Euro 2000 Group A - Romania 0 Portugal 0

Spirits at Euro 2000 dipped as a day of hooligan trouble for English fans served as a prelude to a dire encounter between Portugal and Romania in Group A.

If both sides had arranged a draw before hand the match would not have looked any different.

Romania always looked comfortable against the over elaborate attacks of the Portuguese.

Portugal looked as if they may get some success in the early stages of the game with both Luis Figo and Rui Costa prominent in attacking moves but the first effort on target by either side was a weak header from Rui Costa into the arms of goalkeeper Bogdan Stelea in the 70th minute.

In the 4th minute Figo set up Gomes for a shot wide and Ilie produced the best effort for the Romanians when he curled a free kick around the post from the edge of the penalty area but the first half quickly settled into a dull pattern of mediocre passing and crossing with neither side looking like getting a victory.

It is hard to believe that Portugal were close to qualifying for the quarter finals if they won this match in Arnhem as they showed little drive to win the game.

Romania settled early on for a point and protected their lead at every stage of this tedious match.

Dimas drove a shot high over the bar in the 48th minute and Hagi slashed a Petrescu cross to far post well wide.

Hagi threatened again in the 85th minute when a dipping left foot drive under the bar by the little master forced Vitor Baia to tip the ball over. It was Romania's first effort on target.

This was a dismal match and both teams now need results in their final matches if they are to progress.