The One Where Zidane Scores.. Twice! 

Euro 2004 has started.. Major setback for the host nation Portugal, humbled 1-2 to lowly seeded Greece. first goal was scored by Georgios Karagounis after a silly gave-away ball by Chelsea's prime target Paulo Ferreira. Greece extended their lead with a penalty by Angelos Basinas. Sub Man U's Cristiano Ronaldo was the culprit. Ronaldo however managed to grab a late consolation goal but it was too little to late..

Think that was a dramatic match.. Of course not.. Last nite 2nd match group B match between defending Champ France vs England.. Playing without their strongest central defender, England took the lead from a headed goal by Lampard (Lampard can head now.. Scholes no more.. ), connecting to free kick from Captain Beckham. France, still traumatised from their World Cup flop, struggled to create chances although their midfields (Vierra, Makalele, Pires and of course Zidane) definately controlled the center field.. But England defenders looked too tough to break..

In the second-half, young Rooney managed to get the ball through on a counter-attack only to find Sylvestre Silvestre blocked his way in the penalty box (again a Man U player to concede). Beckham, who spooned an awful his last penalty kick in qualifiying round against Turkey, stepped up to take the spot kick. This time it was on target, but keeper Barthez guessed it well. Still 1-0 to England..

England manager, Sven Goran Eriksson looked confident to grab all the points, brought in Vassell, Hargreaves and Heskey to replace Owen, Scholes and Rooney. (I seriously dont think it was his best decision) Heskey then gave away an unnecessary free kick in the injury time just couple yards from the box. Zidane, smashed in the equalizer with James stood still on the goal line. 1-1. England players and supporters stunned and wondered : What's the worst could ever happen? It wasnt the end but just the begining of the twists and turns...

Just seconds after they kicked the ball off again, Gerrard (whom also another Blues target) made a horrendous back-pass without noticing Henry. The later then easily collected the ball and ran towards the goal. James had no choice to tackle inside the box, earned him a yellow card and a penalty to the opposition side. Zidane then again displayed his masterclass and taught his Madrid teammate 'how to convert a penalty'. Game ended at 2-1 to France. Zidane was later voted as the MoM.

A painful defeat to England, but France really deserved it.. at the end of the day, the three lions well-beaten by the rooster..

Other matches played this weekends, Spain defeated Russia by a single goal by Valeron, Switzeland vs Croatia ended at goalless stalemate.