Euro 2000 Group A - Germany 1 Romania 1

Champions Germany recovered from an early set back to draw 1-1 in Eindhoven with Romania as Group A in Euro 20000 gets under way.

The defending champions were ripped apart in only the 5th minute to concede a goal but showed determination and character to get back into the game. After Mehmet Scholl equalised in the 28th minute the Germans were the more powerful team and maybe claimed a winner but Romania made the second half an even contest of few chances and are probably more happy with the level score.

The draw means Germany will have to get a win against England to stay in contention unless Group A turns into a very close section.

Adrian Ilie set up the Romanian goal with a run and cut inside when he reached the by-line. The Valencia star clipped the ball across the face of goal and Oliver Kahn allowed the pass to run across the face of goal and reach an unmarked Moldovan who slapped the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

The goal did not break German nerve despite their troubles in preparing for the finals and considerable pressure felt by coach Erich Ribbeck.

In the 25th minute Oliver Bierhoff steered a header under the bar but Bogdan Stelea reached up and grasped the ball to keep it out of goal.

Two minutes later the Germans were level when Mehmet Scholl scored great individual goal.

The Bayern Munich star cut inside from the right to the edge of the area and struck a shot that curled away from Stelea and into the far corner of the net. It was the best piece of skill in the match and saved Germany from a defeat as their remaining chances were not good as Romania retreated into defence.