Ten great EURO moments: Trezeguet's golden goal
Monday, June 6, 2016
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Four days to go: Our countdown to Friday's big kick-off continues with a look back at the last time hosts France lifted the Henri Delaunay Cup – in dramatic circumstances.
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The game: France 2-1 Italy, 2000 final
The date: 2 July 2000
The location: Feijenoord Stadion, Rotterdam
The protagonist: David Trezeguet
What made it special?
Behind to Marco Delvecchio's 55th-minute half-volley, France could already see the Italian bench celebrating the title when Sylvain Wiltord drew them level on the brink of added time. Then came extra time, and substitute Trezeguet's memorable golden goal – a superb volley from Robert Pirès's cross.
What did it mean?
After clinching the FIFA World Cup on home soil two years earlier, Les Bleus confirmed their status as Europe's pre-eminent side by lifting the Henri Delaunay Cup even after it looked to have slipped from their grasp.
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How Trezeguet remembers it …
"We did something amazing by winning the European Championship after the World Cup – we were the first to do it [in that order] before Spain. At that moment, you think about your family and friends. The goal was extraordinary and I won't ever be able to forget it. It was the important goal of my career."
Roger Lemerre, France manager at the time
"France are like a fine student who cannot help but be at the top of the class."
Thierry Henry, France forward
"Everyone thought we were dead. We showed throughout the tournament that we were mentally strong, and we did it again in that final. David and Sylvain certainly played their part when they came on."
What the papers said
"Monumental. Not only did they reach the summit of French football ... but they have also become one of few teams to make an indelible mark on the history of world football. Yes, Les Bleus are the 'dream team' for the end of this century." L'Équipe