Germany v Holland - MATCH REPORT
Ruud awakening for Germany
Dutch marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy flicked home a wonderful equaliser nine minutes from time to deny Germany victory in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday in a volatile Group D match.
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| Netherlands' forward Ruud Van Nistelrooij (C) is congratulates by teammates after his goal, 15 June 2004 at Dragao stadium in Porto, during their Euro 2004 group D football match against Germany at the European Nations in Portugal. AFP PHOTO / DDP Marcus BRANDT |
With time running out it looked like Torsten Frings' strike on 30 minutes would be enough to clinch a win for Germany over their arch rivals, but Manchester United man Van Nistelrooy had the last say as he hooked in Andy van der Meyde's cross with a skillful volley.
It spoilt the day of German captain and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn who had wanted to celebrate his 35th birthday with a victory.
The draw leaves the group wide open although the Czech Republic are in the box-seat having defeated tournament debutants Latvia 2-1 earlier Tuesday.
In the 29 minute the red torch paper was lit with Dutch midfielder Phillip Cocu clattering into Philipp Lahm by the byline, sparking a fierce protest from Germany coach Rudi Voller.
There were few chances but a goal appeared out of nowhere when Germany won a free-kick on the left.
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| Germany's head coach Rudi Voeller celebrates after the goal by his midfielder Torsten Frings, 15 June 2004 at Dragao stadium in Porto, during their Euro 2004 group D football match agaisnt Germany at the European Nations in Portugal. AFP PHOTO DDP/ALEX BECHER |
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Torsten Frings curled an inswinging cross into the area and the static Dutch defenders failed to clear as the ball bounced into the net.
Van Nistelrooy had claimed the team that had scored the first goal would win - but he was wrong.
Holland pushed forward and equalised deservedly on 81 minutes when Van Nistelrooy, who had had one of his quieter matches, pounced to hook home the equaliser.
Cocu then had a header saved late on by Kahn as Holland went for the kill at the end of a pulsating second half.
Germany now face Latvia on Saturday while Holland and the Czech Republic meet in a decisive fixture in Aveiro.