heinz to smash the ball home.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio do Dragão (Porto)

DATE: 15-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 48.197

REFEREE: Anders Frisk (SWE)

GOALS: 1-0 (Frings 30’); 1-1 (Van Nistelrooij 81’)

GER

Deutschland

Germany - Netherlands

Nederland

NED

1-1 (1-0)

GERMANY

Kahn (c)

Friedrich, Wörns, Nowotny, Lahm

Schneider (Schw. 68’), Hamann, Baumann, Ballack, Frings (Ernst 79’)

Kurányi (Bobič 85’)

COACH: Rudi Völler

NETHERLANDS

Van der Sar

Heitinga (Van Hooijdonk 74’), Stam, Bouma, Van Bronckhorst

Davids (Sneijder 46’), Cocu(c), Van der Vaart, Zenden (Overmars 46’)

Van Nistelrooij, Van der Meyde

COACH: Dick Advocaat

GAME SUMMARY

Arch-rivals Germany and Holland met once again in the European Championship, and it was the Dutch who made a brighter start, creating the first opening inside two minutes when Van Nistelrooij just failed to latch onto Cocu’s chip over the defense. But the Germans quickly stifled Holland’s attacking threat and began to threaten themselves. Their first meaningful shot on goal came on 19 minutes, when Wörns met a cross from the left but his scuffed effort was easily collected by Van der Sar. The Dutch goalkeeper was soon in action again, tipping Kurányi’s 25-meter shot over the bar, and from the resulting corner Wörns sent a downward header bouncing high and wide. At the half-hour, Germany was on target when Frings delivered a curling free kick from the left that looped over a crowd of players and Van der Sar and dropped in off the back post. Although Van Nistelrooij was a virtual spectator by this stage, Holland always remained dangerous. Just before halftime, Van der Vaart seized upon a loose ball on the edge of the area and sent a low shot fizzing just wide of Kahn’s left-hand post.

 

In the second half, Advocaat brought on Overmars and Sneijder in an attempt to rejuvenate his ailing side and increase their speed, but it was Germany who were the first to threaten. On 54 minutes, Kurányi was only centimeters away from meeting Schneider’s teasing cross with the Dutch defense again exposed. At the other end, Holland tried their luck with long-range shots from Sneijder and Van Bronckhorst, but only showed real signs of improvement after the hour mark, when their players were beginning to outrun their German counterparts. In minute 74, Overmars finished with a fierce effort some promising approach play, but Kahn dived acrobatically to palm the shot away. This chance encouraged the Dutch however, and they grabbed an equalizer with nine minutes left when Van der Meyde won possession and swung in a low cross which Van Nistelrooij met at the near post to steer a first-time shot past Kahn. In the dying minutes, Cocu’s header almost snatched a late victory for Holland.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio do Bessa XXI (Porto)

DATE: 16-06-2004 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 25.444

REFEREE: Ľuboš Micheľ (SVK)

GOALS: 0-1 (Morientes 28’); 1-1 (Charisteas 66’)

GRE

Ελλάδα

Greece - Spain

España

SPA

1-1 (0-1)

GREECE

Nikopolidis

Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, Fyssas (Venetidis 86’)

Giannako. (Niko. 49’), Zagorakis(c), Karagounis (Tsiartas 53’), Katsou.

Vryzas, Charisteas

COACH: Otto Rehhagel

SPAIN

Casillas

Puyol, Helguera, Marchena, Raúl Bravo

Etxeberría (Joaquín 46’), Albelda, Baraja, Vicente

Raúl (c) (Torres 80’), Morientes (Valerón 65’)

COACH: Iñaki Sáez

GAME SUMMARY

Spain, as in their first match against Russia, started the game in a dominating way, but once again lacked precision in the final meters. Greece’s stubborn defense, with man-to-man marking and two trench-like defensive lines in front of Nikopolidis, was proving difficult to break down. For once, Albelda’s pass found Raúl in space in the penalty box, but an uncharacteristic heavy touch from the Real Madrid striker enabled Nikopolidis to gather the ball. Later on, Giannakopoulos’s foul on Puyol allowed Vicente to whip in a free kick, and in stretching to make contact Helguera deflected the ball away from goal. On 28 minutes, Spain finally took the lead when Raúl stepped in as Kapsis hesitated and his fine backheel found Morientes, who sidestepped Katsouranis to rifle home from 12 meters. Greece were at full stretch to keep out the rampant Spaniards, but on 33 minutes Helguera and Marchena suffered a communication breakdown and Fyssas’ thumping shot was blocked by the unwitting Marchena. Greece finished the first half strongly, but the Spanish defense comfortably responded to all their attacks.

 

Greece came close to an equalizer two minutes after the break, when the ball fell invitingly to Zagorakis and his powerful drive flew centimeters wide. Zagorakis then robbed the ball to Albelda and strode forward to fire straight at Casillas. Raúl spurned a chance to give Spain breathing space when he planted a free header over the bar from eight meters out. In minute 66, the Spanish defense failed to deal with a long hopeful ball from substitute Tsiartas and Charisteas controlled before firing a shot over Casillas for the equalizer. Greece defended desperately to preserve their hard-earned point and Nikopolidis produced a point-blank save to keep out Helguera’s header, while substitute Valerón saw his shot blocked by Kapsis. The 1-1 draw left Spain in a delicate position, as they will have to earn their qualification in the final game against host Portugal, with Marchena ruled out of this match for his second yellow card of the tournament.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Novo Estádio da Luz (Lisboa)

DATE: 16-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 59.273

REFEREE: Terje Hauge (NOR)

GOALS: 0-1 (Maniche 7’); 0-2 (Rui Costa 89’)

[Incidents: Ovchinnikov was sent off (min. 45).]

RUS

Россия

Russia - Portugal

Portugal

POR

0-2 (0-1)

RUSSIA

Ovchinnikov

Evseev, Smertin (c), Bugaev, Sennikov

Alenichev, Aldonin (Malafeev 45+’), Los’kov, Karjaka (Bulykin 79’)

Izmajlov (Bystrov 72’), Kerzhakov

COACH: Georgij Yartsev

PORTUGAL

Ricardo

Miguel, Jorge Andrade, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente

Figo (c) (Cristiano Ronaldo 78’), Maniche, Costinha, Deco

Pauleta (Nuno Gomes 57’), Simão (Rui Costa 63’)

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

GAME SUMMARY

After their opening defeat, Portugal had no more margin for mistake against Russia. This time, Scolari gave Figo a free role, and this tactical switch brought the best of the Real Madrid player. Portugal’s nerves were quickly settled by an early goal: Deco fired the ball into the area and Porto teammate Maniche deftly controlled it before turning in a flash past Evseev to send an unstoppable half-volley past Ovchinnikov. After taking the lead, Portugal swarmed forward as Russia tried to stem the tide. Just before the half-hour mark, Figo went on a slaloming run, bamboozling the Russian defense with a succession of stepovers, only for his cross to elude Pauleta. A minute before the interval, Ovchinnikov was red-carded after the referee adjudged he had handled outside his area Sennikov’s woeful backpass under pressure from Pauleta.

 

The Portuguese domination continued during the second half. In minute 64, Figo hit the woodwork after Portugal cut Russia apart with some swift one-touch passing involving Rui Costa, Deco and Nuno Gomes. To their credit, Russia never gave up. Ricardo had to react quickly to beat away Karjaka’s fierce shot and, in the closing stages, the Portuguese endured some tense moments as Russia pressed forward. But in the 89th minute Rui Costa made the win safe, prodding home Cristiano Ronaldo’s cross from the left.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Cidade de Coimbra (Coimbra)

DATE: 17-06-2004 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 28.214

REFEREE: Valentin Ivanov (RUS)

GOALS: 1-0 (Rooney 23’); 2-0 (Rooney 75’); 3-0 (Gerrard 82’)

[Incidents: Haas was sent off (min. 60).]

ENG

England

England - Switzerland

Schweiz / Suisse

SWI

3-0 (1-0)

ENGLAND

James

G. Neville, Campbell, Terry, A. Cole

Beckham (c), Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes (Hargreaves 70’)

Owen (Vassell 72’), Rooney (Dyer 83’)

COACH: Sven-Göran Eriksson

SWITZERLAND

Stiel (c)

Haas, M. Yakın, Müller, Spycher

Huggel, Celestini (Cabanas 53’), H. Yakın (Vonlanthen 83’), Wicky

Chapuisat (Gygax 46’), Frei

COACH: Köbi Kuhn

GAME SUMMARY

During the early stage of the game, England struggled to retain possession, while Switzerland looked dangerous probing the English left flank. A series of set-pieces taken by the left-footed Hakan Yakın gave England’s defense all sorts of problems. Then, completely against the run of the play, England took the lead when Beckham flighted a diagonal pass to Owen, who crossed the ball to Rooney and allowed the teenage Everton attacker to score with a powerful header. Rooney, 18, became the youngest player to score in the European Championship finals. The goal served to sharpen England’s passing and movement, and just past the half-hour mark Ashley Cole’s low cross from the left just eluded both Owen and Rooney. Even so, the Swiss—prompted by Hakan Yakın’s passing and vision—continued to probe a nervous English defense, and just before the break the Stuttgart midfielder went close from another free kick.

