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In the football world, yesterday was a day of international friendly matches. The strongest European teams continued their preparation for the upcoming European Championship, the American continent teams prepared for the "Copa America", and the remaining teams are getting ready for the World Cup qualifiers.
Italy - Spain 1 - 1 This match in Genoa was dedicated to Italian football legend Roberto Baggio, who represented his national team for the last time. At the beginning of the match, the Spanish team scored a goal, but it was disallowed as Helguera was offside. At the end of the first half, after a great penalty kick by Pirlo, Baggio headed the ball but inaccurately. In the 53rd minute, the Spaniards took the lead when Torres received a pass and sent the ball into the net with a precise shot. The visitors' advantage lasted only three minutes, as Fiore accurately passed the ball to Vieri, who equalized with a header. In the 68th minute, Baggio managed to get past Casillas, but the position for the shot was too uncomfortable. With five minutes left, Baggio was substituted, and the entire stadium stood up applauding the legendary player.
Portugal - Sweden 2 - 2 The future hosts of Euro 2004 failed to beat the Swedes at home. In the 17th minute, the young Kallstrom scored a penalty kick, and the ball bounced off goalkeeper Ricardo into the net. Portuguese Pauleta equalized with a precise shot to the bottom corner. Four minutes before the end of the match, Rui Jorge scored an own goal. However, in the final moments, Nuno Gomes headed in from a corner, and Portugal had to settle for a draw.
Romania - Germany 5 - 1 The World Cup runners-up Germany were sensationally crushed in Bucharest. This tragic result served as a warning sign for Rudi Voller ahead of the upcoming European Championship. Meanwhile, Romania can celebrate one of the greatest victories in its history. By the end of the first half, the hosts were leading 4-0: Danciulescu scored two goals, Plesan and Ratas each scored one. In the second half, the Romanian Karamarin increased the rout even more. However, at the end of the match, Lahm scored a consolation goal for the Germans.
Netherlands - Greece 4 - 0 Greece's run of fifteen consecutive unbeaten matches came to an end in the Netherlands, where they were crushed by the home team. The first half of the match ended goalless, but the Dutch entertained in the second half and scored four times. Makaay, Zenden, Heitinga, and Van Hooijdonk were the scorers.
Hungary - Brazil 1 - 4 World champions Brazil showed their strength by crushing Hungary. However, an interesting fact is that the Hungarians had never beaten the Brazilians before. But this time, history was set aside, and Brazil's young talents shone. They scored all four goals - one each from Kaka and Ronaldinho, and two from Luis Fabiano. Hungary's Torghelle scored after coming off the bench.
Other results:
Belarus - Lithuania 1 - 0 [comments]
South Korea - Paraguay 0 - 0
Czech Republic - Japan 0 - 1
Bulgaria - Cameroon 3 - 0
Denmark - Scotland 1 - 0
Norway - Russia 3 - 2
Belgium - Turkey 2 - 3
Switzerland - Slovenia 2 - 1
Northern Ireland - Serbia and Montenegro 1 - 1
Morocco - Argentina 0 - 1
USA - Mexico 1 - 0
Latvia - Iceland 0 - 0
Kazakhstan - Azerbaijan 2 - 3
Israel - Moldova 1 - 1
Poland - Ireland 0 - 0
Ukraine - Slovakia 1 - 1
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Finland 1 - 0
Estonia - Albania 1 - 1
Macedonia - Croatia 0 - 1
Austria - Luxembourg 4 - 1
San Marino - Liechtenstein 1 - 0
