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France Euro 2008 - Previous Head to Heads with Italy, Romania & the Netherlands | Help spread the word: Share on Facebook 
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As France start their campaign in Euro 2008 on Monday 9th June, Joe Whitworth reviews how they've previously faired against Italy, Romania and the Netherlands, their Group C opponents in the Euro 08 'Group of Death'Head to Heads France V Romania There's not a great deal of history between these two. France will be hoping for a repeat performance of when the two teams last met when they won 2-1 in Paris in 2002. The only time the teams have met in the group stages of the European Championship Finals was in Euro 96 which ended in a 1-0 win for les Blues at a game held at St James' Park, Newcastle. In 10 matches, that stretch over a 70 year period, France have won six, drawn once and lost three so they will fancy their chances against Victor Piturca’s men. France V Netherlands France will be looking for their first victory over the Netherlands at the European Championships when they meet in Group C. The last time the two teams met was a goalless draw in Rotterdam in 2004. The Netherlands arguably have the minor psychological edge, in terms of the history between these two, overall France have won eight, drawn four and lost nine of their 21 meetings. France however have had more recent cup success with the World Cup 98 and Euro 2000, whilst it's now 20 years since the Dutch achieved Euro success in 1988. France V Italy Raymond Domenech’s men will be looking to eraze the nightmare of Zidane's headbutting moment of madness and, more importantly, for revenge after Italy beat them 5-3 on penalties in the World Cup final in 2006. They have met since then, a goalless draw in Milan last year, and France will be hoping to continue their 100% record against Italy at the European Championships after winning the only previous meeting. In previous fixtures Italy are in total control winning 17 out of the 35 previous meetings with France only winning eight and 10 ending in draws. Whilst these two have met twice in major finals (Euro 2000, World Cup 2006) their is no chance of this happening in Euro 2008! Due to the change to the knock out stages, if both teams make it throught the Group of Death, they can only meet again in the Semi Finals. Joe Whitworth Fancy writing for LiveFootball? Click here to find out more. |