How did that happen?? (Italy v Holland (29 June 17:00 BST))

Member Name: Andwynn

Product:	Italy v Holland (29 June 17:00 BST)
Date:	30/06/00 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Not a France-Holland final

Disadvantages: Terrible way to decide a semi

On Weds morning I was very much of the opinion that it would be a France-Holland final, if not by footballing skill, by the choice of the promoters. By Wednesday afternoon, after France had proceeded past Portugal (the neutral's favourite) courtesy of a golden-goal
time penalty - and that took some brave refereeing - I was positive.

So what happened here? A 0-0 draw after Holland fail to capitalise
on 2 penalties and a sending off. I couldn't help but think of the
tv film "11 men against 11", where the referee is bribed to let a
team win, he awards a penalty, which is missed, then orders a retake.
How on earth can a team manage to miss 5 out of 6 penalties??

Not that Italy looked any more appropriate a team to get to the final.
The first Euro2000 match to be decided on penalties, and it's a semi.
It's just not an appropiate way to decide a match so important. I
don't know about anyone else, but I feel cheated, and the final has
been cheapened for me. But probably a lot less than it would have had
I been treated to the full paranoia-inducing France-Holland final.

Summary: