Euro 2004 Day Eight

We've reached the end of the second round of matches in Euro 2004, and only one team has qualified, the Czech Reuplic (the sole 2-victory team). I'll get to their epic victory over the Netherlands in a bit. First I need to mention the early match, Germany vs. Latvia.

Now I'll admit I didn't give tiny Latvia much of a chance before the competition began, but they definitely earned my respect after theire competitive nil-nil draw with world football power Germany. Despite playing a rather defensive formation, Latvia made excellent use of its counterattacking specialist, Maris Verpakovskis, who was on more than one occassion brought down by a defender without receiving so much as an indirect free kick. He should have had a PK on this run.

Germany's poor showing forced their coach into some expressive reactions. By contrast, the Latvians deservedly celebrated as if they had won.

The second match of the day produced one of the most entertaining, positive displays of world football ever seen. The Netherlands jumped out to an early lead on a nice header by Wilfred Bouma in just the fourth minute. Thankfully the goals didn't stop there, as Ruud Van Nistelrooy made liberal use of a new passive offsides rule to touch home a second goal.

The Czechs weren't ready to pack it in just yet, and they capatalized on yet another poor back-pass to get on the board with this tap in by Jan Koller.

At Halftime the BBC studio guys like Gary Lineker and Peter Schmeichel were gushing about how great the first half was, and everyone couldn't wait to get back to the match. Apparently the players felt the same way, since the next 45 mintues began with immediate end-to-end action, with breathtaking long-range near misses and spectacular saves coming in waves. However, the next goal didn't arrive until midway through the second half, when Czech Milan Baros volleyed home a rocket through the fingertips of Dutch keeper Edwin Van De Sar.

The game looked like it might end in a well-deserved tie until Jonny Heitinga of the Netherlands was sent off for his second bookable defense, even though replays revealed a gentle touch of a foul. Now the Dutch had to play with only 10 men the rest of the way, and it helped the Czechs break through for a late winner . Both teams left the pitch exhausted, although Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, perhaps still in shock, stayed around a while.

Photos of the day:

1. Germans watch their national side's lackluster performance.

2. Dutch avant-garde fan photo.

3. Orange headpiece .

4. The agony .

5. The ecstasy .

Tomorrow represents the last matches of group play. It's do-or-die for host nation Portugal against rivals Spain, and everyone is curious to see if Greece will stick it to the Russians. Viewing time is around noon.