Juventus’ David Trezeguet celebrates scoring the opening goal
It’s the 76th minute of the Euro 2000 final and France are getting desperate. Trailing 1-0 to Italy, they need a goal.
Thierry Henry is still out there. Sylvain Wiltord was brought on for Christophe Dugarry shortly after Marco Delvecchio put Italy in front 20 minutes ago. But Francesco Totti continues to pull the strings for Italy and France boss Roger Lemerre needs to change something.
Nicolas Anelka, trusted to lead the line in their opening two fixtures and also the semi-final victory over Portugal, waits on the bench. Instead, Lemerre turns to David Trezeguet, whose only start in the tournament came in the dead rubber defeat to Netherland in France’s final group match.
We’re into the final minute of stoppage time and France still trail by a goal. Totti is flagged offside while Italy’s substitutes ready themselves on the touchline to invade the pitch in celebration. Fabian Barthez launches the free-kick towards the edge of Italy’s box out of hope rather than expectation.
Trezeguet out-jumps Juventus defender Mark Iuliano and flicks the ball on. Fabio Cannavaro can only nudge it into the path of Wiltord, who squeezes a shot underneath the left hand of Francesco Toldo. 1-1. Extra-time. Golden goal. Continue reading