体坛英语资讯：World Cup champions beaten, runners-up held to draw in Group of Death

BERN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- World champions Italy suffered a comprehensive 3-0 loss to the Netherlands while World Cup runners-up France were forced to a goalless draw in the opening of the Group of Death at Euro 2008. The world champions played up to their reputation for only 10 minutes and then faded quickly as they just could not follow the pace of the much younger Dutch team.

Italy's Luca Toni (L) is challenged by Netherlands' Khalid Boulahrouz during their Group C Euro 2008 soccer match at the Stade de Suisse stadium in Bern, June 9, 2008.

The Netherlands push forward in a relentless way and forced the Italians into defence. After several missed shots, the Dutch finally opened scoring through Ruud van Nistelrooy who tapped in at the 26th minute a Giovanni van Bronckhorst shot from the edge of the area. Five minutes later, it was Bronckhorst again whose crossfield cross was headed into the path of Wesley Sneijder and he half-volleyed past Italian goalie Gianluigi Buffon from close range.

The Italians tried to fight back in the second half but Edwin van der Sar put up several saves to keep the goal safe.

The Dutch team took the chance to launch counter-attacks and Bronckhorst himself added a goal in the 79th minute to lock the victory for his team.

France's Willy Sagnol eyes the ball under pressure from Romania's Adrian Mutu (R) during their Group C Euro 2008 soccer match at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, June 9, 2008.

In the other Group C match played earlier in Zurich, France were held to a goalless draw by Romania. The French team dominated the midfield but that was the furthest point they could go. In fact, both starting strikers Nicolas Anelka and Karim Benzema, had few chances in front of the goal.

The Romania deliberately gave out the midfield, but their defence in front of the area was tight and fierce.

The French team could pass the ball around comfortably, but could hardly find any chances within the Romanian penalty area.

Striker Adrian Mutu was the best Romanian player in the match. The Forentina player had half of the shots of the Romanian team. His free-kick on the edge of the area at the 51st minute was blocked by the wall.

The second round matches of the group will be played on Friday. Italy shall recover quickly to beat Romania otherwise they will face an embarrassing early exit as the reigning world champions.

The other Group C game on Friday will see France take on the Netherlands.