 

In the second half, the introduction of youngster Gygax revitalized Switzerland’s attack. However, just before the hour Köbi Kuhn’s side suffered a major blow when Haas was dismissed after he picked up two yellow cards in the space of ten minutes. Later on, Rooney’s rifled shot hit the post, but the ball richocheted off the head of an unfortunate Stiel into the net. In the closing stages, Gerrard made it 3-0 for England when he popped up to scoop home Gary Neville’s cross from the right.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa (Leiria)

DATE: 17-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 29.160

REFEREE: Kim Milton Nielsen (DEN)

GOALS: 0-1 (Tudor [o.g.] 22’); 1-1 (Rapajić [p.] 48’); 2-1 (Pršo 52’); 2-2 (Trézéguet 64’)

CRO

Hrvatska

Croatia - France

France

FRA

2-2 (0-1)

CROATIA

Butina

Šimić (c), R. Kovač, Tudor, Šimunić

Bjelica (Leko 68’), N. Kovač, Rosso, Rapajić (Mornar 87’)

Pršo, Šokota (Olić 73’)

COACH: Otto Barić

FRANCE

Barthez

Gallas (Sagnol 81’), Thuram, Desailly (c), Silvestre

Wiltord (Pirès 70’), Vieira, Dacourt (Pedretti 79’), Zidane

Henry, Trézéguet

COACH: Jacques Santini

GAME SUMMARY

France began the game in dominant mood, with Henry firing in a shot on the turn that flashed just wide. Midway the first half, Zidane fired in a dangerous free kick that Tudor tried half-heartedly to clear, but he only succeeded in deflecting it past his own keeper. The goal enabled France to increase the tempo of the game, and as usual Zidane was at the heart of everything as he toyed with Croatia in what began to resemble a training-ground kickabout. Just before halftime, France should have doubled their lead when Henry swung in a corner that Zidane nonchalantly flicked with the outside of his boot into the path of Gallas, who failed to finish what would have been a wonderful move by missing a header in front of goal.

 

By halftime, the reigning European champions looked to be heading for a comfortable win. But within seven minutes of the restart the game took a complete turn. Silvestre bundled Rosso over in the box with a clumsy challenge and referee Kim Milton Nielsen pointed to the spot. Rapajić stepped up and fired past Barthez, who had been virtually a spectator up until that point. Four minutes later, Croatia went in front through Pršo, who controlled a deep cross and was faster than Desailly to ram the ball home. After all the French domination, the Croatian lead came as a surprise. But another defensive mistake allowed France to be back on level terms. A poor backpass put Butina under pressure from Trézéguet and his attempt at a clearance hit the forward, leaving him with the simple task of sidefooting into an empty net as Croatia appealed in vain for handball. Pirès and Henry were both denied by Butina in the dying stages, but Mornar also came close to stealing the three points for Croatia when he blazed over from close range in injury-time.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Municipal (Braga)

DATE: 18-06-2004 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 24.131

REFEREE: Lucílio Cardoso Cortez Batista (POR)

GOALS: 0-1 (Tomasson 44’); 0-2 (Grønkjær 90+’)

[Incidents: Stilijan Petrov was sent off (min. 83).]

BUL

България

Bulgaria - Denmark

Danmark

DEN

0-2 (0-1)

BULGARIA

Zdravkov

Ivanov (Lazarov 51’), Kirilov, Stojanov, I. Petkov (Zagorčić 40’)

Peev, S. Petrov (c), Khristov, M. Petrov

Janković (M. Petkov 81’), Berbatov

COACH: Plamen Markov

DENMARK

Sørensen

Helveg, Laursen, Henriksen (c), N. Jensen

Gravesen, Tomasson, D. Jensen

Jørgensen (C. Jensen 72’), Sand, Rommedahl (Grønkjær 23’)

COACH: Morten Olsen

GAME SUMMARY

Denmark dominated the game from the start, taking possession of the ball and creating the same build-up play as they did against Italy in the opening group game, although this time they looked ready to add the finishing touch to their play. The Danes created the first chance of the game after five minutes, when the pacy Rommedahl raced onto a ball down the left and looped a cross to the far post for Jørgensen, who took two touches to control and shoot, but his effort was saved by Zdravkov and Sand also saw his follow-up shot blocked by the Bulgaria keeper. An outswinging cross to the far post again had Bulgaria in trouble, as Jørgensen was set to launch a header toward goal before left-back Ivajlo Petkov crucially hooked the ball clear. Denmark seemed to be dealt a blow when Rommedahl went off injured midway the first half, but that signalled the arrival of the equally dangerous Grønkjær. The Chelsea attacker made an immediate impact on the game, when he saw a low shot saved by Zdravkov before Sand headed wide from close range. The game was becoming more and more of a one-way traffic toward the Bulgaria goal, but the Danish players continued missing their chances. Tomasson rounded Zdravkov only to shoot into the side-netting. Bulgaria were looking poor, but almost delivered a shocking punch when Khristov headed just wide after keeper Sørensen dropped a catch. One minute before halftime, Denmark’s pressure finally paid dividends when Gravesen threaded a first-time ball through Bulgaria’s defense and Jørgensen unselfishly squared for Tomasson to tap in.

 

In the second half, Bulgaria tried to equalize to stay in the tournament and their play looked more positive, but their attacks had still little to offer. Denmark sat on their 1-0 lead, which gave their opponents a chance of snatching an undeserved equalizer. Janković shot just wide in a rare Bulgarian attempt, but their hopes faded when captain Stilijan Petrov was red-carded for a second bookable offense after arguing over a free kick which was not awarded. In injury-time, Grønkjær scored the second Danish goal after finishing a sweeping move with a controlled shot.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio do Dragão (Porto)

DATE: 18-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 44.926

REFEREE: Urs Meier (SWI)

GOALS: 1-0 (Cassano 37’); 1-1 (Ibrahimović 85’)

ITA

Italia

Italy - Sweden

Sverige

SWE

1-1 (1-0)

ITALY

Buffon

Panucci, Nesta, Cannavaro (c), Zambrotta

Gattuso (Favalli 76’), Pirlo, Cassano (Fiore 70’), Perrotta

Del Piero (Camoranesi 82’), Vieri

COACH: Giovanni Trapattoni

SWEDEN

Isaksson

Nilsson, Mellberg (c), Jakobsson, Edman (Allbäck 77’)

Wilhelmsson (Jonson 67’), Linderoth, Svensson (Källst. 55’), Ljungberg

Ibrahimović, Larsson

COACHES: Tommy Söderberg / Lars Lagerbäck

GAME SUMMARY

Aware of the importance of this game after their disappointing 0-0 draw in the opening match, Italy cast aside their usual defensive instincts and threw men forward in numbers, even allowing their full-backs to attack. Within three minutes they had threatened the Swedish goal, when Del Piero found Vieri with a long ball and the Inter attacker outmuscled Edman only to miss his final shot on goal. Sweden responded with Ibrahimović releasing Ljungberg, who returned the favor with a neat backheel, but the big Ajax striker wasted the chance by firing over from a decent position. It was a rare moment of promise for the Swedes though, as they struggled to contain a persistent and inventive Italian attack. Vieri headed over from a good position and Del Piero sidefooted wide after Zambrotta’s good work down the left. When Italy did manage to find the target they found Isaksson a tough obstacle to overcome. In minute 27, the Swedish keeper pulled off a fine save to push around the post a Del Piero shot that was deflected off Mellberg and was heading for the bottom corner. Ten minutes later, Italy finally broke the deadlock when right full-back Panucci cut inside Ljungberg and Edman and put in an inviting cross that an unmarked Cassano beautifully guided into the bottom corner with a glancing header. On the stroke of halftime, Panucci and Cassano almost combined for a second goal as the former crossed again, but this time Cassano headed straight at Isaksson.

