score football magazine
Euro 2004
Portugal

euro 2004

Thursday June 17th

England Make Swiss Roll

Wayne Rooney scored twice to set England on their way to a convincing 3-0 victory against Switzerland. For the first 15 minutes of the match Switzerland had more possession, and threatened the England goal with some dangerous crosses. When England finally attacked in the 18th minute, Rooney was booked for sliding into the Swiss keeper. The same player headed England into the lead 5 minutes later and became the youngest player ever to score in the European Championship. Frei found himself unmarked in the 28th minute, but headed wide, and 11 minutes later shot straight at David James. Switzerland had to play the last 30 minutes of the match with 10 men after Haas was dismissed for a second bookable offence. Substitute Vassell passed the ball to Rooney in the 75th minute who scored off the post and goalkeeper's head. England were in command, and with 8 minutes left Beckham passed the ball to G.Neville whose shot across the goal found Gerrard who beat Stiel in the Swiss goal for England's third and final goal of the night. England went looking for a fourth, but Vassell whose speed had put him through on the left, shot straight at the keeper.

Croatia Test France

France had to come back from a goal down, to draw with Croatia. Zidane floated in a free kick in the 22nd minute, which ended up in the back of the net with the slightest of deflections. An overhead back-heal from Zidane found the head of Gallas on the stroke of half time, but he headed over the bar from close-range. Only 2 minutes into the second half and Croatia were awarded a penalty when the Danish referee adjudged that Silvestre had pushed Rosso in the box. Rapaic did well to beat Barthez from the spot. Five minutes later Prso lifted the ball passed a French defender and volleyed it into the back of the net to give Croatia the lead. Henry had an effort saved in the 63rd minute, but a minute later Trezeguet took advantage of a back pass and rounded the goalkeeper to put France on equal terms. The Croatians claimed handball and Kovac was cautioned for protesting. Two minutes after the goal, Sokota tried to lob Barthez. Pires and Henry had shots saved by Butina in the last minute, and Croatia nearly won the match when substitute Mornar turned skilfully in front of goal, but hastily shot over.

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