(29 Jun 2000) English/Nat

The Dutch were disconsolate in defeat on Thursday after a 'Golden Goal' loss to France in the semi-finals of Euro 2000.

On the streets of Amsterdam the orange clad supporters, who have a reputation for good behaviour, lamented the end of Euro 2000.

Italy beat the Netherlands 3-1 on penalty kicks after a scoreless tie Thursday and will play France in the European Soccer Championship final.

The Dutch missed a total of five penalties during the match - two during regulation and three in the shootout. Frank de Boer was guilty twice, in the 38th minute and again in the tiebreaker as goalkeeper Francesco Toldo stopped both tries.

Italy advanced to the European final for the first time since 1968, despite playing a man short the last 86 minutes because Gianluca Zambrotta was ejected.

Luigi Di Biagio - whose missed penalty against France in the 1998 World Cup quarterfinals eliminated Italy - Gianluca Pessotto and Francesco Totti hit their kicks, while captain Paolo Maldini missed.

Patrick Kluivert was the only Dutchman to score in Thursday's shootout.

Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard resigned and star striker Dennis Bergkamp retired from the national team after the match.

Bergkamp, who scored 37 goals in 78 appearances with the Dutch team since 1990, had been expected to quit after this tournament.

On Sunday at Rotterdam, Italy will try to prevent France from becoming the first team to simultaneously hold a World Cup title and European crown.

France edged Portugal 2-1 in overtime in Wednesday's semifinal on Zinedine Zidane's penalty kick.

In the 38th minute, the Dutch were awarded the match's first penalty when Kluivert had his shirt pulled by Italian defender Alessandro Nesta. But Toldo guessed correctly, diving to his left to block de Boer's effort.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Not very happy because we think that orange players deserve to win and the Italian players only did it because of penalties."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"They were only defending throughout the whole game that was so sad."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It's a shame that they lost five penalties."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop

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