 

In the second half, Italy were not quite the same attacking force as in the first period, but they still carved out chances, with Vieri again going close with a shot from another Panucci center. Del Piero also headed over and went close with an ambitious flick. Italy, however, was playing a dangerous game, as Sweden introduced two more attackers and kept pushing forward. Jonson twice went close to grabbing an equalizer after being set up by Larsson, first with a drilled effort brilliantly kept out by Buffon, then heading over. With five minutes left, Sweden finally equalized when Ibrahimović finished a goalmouth scramble with an impossible flick with the outside of his boot into the top corner. Italy had still a late opportunity to snatch all three points, but Vieri again headed over the bar. The final draw left the Italians in a delicate situation, knowing that even a win against Bulgaria in their last game might not be enough to qualify.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio do Bessa XXI (Porto)

DATE: 19-06-2004 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 22.344

REFEREE: Michael Riley (ENG)

GOALS: -

LAT

Latvija

Latvia - Germany

Deutschland

GER

0-0 (0-0)

LATVIA

Koļinko

Isakovs, Zemļinskis, Stepanovs, Blagonadeždins

Bleidelis, Lobaņovs (Laizāns 70’), Astafjevs (c), Rubins

Prohorenkovs (Pahars 67’), Verpakovskis (Zirnis 90+’)

COACH: Aleksandrs Starkovs

GERMANY

Kahn (c)

Friedrich, Wörns, Baumann, Lahm

Schneider (Schweinsteiger 46’), Hamann, Ballack, Frings

Bobič (Klose 67’), Kurányi (Brdarić 78’)

COACH: Rudi Völler

GAME SUMMARY

Germany were held to a goalless draw by Latvia and saw their chances to qualify for quarterfinals dangerously reduced. Throughout the opening exchanges, the underdogs quickly let Germany know they were in determined mood and kept their rivals at bay. With Bobič almost anonymous up front and Ballack subdued by the Latvian midfield, only Lahm posed a threat, making some incisive overlaps down the left side. Workmanlike Latvia continued to hold their opponents although, as the half progressed, Kurányi became more influential in the German attack. The Stuttgart striker came close to breaking the deadlock with a glancing header that went centimeters wide. However, it was Latvia who created the chance of the half in minute 39, when Verpakovskis picked up the ball in his own half, twisted and sprinted away from four German defenders in a superb solo run, but his shot inside the German area lacked conviction and Kahn made a comfortable save.

 

Germany started brightly after the break, and appeared to have a new sense of purpose about their play. Kurányi and substitute Schweinsteiger both narrowly failed to connect with a cross into the box before Ballack’s goalbound shot was well blocked by Lobaņovs. But it was the lively, pacy Verpakovskis who was proving to be the most dangerous player on the pitch. In minute 62, he was unlucky not to win a penalty after another impressive run was brought to an end as he was hauled over in the German box. Germany hit back when Bobič crossed into the area, across the face of the goal, and the ball just eluded Kurányi’s outstretched leg. Latvia continued to frustrate Germany, and their resolute defense held firm. In minute 83, Verpakovskis had another penalty claim turned down after he was tripped by Wörns. In injury-time, Klose had a superb opportunity to save the German pride and snatch a win they barely deserved, but he wasted a free header in the box.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Mário Duarte (Aveiro)

DATE: 19-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 29.935

REFEREE: Manuel Enrique Mejuto González (SPA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Bouma 4’); 2-0 (Van Nistelrooij 19’); 2-1 (Koller 23’); 2-2 (Baroš 71’); 2-3 (Šmicer 88’)

[Incidents: Heitinga was sent off (min. 75).]

NED

Nederland

Netherlands - Czech Republic

Česká Republika

CZR

2-3 (2-1)

NETHERLANDS

Van der Sar

Heitinga, Stam, Bouma, Van Bronckhorst

Seedorf (Van der Vaart 86’), Cocu (c), Davids

Van der Meyde (Reiziger 79’), Van Nistelrooij, Robben (Bosvelt 59’)

COACH: Dick Advocaat

CZECH REPUBLIC

Čech

Grygera (Šmicer 25’), Jiránek, Ujfaluši, Jankulovski

Poborský, Galásek (Heinz 62’), Rosický, Nedvěd (c)

Baroš, Koller (Rozehnal 75’)

COACH: Karel Brückner

GAME SUMMARY

The Czech Republic had the first chances of the game through Koller and Jankulovski, but it was Holland who, against the run of play, took an early lead with virtually their first attack. Robben put in a free kick from the right that found Bouma unmarked, and the PSV central defender made no mistake with a diving header into the bottom corner. Seedorf twice went close with a free kick that just edged past the post and a long-range shot after a good move involving Davids and Van Nistelrooij. In minute 19, Robben put in a fine cross that seemed destined for the head of Van Nistelrooij, but he looked to be fouled in the air. The Manchester United striker was still complaining when the ball came back to Robben and the PSV winger squared it again for Van Nistelrooij—who had come from an offside position—to tap home. However, four minutes later the Czechs were given a lifeline when Van Bronckhorst needlessly gave the ball away to Baroš, who sent the ball past Stam for Koller to make it 2-1. Both sides were fully committed to attacking football, which left gaps at the back and led to no shortage of chances. Heitinga’s shot into the top corner was somehow saved by Čech, and Davids’ left-foot shot beat the Czech keeper but came back off the post.

 

The end-to-end action continued after the break as Van Nistelrooij saw a header saved by Čech’s legs, and then Heinz set up Baroš only for Van der Sar to pull off a terrific one-handed save. Robben’s substitution seemed to hand the initiative to the Czechs, and they got an equalizer in minute 71 when Koller chested a deep cross into the path of Baroš and the Liverpool attacker lashed home a half-volley. Four minutes later, the Dutch were reduced to ten men when Heitinga was harshly adjudged to have brought down Nedvěd and was shown a second yellow card. Nedvěd was centimeters away from supplying a suitable finish to the game when his 35-meter shot came back off the bar. However, with two minutes to go the Czechs found their reward when Heinz fired in a low shot that Van der Sar did well to save, but Poborský was first to the rebound and he squared for Šmicer to tap in.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: José Alvalade XXI (Lisboa)

DATE: 20-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 47.491

REFEREE: Anders Frisk (SWE)

GOALS: 0-1 (Nuno Gomes 57’)

SPA

España

Spain - Portugal

Portugal

POR

0-1 (0-0)

SPAIN

Casillas

Puyol, Juanito (Morientes 80’), Helguera, Raúl Bravo

Joaquín (Luque 72’), X. Alonso, Albelda (Baraja 66’), Raúl (c), Vicente

Torres

COACH: Iñaki Sáez

PORTUGAL

Ricardo

Miguel, Jorge Andrade, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente

Figo (c) (Petit 78’), Costinha, Maniche, Deco

Pauleta (Nuno Gomes 46’), Cristiano Ronaldo (Fernando Couto 85’)

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

GAME SUMMARY

In a tense game, Portugal’s plight forced them to set the pace from the beginning. Deco showed some delightful, subtle touches as he tried to spark the hosts into life. On 15 minutes, both sides created a chance within seconds of one another. First Vicente whipped in a vicious cross that Raúl just failed to get to, and Portugal swept to the other end where Cristiano Ronaldo’s cross fell to Figo, whose shot was blocked by Helguera. Figo’s sublime skills then created space for Costinha to spring forward and test Casillas with a thumping drive. On 35 minutes, Vicente ran on to deliver a cross which found Raúl, but his heavy first touch allowed Nuno Valente to get in a challenge. Portugal continued to work the flanks effectively, but failed to get enough men into the Spanish penalty area, and for all their decorative approach play, they failed to seriously threaten Casillas. At the other end, lone striker Torres rose highest in minute 41 to bullet a header over the bar from Vicente’s corner. On the stroke of halftime, Cristiano Ronaldo bravely met Figo’s cross just before the stranded Casillas, but his header went agonizingly wide.

