THE minutes ticked by with his side a goal down - and Roger Lemerre knew France needed a "miracle".
"Hope becomes desperation and you hope for a miracle," the head coach said. "That miracle did indeed happen. It is the strong will of the team that made it possible."
Was Euro 2000 the best-ever international tournament? It is certainly up there for the quality goals, comebacks and drama served up in Belgium and Holland.
And then there was the grandstand finish of the final in Rotterdam, a genuinely great French side and that famous Golden Goal.
The sudden-death rule had a short life span at big tournaments, but was claimed by David Trezeguet's bust-the-net volley 13 minutes into extra-time.
This story is from the June 26, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 26, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOT TO THE TUCH
Thomas has so much talent at his disposal
Southgate showed me how to be smiles better
LAUGHS AND INSIDE JOKES BRING CUP TEAM TOGETHER
Buttler calling for the big two
ONE-DAY HOPES FOR STOKES AND ROOT
Aaron's determined to turn jeers into cheers
AARON WAINWRIGHT fully understands fed-up Wales fans have started voicing their grievances at the long and sorry plight of their side.
SKELTON HAS GREY-T EXPECTATIONS
DAN SKELTON has claimed Betfair Chase favourite Grey Dawning is \"as good as any staying chaser we've had at this stage of their life\".
Billionaire family fight for £21m Idol's Eye gem
A £21MILLION diamond known as the Idol's Eye is being fought over in London by Qatari royals.
Oakes brings fight for trees to No 10
ACTOR David Oakes joins campaigners in Downing Street to deliver a 100,000-name petition calling for historic trees to be protected by law.
Non, je ne regrette rien composer dies aged 95
THE French composer behind Edith Piaf's biggest hit died yesterday at the age of 95.
Davina out of intensive care after brain surgery
TV host Davina McCall has made an \"enormous leap forward\" in treatment for a brain tumour, her partner revealed yesterday.
Owner admits killer XL bully was out of control
A MAN whose XL bully mauled his neighbour to death yesterday pleaded guilty to owning an out-of-control dog.