Germany v Czech Republic - MATCH REPORT
Defeated Germany Czech out of Euro 2004
Three-time European champions Germany became the latest big name to exit the Euro 2004 finals after going down to a 2-1 defeat against a second-string Czech Republic side on Wednesday.
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| Germany's coach Rudi Voller gestures to his team, 23 June 2004 during their European Nations Championship football match against the Czech Republic at Jose De Alvalade stadium in Lisbon. Germany and Czech Republic are competing in Group D. |
Substitute Milan Baros struck the decisive goal, his third in the competition, 13 minutes from time after Marek Heinz had cancelled out Michael Ballack's first-half opener.
The 2002 World Cup finalists followed Italy and Spain out of the tournament in a recurrence of their Euro 2000 nightmare when they exited at the group stage without winning a match.
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| Czech republic forward Milan Baros celebrates after scoring against Germany, 23 June 2004 during their European Nations Championship football match at Jose De Alvalade stadium in Lisbon. Germany and Czech Republic are competing in Group D. |
Two draws and this defeat here means Germany have not won in the European championships for eight years with their last triumph coming against the Czechs in the Euro 96 final at Wembley.
Coach Rudi Voller was heralded as a hero after guiding his country to the World Cup final in Japan and South Korea but the axe is now hovering over his head, with dismissed Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld waiting in the wings.
The Czechs, the only side to win all their group matches, face Denmark in the quarter-finals while the Netherlands face Sweden after defeating Latvia 3-0.
Ballack made no mistake on 21 minutes, unleashing an unstoppable left-footed volley from the edge of the area after Jaroslav Plasil foolishly gave away possession.
Philipp Lahm fouled Marek Heinz 8 minutes later narrowly outside the penalty area and the Heinze stepped up to curl a brilliant free-kick over the wall and past Kahn. 1-1.
Baros had only been on the pitch for 16 minutes when he struck the killer blow on 77 minutes, dancing around some stationary German defenders before lashing a shot at Kahn.
The Bayern Munich keeper parried brilliantly but the Liverpool striker picked up the rebound and tucked it into the net to send the Germans packing.