 

After the interval, the game continued in much the same fashion, with Portugal and Spain taking no risks and waiting for something to happen. But in minute 57 Figo’s beautifully crafted flick found Nuno Gomes in space and he worked the ball onto his right foot to bury a 20-meter shot into the bottom right-hand corner of the Spanish goal. Realizing that defeat put them out of the tournament, Spain responded strongly, with Raúl heading over after Portugal keeper Ricardo missed Vicente’s cross. Torres then failed to hit the target when Xabi Alonso played him through with only Ricardo to beat. Casillas twice kept the Spanish hopes alive, first going full-length to palm away Figo’s free kick, and then parrying Costinha’s header from the resulting corner. Spain pushed again, with substitute Luque lobbing Ricardo only for Ricardo Carvalho to head clear, and then Helguera bounced a header on top of the bar. But Portugal held on to earn qualification, leaving Spain—the great underachievers in international competitions—to ponder yet another premature exit from a major tournament.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio do Algarve (Faro/Loulé)

DATE: 20-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 24.347

REFEREE: Gilles Veissière (FRA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Kirichenko 2’); 2-0 (Bulykin 17’); 2-1 (Vryzas 43’)

RUS

Россия

Russia - Greece

Ελλάδα

GRE

2-1 (2-1)

RUSSIA

Malafeev

Anjukov, Sharonov (Sennikov 56’), Bugaev, Evseev

Gusev, Radimov, Alenichev (c), Karjaka (Semshov 46’)

Bulykin (Sychjov 46’), Kirichenko

COACH: Georgij Yartsev

GREECE

Nikopolidis

Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, Venetidis (Fyssas 89’)

Charisteas, Zagorakis (c), Basinas (Tsiartas 42’), Katsouranis

Vryzas, Papadopoulos (Nikolaidis 70’)

COACH: Otto Rehhagel

GAME SUMMARY

Greece scraped through to the quarterfinals despite being beaten by Russia thanks to their goal average over Spain. The Greeks, who surprised host Portugal in the opening game, needed just a draw to progress, but got off to the worst possible start when a failed clearance by Katsouranis allowed Kirichenko to poke home with a powerful shot after only 68 seconds (the quickest goal in the history of the Eurocup finals). Russia, who had only pride to play for after losses to Spain and Portugal had ensured their elimination, took advantage of the nervous start of the Greeks, who were lost in midfield without the injured Karagounis. In minute 17, Bulykin charged to the near post and firmly headed a corner past Nikopolidis to make it 2-0. Russia should have added a third goal when left-footed Karjaka was allowed a clear shot on goal from 15 meters, but he blazed over with his weaker right foot. Almost immediately, Charisteas missed an excellent opportunity when he side-footed high. On the brink of halftime, Greece pulled one back through Vryzas, who held off a Russian defender before impressively chipping over the advancing Malafeev.

 

After the break, Greece were more disciplined and determined than in the first half, especially after knowing that Spain were losing in the other group game in Lisboa and a minor defeat would put them through on goal average. Sychjov had a long-range shot saved by Nikopolidis, but Greece were more assured as they held Russia at bay. Indeed, Greece almost levelled when a Tsiartas well-struck and curling free kick was excellently saved by the impressive Malafeev. Kirichenko almost slid in to score for Russia, but Greece held on to reach the quarterfinals of the European Championship for the first time in their history.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Cidade de Coimbra (Coimbra)

DATE: 21-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 28.111

REFEREE: Ľuboš Micheľ (SVK)

GOALS: 0-1 (Zidane 20’); 1-1 (Vonlanthen 26’); 1-2 (Henry 76’); 1-3 (Henry 84’)

SWI

Schweiz / Suisse

Switzerland - France

France

FRA

1-3 (1-1)

SWITZERLAND

Stiel (c)

Henchoz (Magnin 85’), M. Yakın, Müller, Spycher

Cabanas, Vogel, Gygax (Rama 85’), H. Yakın (Huggel 60’), Wicky

Vonlanthen

COACH: Köbi Kuhn

FRANCE

Barthez

Sagnol (Gallas 46’ (Boumsong 90+’)), Thuram, Silvestre, Lizarazu

Zidane (c), Makélélé, Vieira, Pirès

Trézéguet (Saha 75’), Henry

COACH: Jacques Santini

GAME SUMMARY

France began the game in attacking fashion, and Trézéguet went close to score after only 30 seconds. It looked only a matter of time before the European champions took the lead as they interpassed the ball confidently, leaving the Swiss at full stretch, and Zidane duly obliged after 20 minutes, escaping his marker to head home Pirès’ corner. France could have killed the game off in the following five minutes, but their finishing was poor. Then, against the run of play, Switzerland equalized in minute 26 when the 18-year-old Vonlathen clinically slotted home after some clever Swiss build-up play. The PSV attacker thus became the youngest scorer in the tournament’s history, ahead of Wayne Rooney (who had set the same record four days earlier). After the equalizer, the Swiss began to show more confidence and had several good chances to take the lead.

 

France came back strong in the second half and Henry assumed the attacking responsibility, but the Swiss defense looked solid. Henry, Zidane, Trézéguet and Pirès all missed clear-cut chances as France struggled to turn their superiority into goals, since their attacks became too static and predictable. In minute 76, just when the French nerves began to jangle and the Swiss confidence grew, Henry showed a perfect timing to latch onto Saha’s header and slot home. The Arsenal attacker added another goal six minutes from time to clinch the first place in the group for France.

 

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio D. Afonso Henriques (Guimarães)

DATE: 22-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 16.002

REFEREE: Valentin Ivanov (RUS)

GOALS: 0-1 (M. Petrov [p.] 45’); 1-1 (Perrotta 48’); 2-1 (Cassano 90+’)

ITA

Italia

Italy - Bulgaria

България

BUL

2-1 (0-1)

ITALY

Buffon

Panucci, Materazzi (Di Vaio 83’), Nesta, Zambrotta

Fiore, Pirlo, Perrotta (Oddo 68’)

Cassano, Corradi (Vieri 53’), Del Piero (c)

COACH: Giovanni Trapattoni

BULGARIA

Zdravkov (c)

Borimirov, Zagorčić, Pažin (Kotev 64’), Stojanov

M. Petkov, Janković (Bozhinov 46’), Khristov (Dimitrov 79’)

Lazarov, Berbatov, M. Petrov

COACH: Plamen Markov

GAME SUMMARY

Driving rain in Guimarães presented players with difficult conditions underfoot, and Bulgaria didn’t make things easier for the referee with their harsh tackling. Italy should have gone ahead on 13 minutes, when Cassano picked out Zambrotta at the far post and the thumping close-range volley of the Italian left full-back was brilliantly saved by Zdravkov, who then watched gratefully as Del Piero stabbed the loose ball wide of the gaping target. Fine defending at either end kept the game scoreless, with Materazzi bravely throwing himself in front of Berbatov’s shot and Zagorčić frustrating Del Piero on the other end. With halftime beckoning, Italy were left facing a mountain to climb as Bulgaria took the lead after a controversial penalty for a foul of Materazzi on Berbatov. Martin Petrov confidently converted the spot-kick and gave Bulgaria an undeserved lead just before the break.

 

Within three minutes of the restart, however, Italy were back in business. Zambrotta pulled the ball back from the by-line for Cassano to crack a shot against the underside of the bar, and when Zdravkov failed to gather the rebound Perrotta reacted first to prod home the loose ball. Then Pirlo curled a free kick just over with Zdravkov backpedalling desperately. Vieri entered the game in minute 53, and in his first chance the Inter striker mistimed his header in front of goal; in the ensuing scramble, Del Piero had his shot blocked. Italy, in desperate need of a victory, became increasingly frustrated as their missed chance count continued to rise. Vieri rose highest at a corner to bullet a header centimeters wide before the Russian referee Ivanov turned down what looked a certain penalty when Cassano was felled by Borimirov’s poorly timed tackle. Zambrotta then saw his shot deflected wide with Zdravkov stranded. In minute 85, Buffon—who had been a spectator for most of the game—produced a brilliant save to keep out Berbatov’s free kick. Finally, in injury-time, Cassano superbly converted Del Piero’s low cross, but the Italian joy at what they thought was the goal to put them through was instantly cut short as news filtered through of Denmark’s draw with Sweden.

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Novo Estádio da Luz (Lisboa)

DATE: 21-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 57.047

REFEREE: Pierluigi Collina (ITA)

GOALS: 1-0 (N. Kovač 5’); 1-1 (Scholes 40’); 1-2 (Rooney 45+’); 1-3 (Rooney 68’); 2-3 (Tudor 73’); 2-4 (Lampard 79’)

CRO

Hrvatska

Croatia - England

England

ENG

2-4 (1-2)

CROATIA

Butina

Šimić (Srna 67’), R. Kovač (Mornar 46’), Šimunić, Živković (c)

Rosso, Tudor, N. Kovač, Rapajić (Olić 55’)

Pršo, Šokota

COACH: Otto Barić

ENGLAND

James

G. Neville, Terry, Campbell, A. Cole

Beckham (c), Gerrard, Lampard (P. Neville 84’), Scholes (King 70’)

Owen, Rooney (Vassell 72’)

COACH: Sven-Göran Eriksson

GAME SUMMARY

England’s defense had struggled to neutralize set-pieces in the previous game against Switzerland, and Croatia were quick to exploit that nervousness, despite some early English attacks. In minute 5, Rapajić sent a free kick to the far post and, after Ashley Cole miskicked toward his own goal as he tried to clear, Niko Kovač was faster than James to flick the ball home. England then began to lay siege to the Croatian goal and Butina made a superb save to deny Scholes after the Manchester United midfielder had been sent clear by Rooney. Croatia tried to put the game to sleep with a series of horizontal interpassing between Pršo, Šimić and Šimunić which Owen and Rooney couldn’t avoid with their pressure, and also looked dangerous on the counterattack (James had to save from Šokota and Pršo). Five minutes before the break, England put their best move of the half together when Gerrard fed the ball to Lampard and the Chelsea midfielder’s pass sent Owen clear. Butina came out bravely to deny the Liverpool attacker, but the ball broke to Rooney, whose header across goal was nodded into the net by the stooping Scholes. Then, in first-half stoppage time, Scholes flicked the ball into the path of Rooney, who unleashed an unstoppable shot past Butina.

 

Emboldened by the change in their fortunes, England were quickly back on the attack after the interval. Butina saved well again from Scholes, while Owen’s chip over the Croatian goalkeeper landed on the roof of the net. England took control of the game in minute 68 when Rooney latched onto Owen’s pass to strike the ball past Butina and claim his fourth goal of the tournament. Five minutes later, Tudor pulled a goal back for Croatia with a header, but Lampard restored England’s two-goal advantage after he broke into the box with a surging run and then drilled the ball past the keeper.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio do Bessa XXI (Porto)

DATE: 22-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 26.115

REFEREE: Markus Merk (GER)

GOALS: 1-0 (Tomasson 28’); 1-1 (Larsson [p.] 47’); 2-1 (Tomasson 66’); 2-2 (Jonson 89’)

DEN

Danmark

Denmark - Sweden

Sverige

SWE

2-2 (1-0)

DENMARK

Sørensen

Helveg, Laursen, Henriksen (c), N. Jensen (Bøgelund 46’)

D. Jensen (Poulsen 65’), Tomasson, Gravesen

Grønkjær, Sand, Jørgensen (Rommedahl 57’)

COACH: Morten Olsen

SWEDEN

Isaksson

Nilsson, Mellberg (c), Jakobsson, Edman

Jonson, Andersson (Allbäck 81’), Källström (Wilhelms. 72’), Ljungberg

Ibrahimović, Larsson

COACHES: Tommy Söderberg / Lars Lagerbäck

GAME SUMMARY

In the build-up to the match, Denmark and Sweden had strenuously denied suggestions of a “Scandinavian Pact” to play for a draw and eliminate Italy from the tournament. Indeed, from the beginning of the game it was clear that both teams sought to attack and the Italian fears were unjustified. The slippery conditions in Porto made it difficult for the players to stand on their foot, but Denmark dealt with the situation far better and dominated possession in the opening period. The Danes—knowing that an Italian victory for more than one goal in the other group game could eliminate them—carried the greater threat, with Gravesen working overtime in midfield, while Tomasson, Sand and Grønkjær foraged tirelessly in attack. The first real opportunity fell to Grønkjær when a slip by Jakobsson allowed Tomasson’s pass to reach the Chelsea winger, but he fired into the side-netting. Sweden, who had looked so compact in their opening two games, looked disjointed with Larsson and Ibrahimović barely involved in the game. In minute 28, Tomasson spotted that Isaksson had come off his line and, after controlling the ball with his chest, struck a brilliant dipping volley into the top left-hand corner of the Swedish goal. The 1-0 lead was no less than Denmark deserved for their endeavor, but the goal also stung Sweden into action. The Danish goalkeeper Sørensen, in outstanding form, made a brilliant double save to first deny Larsson and then Ibrahimović as Sweden poured on the pressure. In minute 39, Sørensen was beaten by Mellberg’s header, but the ball bounced off the post and out of harm’s way.

 

Two minutes after the restart, Denmark were punished with a harsh penalty after the referee adjudged that Sørensen had brought down the onrushing Larsson in the area (although TV replays show that the Danish keeper made no contact with the Swedish attacker). Larsson converted the spot-kick with aplomb to level the score. Denmark were initially shaken by the equalizer, but after some time restored their domination of the game. In minute 66, substitute Bøgelund struck a corner into a sea of Swedish defenders and the ball rebounded into the path of the lurking Tomasson, who drilled his shot low to the right of Isaksson to restore Denmark’s lead. Yet Sweden rallied and scored a late equalizer when Sørensen failed to hold Wilhelmsson’s cross and Jonson poked the ball home after a goalmouth scramble. The 2-2 draw not only ensured a place for Sweden in the quarterfinals as group winners, but also ended the hopes of Italy in the other group game.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Municipal (Braga)

DATE: 23-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 27.904

REFEREE: Kim Milton Nielsen (DEN)

GOALS: 1-0 (Van Nistelrooij [p.] 27’); 2-0 (Van Nistelrooij 35’); 3-0 (Makaay 84’)

NED

Nederland

Netherlands - Latvia

Latvija

LAT

3-0 (2-0)

NETHERLANDS

Van der Sar

Reiziger, Stam, De Boer (c), Van Bronckhorst

Seedorf, Cocu, Davids (Sneijder 77’)

Van der Meyde (Overmars 63’), Van Nistelrooij (Makaay 70’), Robben

COACH: Dick Advocaat

LATVIA

Koļinko

Isakovs, Zemļinskis, Stepanovs, Blagonadeždins

Bleidelis (Štolcers 83’), Lobaņovs, Astafjevs (c), Rubins

Prohorenkovs (Laizāns 74’), Verpakovskis (Pahars 62’)

COACH: Aleksandrs Starkovs

GAME SUMMARY

Robben, who had been the best Dutch player against the Czech Republic until he was surprisingly substituted in the second half of the game (which earned Advocaat some heavy criticism from both Dutch media and fans), once again demonstrated his importance to Holland with his influential play from the left wing. In minute 12, he released Van Nistelrooij with a sublime pass, but Latvian goalkeeper Koļinko was quick to narrow the angle and thwart the Manchester United striker. Holland went ahead through a rather fortunate penalty midway through the first half, when Davids squirmed his way past Zemļinskis and Astafjevs and then tumbled in the area, prompting referee Kim Milton Nielsen to point to the spot. Van Nistelrooij took the kick and calmly sent Koļinko the wrong way to make it 1-0. Eight minutes later, the Dutch striker scored his second goal stooping to nod home Cocu’s headed cross from Seedorf’s free kick. Just before the interval Koļinko foiled Van Nistelrooij, reacting well to block the Dutchman’s fierce volley.

 

Van der Sar, who had been a virtual spectator during the first half, was quickly into action after the restart as Latvia adopted a more attacking strategy. The Dutch goalkeeper first parried Rubins’ rising shot and then watched with relief as Lobaņovs’ shot after a corner almost crept into the net. Just past the hour, Koļinko and Van Nistelrooij resumed their duel with the Latvian keeper doing well to get down quickly to save the Dutchman’s low shot. The Latvian keeper continued to defy the Dutch with a string of athletic saves, but he had no chance in minute 84 as substitute Makaay added a third goal with a cool piece of finishing. Holland’s victory, combined with the surprising defeat of Germany against a reserve Czech team in the other group match, finally allowed the Dutch to qualify for quarterfinals.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: José Alvalade XXI (Lisboa)

DATE: 23-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 46.849

REFEREE: Terje Hauge (NOR)

GOALS: 1-0 (Ballack 21’); 1-1 (Heinz 30’); 1-2 (Baroš 77’)

GER

Deutschland

Germany - Czech Republic

Česká Republika

CZR

1-2 (1-1)

GERMANY

Kahn (c)

Friedrich, Nowotny, Wörns

Frings (Podolski 46’), Hamann (Klose 79’), Lahm, Schneider, Ballack

Schweinsteiger (Jeremies 86’), Kurányi

COACH: Rudi Völler

CZECH REPUBLIC

Blažek

Jiránek, Bolf, Rozehnal, Mareš

Galásek (c) (Hübschman 46’), Plašil (Poborský 70’), Týce, Vachoušek

Heinz, Lokvenc (Baroš 59’)

COACH: Karel Brückner

GAME SUMMARY

The luxury of having already qualified for the quarterfinals allowed the Czechs to make as many as nine changes in their line-up and rest key men such as Nedvěd, Koller and Rosický. But what was very much a Czech under-strength team should have taken a third minute lead when Lokvenc got a flick on Heinz’s free kick and Jiránek, to Kahn’s relief, failed to make contact from a meter out. Despite their need for a win, Germany only played Kurányi as an out-and-out striker and looked distinctly one-dimensional going forward, with only Ballack lifting them out of the ordinary. The Bayern midfielder saw his fierce shot loop up off Rozehnal and over the bar with Blažek stranded. In minute 21, however, Germany opened the score when Schneider’s cross was perfectly touched off by Schweinsteiger into the path of Ballack, who screamed a left-footer into the top right corner. However, the Czechs equalized nine minutes later in spectacular fashion, when Heinz dipped an exquisite free kick over the German wall to beat Kahn’s flailing dive. As halftime approached, Germany still showed a marked lack of ambition, although Frings sprang forward to deliver a cross which Blažek just grabbed ahead of Kurányi’s lunge.

