LISBON, June 20: The Czech Republic became the first team to qualify for the Euro 2004 quarterfinals on Saturday after a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Netherlands.
Germany, who were held to a goalless draw by Latvia, can guarantee a place alongside the Czechs if they beat them in the final group game on Wednesday but could also scrape through with a draw if the Dutch tie with the Baltic debutants.
Latvia, enjoying their first major tournament, are still in the hunt for a place in the last eight, and could advance if they beat the Dutch and Germany draw. In a match already being dubbed an all-time classic, the Netherlands got off to a flying start, putting two goals past the Czechs in the first 19 minutes.
Wilfred Bouma headed in an Arjen Robben free kick after four minutes for his first international goal. Just 15 minutes later, Robben crossed the ball to striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who tapped it in to give the Dutch a two-goal lead.
The Czechs fought back with the towering Jan Koller firing one home to make it 2-1 at the break. The second half continued with end-to-end action, and the Dutch twice hit the woodwork before Milan Baros volleyed home a thunderous equaliser.
The Netherlands were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute when Johnny Heitinga was sent off for a second booking and the Czechs took full advantage of their numerical supremacy.
The Dutch held on for another 13 minutes but were finally broken following a late Vladimir Smicer winner that put the Eastern Europeans on six points at the top of their group.
Earlier, an unfancied Latvia dampened Germany's hopes of advancing at Euro 2004, putting in a brave performance to thwart a reinforced German attack. The tiny Baltic nation of only 2.3 million celebrated the draw as if it was a win, with the country's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga hailing her "golden boys".
The Latvians, who were well organised, kept the match tight and after winning their first point, against the three-times champions at that, the players were understandably screaming with joy in the dressing room.
For the Germans though, it was a big let-down. Hopes had been raised after their 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in the opening game. Germany had few chances in the first half but pushed forward more in the second, substitute Miroslav Klose wasting their best chance in stoppage time.
Latvia fought bravely and threatened shortly before halftime when striker Maris Verpakovskis surged powerfully into the box and produced a good save from goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
Ten minutes into the second half Verpakovskis's pacy run ended when he was sandwiched by two defenders but his appeal for a penalty was harshly turned down by English referee Mike Riley. -Reuters
