News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Home  » Sports » Holland win Euro under-21 football title

Holland win Euro under-21 football title

June 24, 2007 12:50 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

An inspired Netherlands won their second consecutive European Under-21 title with a 4-1 win over 10-man Serbia in Groningen on Saturday.

Otman Bakkal opened the scoring for the Dutch, chesting down a lofted pass from Daniel de Ridder in the 17th minute before tapping the ball home with his left foot.

Another fine cross from de Ridder provided Ryan Babel with the chance to latch on to a loose ball and score the second goal from close range on the hour mark.

In front of a capacity crowd of almost exclusively Dutch fans, Serbia began to look in disarray. A late lunge on Babel saw Aleksandar Kolarov sent off in the 62nd minute as the Serbs' fortunes sank further.

Maceo Rigters grabbed the third goal of the night after a through ball from Babel in the 67th while substitute Luigi Bruins scored the fourth 20 minutes later.

Dragan Mrdja had pulled a goal back for Serbia with a header past goalkeeper Boy Waterman in the 79th after Serbia keeper Damir Kahriman saved a penalty by Babel, awarded when the striker was brought down in the 71st minute.

The game appeared to pass without any sign of racist chanting.

Serbia face a UEFA disciplinary hearing on July 12 following charges of racist chants from their supporters towards England's black players in last week's group match.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Paris Olympics 2024

India's Tour Of Australia 2024-25