 

In the second half, Germany threw on teenage striker Podolski, but it was Czech substitute Hübschman who made an instant impact with a cross which Lokvenc volleyed to draw a fine save from Kahn. But there was more purpose now in the German play, knowing that qualification was at stake, although Schneider’s header and Ballack’s shot both missed the target. As the traffic began to flow in one direction, Kurányi just failed to make contact with a Schweinsteiger cross after some good work of the Bayern midfielder in the right flank. In minute 66, Germany should have taken the lead as Ballack’s shot cannoned back off the post into the path of Schneider, whose weak follow-up shot was clawed away by Blažek. Schneider then planted a free header over from six meters and, in a frantic scramble, Wörns’ shot was cleared off the line by Hübschman and Podolski’s follow-up was saved by the Czech keeper. Germany’s failure to take their chances returned to haunt them as they fell behind on 77 minutes, when substitute Baroš took advantage of an under-manned German defense to brush off a thin challenge from Frings and, although Kahn saved his first effort, poke home the loose ball. The Germans were left needing two goals to qualify, but this time the miraculous comeback didn’t happen and, for the second European Championship in a row, Germany were eliminated at the group stage.

 

1/4 FINAL

STADIUM: Novo Estádio da Luz (Lisboa)

DATE: 24-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 62.564

REFEREE: Urs Meier (SWI)

GOALS: 0-1 (Owen 3’); 1-1 (Hélder Postiga 83’); 2-1 (Rui Costa 110’); 2-2 (Lampard 115’)

BOOKED: Costinha (56’), Deco (85’), Ricardo Carvalho (119’) / Gerrard (37’), G. Neville (45’), P. Neville (92’)

PK: 0-0 (Beckham [out]); 1-0 (Deco) / 1-1 (Owen); 2-1 (Simão) / 2-2 (Lampard); 2-2 (Rui Costa [out]) / 2-3 (Terry); 3-3 (Cristiano Ronaldo) / 3-4 (Hargreaves); 4-4 (Maniche) // [decisive shots] 4-5 (A. Cole); 5-5 (Hélder Postiga) / 5-5 (Vassell [saved]); 6-5 (Ricardo)

POR

Portugal

Portugal - England

England

ENG

2-2 (0-1;1-1) (pk: 6-5)

PORTUGAL

Ricardo

Miguel (Rui Costa 79’), Jorge Andrade, R. Carvalho, Nuno Valente

Maniche, Costinha (Simão 63’), Deco

Figo (c) (Hélder Postiga 75’), Nuno Gomes, Cristiano Ronaldo

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

ENGLAND

James

G. Neville, Terry, Campbell, A. Cole

Beckham (c), Lampard, Gerrard (Hargr. 82’), Scholes (P. Neville 57’)

Owen, Rooney (Vassell 27’)

COACH: Sven-Göran Eriksson

GAME SUMMARY

England took the lead after only three minutes, when James launched a massive clearance upfield which Costinha, in an attempt to cut out, headed backwards into the path of Owen. The Liverpool striker allowed the ball to drop before brilliantly flicking the ball past Ricardo. This early goal, instead of galvanizing England’s play, brought them under Portugal’s pressure and made the English players gave away possession regularly. Figo wriggled past Gary Neville in defense and his cross found Cristiano Ronaldo, who saw his shot blocked by both Ashley Cole and Campbell. Beckham then failed to cut out a pass to Figo, allowing Deco to feed the ball to Maniche, who sent a rasping drive goalwards which James expertly tipped over for a corner. Campbell almost doubled England’s advantage on 20 minutes, when he headed a Gary Neville cross just over the bar. Seven minutes later, England were dealt a blow when Rooney (whose mere presence had preoccupied the Portugal defense to such an extent that they were leaving Owen unmarked) was forced off after being struck on the foot by Jorge Andrade. The English defense failed to close down the Portuguese attacks time and again, and they were lucky to go into the break with their lead intact.

 

Shortly after the interval, Eriksson replaced the ineffective Scholes with Phil Neville in an attempt to neutralize playmaker Deco. But Portugal continued to pose a threat and Luiz Felipe Scolari brought on the attack-minded Simão in the place of holding midfielder Costinha. Within minutes of entering the fray, the Benfica winger signalled his intent with a whipping shot. In minute 83, England’s defense failed to clear Simão’s initial cross and his second was headed home by substitute Hélder Postiga to level the score. The goal was no less than Portugal deserved for their constant second-half pressure. However, with a minute left Campbell bundled home a Beckham free kick after Owen had initially struck the crossbar. But just when the English thought they had won the game, referee Urs Meier deemed that Terry had impeded Ricardo and disallowed the goal.

 

Both teams looked tired going into extra-time, and England’s defense was called into some desperate last-ditch defending to keep Portugal at bay. Ashley Cole made a brilliant goalline clearance to deny Portugal, but there was nothing England’s defense could do about Portugal’s second goal, when Rui Costa fired an unstoppable strike that crashed in off the crossbar to leave James with no chance. Despite this late blow, England refused to yield to the hosts and, with five minutes left, Lampard equalized from close range after Terry had headed down Beckham’s corner. In the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Beckham fired over the crossbar after he seemed to lose his footing on the sandy surface, but Rui Costa also shot wide. In the decisive kicks, goalkeeper Ricardo made a fine save from Vassell, and then scored the winner himself.

 

1/4 FINAL

STADIUM: José Alvalade XXI (Lisboa)

DATE: 25-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 45.390

REFEREE: Anders Frisk (SWE)

GOALS: 0-1 (Charisteas 65’)

BOOKED: Zidane (44’), Saha (86’) / Karagounis (6’), Zagorakis (50’)

FRA

France

France - Greece

Ελλάδα

GRE

0-1 (0-0)

FRANCE

Barthez

Gallas, Thuram, Silvestre, Lizarazu

Zidane (c), Makélélé, Dacourt (Wiltord 72’), Pirès (Rothen 79’)

Trézéguet (Saha 72’), Henry

COACH: Jacques Santini

GREECE

Nikopolidis

Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, Fyssas

Karagounis, Zagorakis (c), Basinas (Tsiartas 85’), Katsouranis

Charisteas, Nikolaidis (Lakis 61’)

COACH: Otto Rehhagel

GAME SUMMARY

In line with their fairy-tale display in the tournament, Greece sensationally knocked out defending champions France and qualified for the semifinals for the first time in their history. The French looked out of sorts and uninspired for most of the game, whereas the Greeks were lively and worked hard in defense, making the most of the man-to-man system imposed by Otto Rehhagel. Greece began the match full of verve, and showed early signs of their intention with a dangerous cross from Charisteas in minute 5. Shortly after, Nikolaidis fired a fierce shot at keeper Barthez as Greece began to build some authority from midfield. France were struggling to establish any rhythm and it was Greece who went close again in minute 15 when Katsouranis’ stabbed shot from a Karagounis free kick hit the left post and was smothered right on the line by Barthez. France’s first meaningful effort came after 24 minutes, when Henry unleashed a powerful header just wide. But Greece were outplaying France in the first half, and Katsouranis had another good chance before left-back Fyssas attempted an audacious lob from wide on the left which Barthez tipped over the bar. Henry launched France’s only other attack of note just before the interval when, after a surging run, his tame shot was pouched by keeper Nikopolidis.

 

France came out in the second half with a spring in their step missing before, and threatened with a host of chances, but Greece held firm. Early in this period, Henry’s goalbound volley was deflected wide by Dellas. As the half developed, France became more threatening and Greece were lucky to survive a spell that saw a dangerous run from Lizarazu and near misses from Gallas and Henry. But in minute 65 France were caught napping when Zagorakis’ elusive run down the right gave him space to cross for Charisteas, who scored with a powerful header. Jacques Santini was immediately forced to make changes, and brought on Wiltord and Saha trying to revitalize the French attack. Saha and Henry both attempted weak shots as the game entered the final quarter, and Henry missed France’s best chance with a header narrowly wide with only three minutes left.

