Live from Euro 2004
Czechs into quarters
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| Czech Republic's midfielder Vladimir Smicer jubilates after his goal, 19 June 2004 at Aveiro's stadium, during their Euro 2004 group D football match against Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal. Czech Republic won 3-2. AFP PHOTO Franck FIFE |
The Czech Republic became the only side to have qualified for the quarter-finals after two matches when they overhauled a two goal defecit to beat Holland 3-2 on Saturday while their Group D rivals Latvia held Germany to a 0-0 draw earlier.
Holland had stormed into a two goal lead going one up in the fourth minute from a Wilfred Bouma header and a Ruud van Nistelrooy tap in on 19 minutes. Giant striker Jan Koller pulled a scrambled goal back three minutes later but the Dutch could have had several more before half time.
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| Czech Republic's midfielder Vladimir Smicer (L) jubilates with Milan Baros after his goal 19 June 2004 at Aveiro's stadium, during the Euro 2004 group D football match against Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Franck FIFE |
The Dutch had Johnny Heitinger sent off with 15 minutes to go after two yellows for fouls on the rampaging Pavel Nedved, who went close with two long range efforts.
A Milan Barros volley was a worthy equaliser with twenty minutes left and his Liverpool teammate Vladimir Smicer won the tie with a late tap in after a magnificent all out attacking encounter.
Latvia still in it
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| The Latvian team celebrate, 19 June 2004 after their European Nations football championships match against Germany at Bessa stadium in Porto. Latvia and Germany are competing in Group D with the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. |
As Germany drew with Latvia 0-0 earlier they have two points, while Holland and Latvia, who play Wednesday, both have one point.
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| Germany's coach Rudi Voller looks unhappy after his team failed to score against Latvia, 19 June 2004 during their European Nations football championships match at Bessa stadium in Porto. Latvia and Germany are competing in Group D with the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. |
Latvia coach Alexsandrs Starkovs said Germany's lack of creativity led to their their first ever Euro finals point in the 0-0 draw on Saturday that kept their quarter-final qualification alive.
"It is a historical point for our team," enthused Starkovs. "It is great for the country and our followers there." Some 3,000 Latvians were watching in Porto.
"It was easier playing against Germany than the Czechs as the Germans were one dimensional."
Latvia can make the last eight by beating the Netherlands while Germany off course can qualify by beating the Czechs.