France Euro Showdowns

Golden goal sends France to Euro 2000 final.

France's victory over Portugal in the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2000 sent them to the final for the first time since 1984.

Quick Facts

Primary tournament: UEFA European Championship
First major meeting: Euro 1984 Semi-Final

Lore & Background

In the semi-final of UEFA Euro 2000, France played Portugal at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, on 28 June 2000. Portugal took a 1–0 lead in the 19th minute through Nuno Gomes. Henry equalised for France six minutes into the second half. The match went to extra time, and with six minutes remaining, Wiltord's shot was handballed by Abel Xavier. Zinedine Zidane scored the resulting penalty as a golden goal, sending France to the final.

Reader's Guide

France's path to the final: Group D runners-up (behind Netherlands), quarter-final win over Spain (2–1), semi-final win over Portugal (2–1 via golden goal).