Euro 2000 - Group D - France 3 Denmark 0

France showed they were clearly up among the title contenders at Euro 2000 with a 3-0 win over Denmark as Group D got under way in Bruges.

The World Cup holders showed they have developed into a fast and talented attacking team since lifting that trophy two years ago and goals from Laurent Blanc and Thierry Henry in either half demonstrated the gulf between these sides.

Group D is regarded as the toughest of the opening stage as all four teams have been champions of Europe in the past but Denmark looked the worse side on show so far at the year 2000 finals and could find no way to get past the French defence.

The Danes could not find any width or pressure and France were able to hit them on the break using the speed and power of Henry and Nicolas Anelka to hold the advantage in the match.

Only an eccentric display by French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez offered Denmark some hope but after a run up field which shocked his defenders in the 3rd minute and some poor handling, the new Manchester United star never looked in much trouble.

As early as the 11th minute his predecessor at United was in trouble. Peter Schmeichel no longer has the speed to close the gap on attackers as they run through and Nicolas Anelka went round him to hit into the side netting in an alarm for the Danes.

A similar situation led to the first goal as Schmeichel came out to meet Anelka after a long ball forward and a deflection carried the ball to sweeper Laurent Blanc to stroke the ball into the net with the goal exposed.

In the 52nd minute Barthez almost batted a Soren Colding free kick into the path of attackers but was saved by his defence.

Five minutes later the game ended as a contest. Zinedine Zidane chipped the ball to Thierry Henry in his own half, wide on the left, and the Arsenal player used his express pace to run through the half to goal and slot the ball wide of Schmeichel into the far corner.

A clearly offside goal was allowed in injury time as Vieira broke through to square to substitute Sylvain Wiltord to fire into goal but the goal should not have stood.

A super show by the French who look capable of even better against more demanding opposition.

The French have not lost a tournament match in thirteen games going back to 1992 and the Euro finals in Sweden.