Thanks to Drew Wright for suggesting this classic game. I’m not sure that any commentary I write can do any better than the BBC’s clockwatch report of the time, so with acknowledgements to the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/800493.stm) I’m going to reproduce theirs.
Wednesday, 21 June, 2000
31 mins: Ljubinko Drulovic breaks clear down the left as he has already on several occasions. He whips in a fine cross and hot-shot striker Savo Milosevic is on hand to head Yugoslavia in front.
Spain 0-1 Yugoslavia
39 mins: Raul’s neat movement on the edge of the box earns him a yard of space. The ball finds its way through to Alfonso who sweeps it home with his left foot.
Spain 1-1 Yugoslavia
51 mins: Substitute Dejan Govedarica picks up a pass from Drulovic and smashes the ball home from the edge of the area. Another fine assist for Drulovic, another fine finish and it’s Yugoslavia who move ahead again.
Spain 1-2 Yugoslavia
52 mins: They aren’t in front for long. Etxeberria sets up fellow substitute Pedro Munitis, who curls in a beautful strike off the post and an instant equaliser for Spain. What a superb game this is turning out to be.
Spain 2-2 Yugoslavia
75 mins: Another Mihajlovic delivery causes pandemonium in the Spain box and Slobodan Komljenovic eventually stabs past Canizares at the far post. Ten-man Yugoslavia go ahead for the third time in a cracking match. Spain need something fast or they will be out of Euro 2000.
Spain 2-3 Yugoslavia
90 mins: A lifeline for Jose Antonio Camacho’s side as the referee points to the spot for a challenge on Abelardo. Mendieta steps up to coolly slot home – and Spain are still alive… just.
Spain 3-3 Yugoslavia
94 mins: Unbelievable scenes as the ball gets pumped into a crowded Yugoslav area and Alfonso shows great poise and skill to guide a difficult volley into the corner. Who would have thought it? Spain are back from the brink.
Spain 4-3 Yugoslavia
95 mins: The final whistle blows and Spain have done it. Those two late goals have got them into the quarter-finals after the most thrilling game of the tournament so far.
Final score: Spain 4-3 Yugoslavia
A reminder:
This is just a reminder to everyone at their that they are welcome to join the first annual GrumpyOldFootballers fantasy league. We play the fantasy league game hosted by the premier league themselves, which involves picking a squad of fifteen players worth £100m pounds. The game is open to everyone – not just friends, relatives and work-based acquaintances – so if you just happen to stop by this site, please feel free to join. If you’re already a member of the premier league game then you can still enter out league – any team in the game can be entered in up to 10 private leagues.
To play, all you need to do is head over to http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ and select your team. When you’ve picked it, click on the Leagues link and enter the code 210826-49183.That’s it – that’s all you need to do!
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Keep up the good work!