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Dutch pay the penalty for missed chances

Despite being down to ten men, Italy scrambled past Holland and made it to the final of Euro 2000. With no result even after extra time, penalty kicks decided the fate of the Dutch who had made it to the semi-finals firing on all cylinders.

It was for the first time in the competition that penalty kicks were called for to decide the result.

Holland coach Frank Rijkaard announced his decision to quit after watching his team miss no less than five spot-kicks - two in normal time and three more during the shoot-out - and lose despite dominating the match.

"I set myself one goal when I started as national coach and that was winning the European championship," he said. "I failed and I think now it's time for a new coach." Rijkaard was part of the Dutch team which won the title in 1988.

He was promoted as coach after the 1998 World Cup. At that time, Brazil had eliminated the Dutch in the semi-finals on penalties. Rijkaard was Guus Hiddink's assistant in that tournament.

"We practised penalties every day and this match shows that taking a penalty is something special, and that it's not our forte," he said later.

The Italians held their nerves during the penalty shoot-out, with goalie Francesco Toldo showing the way, to earn a place in the final against France on Sunday in Rotterdam.

Midfielder Dennis Bergkamp, Netherlands' most prolific goal scorer also announced his retirement. Bergkamp has 37 goals from 79 internationals.

Agencies

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