score football magazine
Euro 2008
Austria and Switzerland
Monday June 9th

Group C

France held in bore draw

France dropped important points in the group of death with an insipid performance which resulted in a goalless draw against Romania. The World Cup finalists showed little imagination and no urgency against the underdogs in a group that also contains Italy and the Netherlands. Karim Benzema's tame side-footed shot straight at keeper Lobont was the sole effort of the match. (France 0 Romania 0)

abidal
Abidal evades tackle

World Champions bow to Dutch masters

A superb Dutch performance gave the Netherlands a 3-0 triumph over Italy. Ruud van Nistelrooy got his foot to a shot whilst in an offside position to give the Dutch a controversial lead in the 26th minute, but 5 minutes later the Dutch showed class in a swift attack which lead to a cross from van Bronckhorst being headed on by Kuyt for Wesley Sneijder to majestically volley past Buffon. Ruud van Nistelrooy was clear on goal after a defence-splitting pass in the 42nd minute, but Buffon blocked his shot to keep Italy in the game. The Italians created several chances in the 2nd half, but van der Sar showed his usual alertness and after making a fantastic save from a Pirlo free-kick the Dutch broke through with Kuyt failing to lob Buffon but recovering the ball to cross it onto the head of van Bronckhorst who wrapped up the match for the Orenje in the 79th minute. (Netherlands 3 Italy 0)

Giovanni van Bronckhorst
van Bronckhorst heads in third goal

Go to Euro 2008 index