EURO 2008 GROUP C PLAY: Dutch Win Group By Throttling France; Azzurri And Romania Draw And Stay Alive

Friday marked the second match for all four teams in Group C in EURO 2008:

At Zurich, Switzerland:

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (pictured here) stopped Adrian Mutu's penalty kick with nine minutes remaining to enable Italy to gain a 1-1 draw with Romania, allowing both teams to remain in contention for a quarterfinal round berth, heading into next Tuesday's concluding contests. Adrian Mutu scored in the 55th minute to put Romania ahead, only to see Christian Panucci equalize for the Azzurri one minute later.

At Berne, Switzerland:

Goals from Dirk Kuyt (9'), Robin van Persie (59', pictured here), Arjen Robben (72') , and Wesley Sneijder (90'+2) lifted the Netherlands to a 4-1 game two fistbeating of France. The Dutch assured themselves of winning Group C and, after next Tuesday's match with Romania, will play the second place team from Group D in the quarterfinals on June 21.

Photos © Getty Images

GROUP C STANDINGS:

1. Netherlands ** (GP: 2; GD: +6; PTS: 6)
2. Romania (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 2)
3. France (GP: 2; GD: -3; PTS: 1)
3. Italy (GP: 2; GD: -3; PTS: 1)

** Won Group C and clinched quarterfinal berth