 

1/4 FINAL

STADIUM: Estádio do Algarve (Faro/Loulé)

DATE: 26-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 27.762

REFEREE: Ľuboš Micheľ (SVK)

GOALS: -

BOOKED: Ibrahimović (58’), Östlund (88’) / De Boer (30’), Van der Meyde (48’), Makaay (116’)

PK: 1-0 (Källström); 1-1 (Van Nistelrooij) / 2-1 (Larsson); 2-2 (Heitinga) / 2-2 (Ibrahimović [out]); 2-3 (Reiziger) / 3-3 (Ljungberg); 3-3 (Cocu [out]) / 4-3 (Wilhelmsson); 4-4 (Makaay) // [decisive shots] 4-4 (Mellberg [saved]); 4-5 (Robben)

SWE

Sverige

Sweden - Netherlands

Nederland

NED

0-0 (0-0;0-0) (pk: 4-5)

SWEDEN

Isaksson

Östlund, Mellberg (c), Jakobsson, Nilsson

Jonson (Wilhelm. 65’), Linderoth, Svensson (Källström 81’), Ljungberg

Ibrahimović, Larsson

COACHES: Tommy Söderberg / Lars Lagerbäck

NETHERLANDS

Van der Sar

Reiziger, Stam, De Boer (c) (Bouma 36’), Van Bronckhorst

Davids (Heitinga 61’), Seedorf, Cocu

Van der Meyde (Makaay 87’), Van Nistelrooij, Robben

COACH: Dick Advocaat

GAME SUMMARY

Holland deservedly qualified for semifinals, although they had to wait until a penalty shoot-out to confirm their superiority over Sweden, who stayed alive for most of the game thanks to their goalkeeper Isaksson. The first Dutch attacks came down the Swedish left, with the in-form Robben playing the main role in most attacking movements. As early as the fourth minute, Isaksson had to punch clear a Robben cross and soon after the Swedish goalkeeper did well to tip over the bar a shot from the Dutch winger. A long throw from the Dutch right was then flicked on by Cocu to Van Nistelrooij, but his shot was bravely blocked by Mellberg. Deprived of possession, Sweden were restricted to a couple of tame efforts from free kicks, although just before the break Jonson crossed for Svensson, whose goalbound shot was blocked by Bouma.

 

Ten minutes after the interval, a Stam miskick landed at the feet of Ibrahimović, but the Swedish striker’s shot was cleared by Cocu. As the game opened up Van Nistelrooij, who had been isolated for long periods in the game, began to find more space. Just past the hour, the Manchester United attacker controlled Seedorf’s diagonal pass with his chest and lashed a powerful shot which went just wide after rebounding off Isaksson. In minute 83, in one rare Swedish effort, Ibrahimović set up substitute Källström, whose shot was superbly blocked by Heitinga. In the closing stages of normal time, Holland piled on the pressure and Van Nistelrooij and Makaay went close.

 

Holland also dominated the first period of extra-time, and a Robben effort hit the post after the swerve of the shot deceived Isaksson. However, the Swedish goalkeeper recovered himself as he dived low to fist away Seedorf’s shot. Isaksson made an even better save from a Seedorf free kick when he flung himself to his right to get his hand to the ball. But Sweden also went close, notably when Larsson swivelled and volleyed against the bar and then Ljungberg’s low shot rebounded off the post. The score remained goalless at the end of 120 minutes, and the ensuing penalty shoot-out seemed to bring bad memories for Holland, who had been eliminated from the 11-meter spot in recent years (European Championship 1992, 1996, 2000 and World Cup 1998). But this time the story was different, and the inspirational Robben scored the winning penalty after Van der Sar saved Mellberg’s spot-kick.

 

1/4 FINAL

STADIUM: Estádio do Dragão (Porto)

DATE: 27-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 41.092

REFEREE: Valentin Ivanov (RUS)

GOALS: 1-0 (Koller 49’); 2-0 (Baroš 63’); 3-0 (Baroš 65’)

BOOKED: Jankulovski (10’), Ujfaluši (45’), Nedvěd (61’) / Poulsen (51’), Bøgelund (56’), Gravesen (77’)

CZR

Česká Republika

Czech Republic - Denmark

Danmark

DEN

3-0 (0-0)

CZECH REPUBLIC

Čech

Jiránek (Grygera 39’), Ujfaluši, Bolf (Rozehnal 65’), Jankulovski

Poborský, Galásek, Rosický, Nedvěd (c)

Koller, Baroš (Heinz 71’)

COACH: Karel Brückner

DENMARK

Sørensen

Helveg, Laursen, Henriksen (c), Bøgelund

Poulsen, Gravesen, C. Jensen (Madsen 71’)

Grønkjær (Rommedahl 77’), Tomasson, Jørgensen (Løvenkrands 85’)

COACH: Morten Olsen

GAME SUMMARY

The Czech Republic, the team who had played the best football of the tournament so far, continued their impressive progress and qualified for the semifinals after a clear victory over Denmark. The Czechs started the game brightly, as the attacking duo Koller-Baroš kept the Danish defense busy early on, while captain Nedvěd pulled the strings in midfield. Denmark gradually imposed themselves on the game with accurate interpassing and movements, but without really posing much of a threat. Given the importance of the match, both teams were overcautious during a sterile first half.

 

After the interval, the so far uneventful game took a 180 degrees turn. Only four minutes into the second half, Koller rose unmarked in the Danish area to head in Poborský’s corner and open the scoring. Denmark came back at the Czechs immediately, and Jankulovski did well to keep Tomasson at bay with a timely challenge. The Czech Republic then stepped up a gear of their own and the game was effectively over as contest after two excellent goals in two minutes by Baroš. The first one was initiated by Poborský, who stormed down the right and picked out Baroš with an exquisite through-ball. The Czech forward kept cool and finished his run to goal with a deft chip over Sørensen. If his first goal was all about finesse, Baroš’ second two minutes later was a product of his powerful left foot as he smashed Nedvěd’s defense-splitting pass past a shellshocked Sørensen. That was Baroš’ fifth goal of the tournament, making him the leading scorer of Euro 2004. After seeing their qualification hopes thwarted so suddenly, Denmark offered little in response. The Czechs finished strongly and could have added more goals to their tally.

 

1/2 FINAL

STADIUM: José Alvalade XXI (Lisboa)

DATE: 30-06-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 46.679

REFEREE: Anders Frisk (SWE)

GOALS: 1-0 (Cristiano Ronaldo 26’); 2-0 (Maniche 58’); 2-1 (Jorge Andrade [o.g.] 63’)

BOOKED: Cristiano Ronaldo (27’), Nuno Valente (44’), Figo (90’) / Overmars (39’), Robben (71’)

POR

Portugal

Portugal - Netherlands

Nederland

NED

2-1 (1-0)

PORTUGAL

Ricardo

Miguel, Jorge Andrade, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente

Maniche (Fernando Couto 87’), Deco, Costinha, Figo (c)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Petit 67’), Pauleta (Nuno Gomes 75’)

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

NETHERLANDS

Van der Sar

Reiziger, Stam, Bouma (Van der Vaart 56’), Van Bronckhorst

Davids, Seedorf, Cocu (c)

Overmars (Makaay 46’), Van Nistelrooij, Robben (Van Hooijdonk 81’)

COACH: Dick Advocaat

GAME SUMMARY

After a cautious approach in the early stages, the game began to open up and Cristiano Ronaldo’s lunge was a whisker away from connecting with Figo’s cross. Another electric run of the live-wire Figo ended with a ball back to the Manchester United attacker, who fired his shot straight at Van der Sar. Holland were not the attacking force of previous games, as Robben was being neutralized by Maniche and Costinha and the Dutch midfielders seemed lost. The Portuguese pressure paid off in minute 26, when Figo’s inswinging corner was met by Cristiano Ronaldo between Reiziger and Van Bronckhorst to power in a downward header. As Holland sought an equalizer, Davids broke down the left and his cross dropped at the far post for Overmars, who blasted over from eight meters. Davids then tricked his way past Miguel to whip in a cross at the near post for Seedorf, whose header came off Jorge Andrade for a corner. However, for all the Dutch efforts, Portugal should have doubled their lead on 35 minutes when Deco’s deft touch sent Maniche clear, and his cross was met by Pauleta, whose under-powered close-range shot allowed Van der Sar to save. The hosts were gaining the upper hand in the game, but Holland nearly forced their way back five minutes before halftime, only for Van Nistelrooij’s clinical finish to be wiped out by an offside flag. At the other end, Figo worked himself a meter of space to curl a delicious left-foot shot against the right-hand post with Van der Sar floundering.

