I’ve just checked the history books to see what’s become of teams that lose 3-0 in the first round of a Euro tournament. It does not look that flash.
Portugal 2004
Bulgaria lost 5-0 to Sweden. They ended up finishing bottom of their group with no points. In total Bulgaria conceded 9 goals and scored only the one. That goal was against Italy and cost the Azzurri progression to the next round (due to infrerior goal difference).
Belgium/Holland 2000
Denmark lost 3-0 to France. It turned out to be a dreadful tournament for the Danes. They scored no goals in their three games and lost by three to the Dutch and a brace to the Czechs.
England 96
The biggest loss in the first round was experienced by the Czechs losing 2-0 to the Germans. Both teams would meet again in the finals.
Sweden 92
No big losses in the first round of games. The only hammering in group play was dealt to the Russians by the Scots, CIS lost 3-0. Neither team progressed to the next round.
Germany 88
No real thrashings in the whole tournament. A few 3-1 and 2-0 results throughout group plays. Italy lost 2-0 to the Soviets in one of the semis. The Dutch went on to match this by beating the Soviets 2-0 in the final.
France 84
No thrashing in the first round. Group A was interesting (one for the trainspotters). A case of what you can do, I can do better. In the second round France beat Belgium and Denmark bet Yugoslavia both games ending 5-0. In the second round France bet Yugosalvia and Denmark beat Belgium both games ending 3-2. Both semis went to extra time. France won theirs against Portugal. Denmark lost to Spain on penalties.
Italy 80
No thrashings. No goals really. In group play, Italy went through unbeaten. Which sounds good, but in three games they only scored the one goal. They beat England 1-0 (Marco Tardelli scored the goal) and drew 0-0 with both Spain and Belgium.
June 11, 2008 at 12:08 pm
somewhere in italy they say “chi ben comincia é a metá dell opera” (if you start off well, you are half done). so life goes!
June 13, 2008 at 2:40 am
which country experienced the biggest riots after the loss?
June 13, 2008 at 8:52 pm
The signs don’t look good for Italy. They must have expected a battering from the press, but so many players have publicly criticised Donadoni. Check out my post:
gatwickairporthotels.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/italian-mutiny-too-many-cooks/
But in my most recent post i’ve gone through all the outcomes. Presuming (i know) the Italians win this afternoon, would would you rather won in the evening? Holland or France. Check out:
gatwickairporthotels.wordpress.com/2008/06/13/euro-2008-group-of-death-update/