France-England
Zidane breaks English hearts
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| French captain Zinedine Zidane (L) scores France's equaliser against England, 13 June 2004 during their opening match at the European Nations football championships at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. France and England are competing in Group B with Croatia and Switzerland. |
Two stoppage-time goals from Zinedine Zidane, a majestic free-kick and a penalty, left England heart-broken as France began the defence of their European Championship crown in exhilarating fashion.
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| England midfielder Frank Lampard (C) raises his arms after scoring against France, 13 June 2004 during their opening match at the European Nations football championships at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. France and England are competing in Group B with Croatia and Switzerland. |
England had got within three minutes of a memorable victory thanks to Frank Lampard's first-half header and a disciplined defensive display that preserved their lead beyond the expiry of the 90 regulation minutes here on Sunday.
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| England captain David Beckham (R) walks past French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez with the ball before taking a penalty, 13 June 2004 during their opening match at the European Nations football championships at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. France and England are competing in Group B with Croatia and Switzerland. |
But they were made to pay a heavy price for David Beckham's failure to convert a 72nd-minute penalty -- superbly saved by Fabien Barthez -- as Zidane once again demonstrated why he is regarded as the best footballer on the planet.
His first goal came just seconds after the fourth official had indicated there would be three minutes of added-on time.
England conceded a free-kick 25 yards out and the Real Madrid maestro stepped up to send an unstoppable shot over the wall and into the top corner.
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| French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez saves a penalty taken by England's David Beckham, 13 June 2004 during their opening match at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon for the European Nations football championships. France and England are competing in Group B with Croatia and Switzerland. AFP PHOTO Francois Xavier MARIT |
Shell-shocked, England were to suffer an even crueller blow. With barely 20 seconds remaining a terrible back pass from Steven Gerrard allowed Thierry Henry, who had been virtually anonymous until then, to find a yard of space in the box and he was pulled down by David James.
The England goalkeeper was spared a red card but there was no mercy from Zidane: the penalty was drilled low to the England goalkeeper's right and France were left sitting pretty at the top of Group B.
England in contrast now know any slip-ups against Switzerland and Croatia could leave them facing the prospect of a first round exit from a tournament they entered with high hopes of winning.