Part 75 - Match of the Millenium
UEFA Euro 2000 - Knockout Stage
Hosts England got a brilliant start to the knockout stage, leading Portugal 2-0 after just 18 minutes. However, the electric atmosphere was greatly dampened as the Portuguese scored not just one, but twice before the break. Any hint of English optimism completely vanished when Portugal took the lead in the 59th minute. England were never out of the game tactically, though, creating opportunities and restoring national pride and hope when they made it 33 in the 77th minute. As is all too common, the game slowed down during extra time - despite remaining entertaining. Regardless, the sides would be split by penalties. England's opening miss proved devastating. Everyone else scored, including the Englishmen, and Portugal won 5-4. A devastating exit for the hosts, it goes without saying.
Two years prior, France suffered a devastating home loss in the World Cup final to the Soviet Union. Le Bleus were out of blood versus the Soviets, who also held the European title. After an eventful first half, France lead 2-1. Despite intense offensive efforts from the Soviet Union, France defended their lead and advanced.
Bohemia eased into a 2-0 lead against Serbia, who restored hope by getting on the scoresheet less than two minutes into the second half. But Bohemia were always the better team, adding a third and fourth, while Serbia only scored their second in the 92nd minute. The 1996 runners-up Bohemia made it to the semi-finals again.
After a goalless first half, Italy opened the scoring versus Turkey in the 52nd minute. The Turks always stayed in the game and equalized 10 minutes later. However, after 20 additional minutes past, Italy were awarded and converted a penalty to edge out the victory.
As expected of a semi-final, the battle between Portugal and Bohemia was tense. The Portuguese acquired an early lead and, despite playing well, Bohemia failed to level the scoring.
Shortly into the second half, Italy went in front versus France. It appeared to to be the winner, but a last ditch attack saw Le Bleus equalize in the 94th minute! Psychologically devastating for the Italians. Thirteen minutes into extra time, things turned even worse - for Italy - as David Trezeguet made it 2-1 for France. The controversial golden goal rule ensured the score was final.
Both Portugal and France were in their first Euro final in 16 years. In 1984, Le Bleus won 2-1. Who would be victorious in the new millenium? France had the experience of featuring in a World Cup finals two years earlier, but Portugal opened the scoring in the 19th minute. The French equalized a few minutes into the second half. Extra time came - and seemingly went - as penalties approached. Technically, penalties were reached. At least one. Awarded by the Swedish referee. Zidane scored and France were European champions after another golden goal.
Knockout stage of UEFA Euro 2000.
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Incredibly, ALL of you predicted the same winners. Credit to all of you, I guess?
Stay tuned for the prelude to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which feature a lot of interesting changes.