The UEFA European Championship 2000, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, was a tournament remembered for its high-quality football, dramatic moments, and the crowning of France as champions. The competition was packed with thrilling matches, standout performances, and a final that ended in extraordinary fashion.

Group Stage Drama: Setting the Scene

The group stage of Euro 2000 set the stage for a tournament full of excitement and surprises. France, the reigning World Cup champions, topped Group D with wins over Denmark and the Czech Republic, showcasing their attacking prowess. Their only blemish came in a narrow 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands in their final group match, which determined the group winner.

The Netherlands, co-hosts of the tournament, were one of the most exciting teams in the group stage. They defeated the Czech Republic and Denmark and edged out France in a thrilling contest. With players like Patrick Kluivert and Dennis Bergkamp leading the attack, the Dutch were among the early favorites.

Italy dominated Group B with three wins in three games. Their strong defensive setup, led by Paolo Maldini and Fabio Cannavaro, coupled with the attacking flair of Francesco Totti and Filippo Inzaghi, made them formidable opponents.

In Group A, Portugal emerged as one of the standout teams, winning all three matches, including a dramatic 3-2 victory over England where a young Luís Figo announced himself on the European stage. England, despite their thrilling opener against Portugal, were eliminated alongside Germany, leaving the Portuguese and Romania to advance.

Knockout Stage: The Battle Intensifies

The quarter-finals showcased the tournament’s quality and intensity. France faced Spain in a gripping encounter. Goals from Zinedine Zidane and Youri Djorkaeff secured a 2-1 victory for France, with Zidane’s brilliance once again on display.

Italy took on Romania, and their solid defense proved decisive in a 2-0 win, with Totti pulling the strings in midfield. Meanwhile, Portugal delivered another statement performance by defeating Turkey 2-0, with Nuno Gomes scoring both goals.

The Netherlands faced Yugoslavia in one of the most dominant displays of the tournament, winning 6-1. Patrick Kluivert scored a hat-trick, while Marc Overmars added a brace, sending the Dutch into the semi-finals with confidence.

Semi-Final Showdowns: Closer to Glory

The semi-finals provided two unforgettable matches. France clashed with Portugal in a dramatic contest. Portugal took the lead through Nuno Gomes, but Thierry Henry equalized for France. In extra time, Zidane converted a golden goal penalty to secure France’s spot in the final, following a controversial handball decision against Portugal.

The Netherlands faced Italy in a match filled with tension and missed opportunities. The Dutch dominated, but missed two penalties during regular time. Italy, reduced to 10 men after Gianluca Zambrotta’s red card, defended heroically, forcing a penalty shootout. Francesco Toldo emerged as Italy’s hero, saving multiple penalties as Italy advanced to the final in a 3-1 shootout victory.

The Final: A Dramatic Climax

The final, held at Rotterdam’s De Kuip Stadium, was a showdown between France and Italy. Italy appeared to be on the verge of victory after Marco Delvecchio’s goal gave them a 1-0 lead. However, in the dying seconds of injury time, Sylvain Wiltord equalized for France, sending the match into extra time.

In extra time, David Trezeguet scored one of the most iconic goals in European Championship history, smashing in a golden goal to give France a 2-1 victory. This triumph made France the first team to hold both the World Cup and European Championship titles simultaneously since West Germany in 1974.

Individual Accolades: Celebrating Excellence

• Patrick Kluivert and Savo Milošević shared the Golden Boot, each scoring five goals during the tournament, with Kluivert’s hat-trick against Yugoslavia being a standout moment.
• Zinedine Zidane was named the Player of the Tournament, recognizing his exceptional skill, vision, and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
• Francesco Toldo, Italy’s goalkeeper, earned widespread acclaim for his heroics in the semi-final against the Netherlands, keeping Italy’s dream alive.

A Tournament to Remember

UEFA Euro 2000 will always be remembered for its attacking football, iconic moments, and the dramatic golden goal that secured France’s triumph. For fans and collectors, memorabilia from this tournament, such as signed jerseys from Zinedine Zidane, David Trezeguet, Luís Figo, and Patrick Kluivert, serves as a lasting tribute to one of Europe’s most thrilling competitions.

At Walkouts, explore a curated selection of authentic memorabilia from Euro 2000, celebrating the passion and brilliance of this unforgettable tournament.