 

Advocaat replaced Overmars with Makaay at the start of the second half to try and give support to the lonely Van Nistelrooij. However, the first chance of the period fell to Portugal on 55 minutes, as Ricardo’s long punt caught the Dutch defense napping and Pauleta raced clear, but the Portuguese attacker misfired his shot straight at Van der Sar. Almost immediately, Portugal doubled their tally with a stunning goal from Maniche, who curled in a blistering right-foot shot from the corner of the penalty area. However, the game was far from over and Portugal gifted Holland a lifeline on 63 minutes when Jorge Andrade’s attempt to clear Van Bronckhorst’s cross looped the ball over the stranded Ricardo. Seedorf then whipped a free kick across the face of goal and Van Bronckhorst, Makaay and Van Nistelrooij all agonizingly failed to make contact. In their urge to equalize, Holland were exposed to fast Portuguese breaks. In one of them, Miguel got forward and sent the ball to Maniche, but Cocu bravely threw himself in front of his shot to deny an almost certain third goal. Advocaat played Holland’s last card when he sent on Van Hooijdonk to partner Makaay and Van Nistelrooij in the attack, but central defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Jorge Andrade cemented their growing reputations by ushering Portugal to the final. The final whistle fired the celebrations of Portuguese players and fans, as their team qualified for the final of a major competition for the first time in history.

 

1/2 FINAL

STADIUM: Estádio do Dragão (Porto)

DATE: 1-07-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 42.449

REFEREE: Pierluigi Collina (ITA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Dellas [Silver Goal] 105+’)

BOOKED: Seitaridis (23’), Charisteas (70’), Karagounis (87’) / Galásek (48’), Šmicer (55’), Baroš (102’)

[Incidents: Greece won the game with a “Silver Goal,” as Dellas target at the end of the first half of extra-time was the only goal scored in this period, and there was no need to play the second half.]

GRE

Ελλάδα

Greece - Czech Republic

Česká Republika

CZR

1-0 (0-0;0-0)

GREECE

Nikopolidis

Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, Fyssas

Zagorakis (c), Katsouranis, Basinas (Giannakopoulos 72’)

Charisteas, Vryzas (Tsiartas 91’), Karagounis

COACH: Otto Rehhagel

CZECH REPUBLIC

Čech

Grygera, Ujfaluši, Bolf, Jankulovski

Poborský, Galásek, Rosický, Nedvěd (c) (Šmicer 40’)

Baroš, Koller

COACH: Karel Brückner

GAME SUMMARY

Continuing their impressive tournament, Greece qualified for the final after defeating the Czech Republic with a “Silver Goal” after an epic game. First Portugal and Spain, then France, now the Czech Republic (the tournament’s supposed in-form team), Greece wrote a new chapter in their incredible Euro 2004 campaign.

 

The Czechs started the game with the same attacking attitude which had earned them general praise, and almost took a spectacular lead after just two minutes when Koller nodded on a free kick and Rosický dipped a thumping volley against the bar with Nikopolidis a helpless spectator. But the Greek goalkeeper proved up to the task two minutes later when Jankulovski roared forward and Nikopolidis stood firm at the near post to parry his shot for a corner. Having ridden out the early storm, Greece grew in confidence and, after Karagounis was fouled by Bolf, the Greek playmaker picked himself to take the free kick, but the Czech wall did their job to deflect the shot. In the Czech attack, the extra centimeters of Koller over his marker Kapsis always posed a threat, and Nikopolidis was very cool as the towering striker’s apparently harmless looping header bounced on top of the bar. At the other end, Fyssas sent a tempting cross which Charisteas missed at the near post, and Čech palmed away at full stretch Karagounis’ follow-up effort. Nikopolidis came to Greece’s rescue on 33 minutes, going full length to palm away Jankulovski’s first time shot after Rosický’s low cross found its way through to him. The Czechs suffered a blow as halftime approached when Nedvěd limped off and had to be replaced by Šmicer.

 

Despite the loss of their captain and talisman, the Czechs turned the screw in the second half and Nikopolidis was relieved as he completely misjudged Poborský’s corner and Koller’s goalbound header struck teammate Baroš. But back came Greece and Vryzas glanced his header from Basinas’ free kick straight at the Czech keeper. As the half progressed, Jankulovski wasted a good opportunity presented by Zagorakis’ foul on Baroš inside the Greek area, driving his free kick into the two-man wall from five meters outside the goalline. In minute 80, Koller took a return pass from Rosický only to drag his shot wide from ten meters out. Baroš then weaved his way inside but missed his shot after opening up the angle on the goal.

 

As the game went into extra-time, Čech came to his side’s rescue sprinting from his goal to block a header from Giannakopoulos. Dellas then had a chance to score what would have been the winning “Silver Goal”, but placed his glancing header from Tsiartas’ free kick too close to the Czech keeper. However, with the seconds ticking down to the end of the first period of extra-time, Dellas lost his marker Bolf at the near post to glance home the winning header from a corner.

 

FINAL

STADIUM: Novo Estádio da Luz (Lisboa)

DATE: 4-07-2004 (19:45 h)

ATTENDANCE: 62.865

REFEREE: Markus Merk (GER)

GOALS: 1-0 (Charisteas 57’)

BOOKED: Basinas (45+’), Seitaridis (63’), Fyssas (67’), Papadopoulos (85’) / Costinha (12’), Nuno Valente (90+’)

GRE

Ελλάδα

Greece - Portugal

Portugal

POR

1-0 (0-0)

GREECE

Nikopolidis

Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas, Fyssas

Zagorakis (c), Katsouranis, Basinas, Giannakopoulos (Venetidis 76’)

Charisteas, Vryzas (Papadopoulos 81’)

COACH: Otto Rehhagel

PORTUGAL

Ricardo

Miguel (Paulo Ferreira 43’), Jorge Andrade, R. Carvalho, Nuno Valente

Figo (c), Maniche, Costinha (Rui Costa 60’), Deco

Cristiano Ronaldo, Pauleta (Nuno Gomes 74’)

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

GAME SUMMARY

In one of the biggest shocks in football history, Greece completed their dreamy tournament by winning the final of Euro 2004 against hosts Portugal. After beating the Portuguese in the opening game, the Greeks did it again in the decisive game thanks to a second-half goal by Charisteas. The “Golden Generation” of Portuguese football failed to grab glory after completing a tournament in which they showed a clear progression from their first game to the last. In the moment of truth, Portugal’s star players—Figo, Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo—all failed to deliver, whereas Greece made the most of their meager resources to cover their individual lack of talent with a superb collective display.

 

As other teams who suffered the iron Greek defense previously in the competition, the hosts were frustrated from the start by Otto Rehhagel’s team, who retreated quickly into defense in typical style and let Portugal take the early initiative. However, more than Greece’s capacity to stifle their opponents, it was Portugal’s own lack of inspiration and excessive nerves the key factor during an uneventful first half. After 13 minutes, Nikopolidis was forced into a fine save from Miguel’s low drive. But the disciplined Greeks also occasionally broke the shackles to pose a threat of their own, Portugal keeper Ricardo throwing himself at the feet of Charisteas after good work from Vryzas. Greece had another narrow escape when Deco’s corner was only partially cleared and Maniche’s shot from the edge of the area flashed only centimeters wide. But it was a rare moment of danger for Greece, as their packed rearguard—sometimes with ten men on the edge of the penalty area—started to frustrate Portugal. With Katsouranis keeping a close eye on playmaker Deco and Figo strangely subdued, the home nation were shorn of ideas as Greece’s excellent full-backs took control of the flanks. Scolari’s side became more predictable and ponderous as the first half progressed. Two minutes before the break, Portugal’s problems increased as injury forced off Miguel.

 

Early in the second half, Greece broke the deadlock when Charisteas met a corner from Basinas with a powerful header to beat Ricardo. After their domination of the game, Portugal were stunned by this goal, but Cristiano Ronaldo tried to deliver an instant response, only to see his 20-meter shot blocked by Nikopolidis. On the hour, Scolari made a bold substitution, removing an ineffective Costinha to send on veteran Rui Costa. Cristiano Ronaldo immediately had his best opportunity, lifting the ball over the bar when put clean through. But the Greek defense continued stifling the hosts’ flair in a tense second half, led by the inspired Dellas. In minute 89, captain Figo almost snatched a late equalizer, but his shot was deflected agonizingly wide. After five minutes of injury time, the final whistle from referee Markus Merk was the signal for joyous scenes among Greek players and fans, who had achieved the greatest landmark in their history.

 

 

© www.linguasport.com
Website designed and maintained by Santiago Velasco