Germany crash out of Euro 2004
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-06-24 09:14

Germany slipped out of Euro 2004 after a 2-1 defeat by a second-string Czech Republic, who had already qualified, saw them miss out on the quarter-finals for the second successive European Championship.

A German soccer fan reacts as he watches the Czech Republic beat Germany 2-1, in a Euro 2004 soccer match in Lisbon, on a large video screen in the Potsdamer Platz, one of Berlin's main squares June 23, 2004. [Reuters]

The three times champions had to win to guarantee their progress having earlier drawn with the Netherlands and Latvia but the Dutch took the runners-up spot in Group D after a 3-0 win over Latvia and will play Sweden in the quarter-finals.

Germany's captain Oliver Kahn reacts during their Euro 2004 Group D soccer match against the Czech Republic at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, June 23, 2004. [Reuters]

"We have to look to the future," said playmaker Michael Ballack. "We have to work harder in view of the World Cup at home in 2006. I can't make any accusations against anyone. We all worked hard but it wasn't good enough."

Despite a fierce second-half onslaught Germany could not subdue a Czech side showing nine changes from the team who secured their place in the last eight as group winners with a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands last weekend.

Czech Republic goalkeeper Jaromir Blazek makes a save during game against Germany in their Euro 2004 Group D soccer match at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, June 23, 2004. [Reuters]

Germany did briefly lead through a stunning Ballack goal in the 21st minute but the advantage lasted for only nine minutes as Marek Heinz equalised with an equally-superb strike.

With the Germans pushing for the winner, Czech substitute Milan Baros scored on the break 12 minutes from time to make it three wins out of three -- the only unblemished record and all the more impressive as they trailed in all three games.

Disappointing

Czech Republic's Stepan Vachousek (behind) and Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger fight for the ball in their Euro 2004 Group D soccer match at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, June 23, 2004. [Reuters]

Overall it was a disappointing display by Germany, the 2002 World Cup runners-up, who took too long to show the necessary urgency against a relaxed Czech team who enjoyed the occasion.

"The disappointment is huge," said Germany coach Rudi Voeller. "Two years ago we celebrated. Now we're out. That's bitter. We saw here that everyone can beat everyone."

Germany follow Italy and Spain as big name casualties of a tournament that has already lived up to its billing as one of the most open for years.

The impressive Czechs will now turn their attentions to a quarter-final meeting with Denmark in Porto.

Voeller had reacted to the lame goalless draw with Latvia by giving a first start to midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and, after a cagey opening, the 19-year-old played a major part in the first goal.

Bernd Schneider whipped in a cross from the left, Schweinsteiger knocked it down into the path of Ballack and the midfielder struck a fierce 20-metre shot past the helpless Jaromir Blazek.

The Czechs, each man playing for a place in the quarter-final team, deservedly equalised on the half-hour mark when Heinz left Oliver Kahn flailing with a perfectly-placed 25-metre free kick into the top corner.

Attack bolstered

Voeller, knowing the Dutch were leading 2-0 against Latvia, sent on Lukas Podolski to bolster his attack at halftime and Germany soon took control with an inspired Ballack driving them on.

Close to the hour mark the playmaker fizzed a low shot just wide then sent another against the post, Blazek saving Schneider's follow-up.

Germany continued to exert pressure, Schneider heading wide, Christian Woerns having an effort cleared off the line and Blazek again defying Kevin Kuranyi.

But just as the equaliser looked inevitable, the Czechs broke and Baros tucked the ball past Kahn at the second attempt in the 78th minute.

The victory was revenge of sorts for the Czech Republic, beaten by Germany with a golden goal in the final of Euro '96, and was their first win over them in regulation time since 1964 -- a run of 15 games.

At full time the Czech fans sang "Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland" to their beaten rivals, while the German fans greeted the waving Voeller with a chorus of jeers and whistles.

Germany's exit was a repeat of four years ago when they needed to beat already-qualified Portugal to reach the last eight but lost 3-0.

They bounced back to reach the 2002 World Cup final and Voeller, if he is still in the job, will hope for a similar turnaround when they host the 2006 edition.

Asked about speculation that his job was under threat, Voeller said: "It's part of the business. But despite all the disappointment, and I am disappointed because I was sure we'd advance, I'm rather confident and relaxed about the future."

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