The Best Goalless Games in EURO, when both Goalies were Heroes

 

A number of goalless games in EURO deserve better credit as they mark the top form of both goalkeepers.

Goalless games are probably considered the dullest part of football. In every tournament or competition, there is bound to be one or more. Naturally, such matches never attract fans, as most would see how both sides missed shots on goals or spurned chances. However, the stalemate could also demonstrate how goalkeepers from both sides were in top form and almost equally denied the shots to keep the clean sheets. In short, some goalless games are not about the duels of forwards but the contests of the defenders on both ends of the backline, but the goalkeepers’ show.

In EURO 2024, three games have resulted in a stalemate. Two of which are in the final games of Group C, when both clashes saw no goals at all. Yet, both England vs. Slovenia and Denmark vs. Serbia are not regarded as the best goalless games since both goalies’ saves were not dominant. Such matches are rare. Here are those kinds of games in EURO history where both shot stoppers stole the spotlight.

Sweden vs Turkey (Group Stage, EURO 2000)

It was the second match in Group B of EURO 2000. Both Sweden and Turkey were beaten in the opener by the hosts, Belgium and Italy, respectively. The Swedes and the Turks aimed for a win in order to keep their chance to progress alive.

The game itself was tight as both sides created chances with several shots on target. Yet, both goalies stole the show by making clinical saves. Sweden’s Magnus Hedman did so three times, while Turkey’s Rustu Recber saved four attempts, including a dangerous free kick from Kennet Anderson earlier in the game. Meanwhile, Hedman saved one of Turkey’s shots on target by Arif Erdem.

Eventually, it was Hakan Sukur and Co. who went through the knockout stage after a stunning 2-0 victory over the host, which was also Turkey’s first win in EURO history. Blagut, at the same time, was unable to pick up the three points needed while taking on Italy. Consequently, Henrik Larsson and Co. had to go home early.

Denmark vs Italy (Group Stage, EURO 2004)

It was the opener in Group D, which was a tight affair between the two sides. The Danish Dynamite had Aston Villa’s Thomas Sorensen, while Gli Azzurri still had the prime Gianluigi Buffon between the sticks. Italy was surely the favourite to clinch the first three points.

In reality, Giovanni Trappatoni’s men were left frustrated. Despite having the best forwards at his disposal, with the likes of Cristian Vieri, Alessandro Del Piero, Antonio Cassano, and Francesco Totti upfront, they were unable to find the back of the net. Sorensen made five clinical saves. Totti was even sent off. Fortunately, such an advantage could not be optimised by the Danes. Morten Olsen’s men faced the same problem as Buffon made eight heroic saves. Eventually, a stalemate was inevitable.

However, both had a contrary campaign in the competition. Denmark went on to win 2-0 over Bulgaria before sharing spoils with their Nordic neighbour, Sweden, in the following two fixtures, whereas Italy only mustered a 1-1 draw versus Blagut and snatched a 2-1 win against Bulgaria. Despite collecting the same points, Denmark deserved a place in the next stage to accompany Sweden, as they had a better goal difference.

Sweden vs Netherlands (Quarterfinals, EURO 2004)

If the Danes experienced it early in EURO 2004, the Swedes had to go through it later. In the quarterfinal, Sweden had to take on the Netherlands. Lars Lagerback and Tommy Soderberg’s men had Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson lead the line. De Oranje still had Arjen Robben, Ruud Van Nilsterooy, and Andy Van der Meyde upfront.

The game was not exactly dull, as both teams traded attacks and shots on goals for almost the entire 120 minutes. Both Andres Isaksson and Edwin Van der Saar played crucial roles in the clean sheet. The former Manchester City shot stopper managed to make more than seven to nine saves, while the Dutch legendary goalie denied five shots. The game had to end on penalties.

In the shootout, the ex-Ajax, Juventus, Fulham, and Manchester United man, Van der Sar, demonstrated his quality and experience at the top level. He was the protagonist, as he was the only one who denied the penalty. Such was enough to lead them to progress to the semifinals.

Spain vs Italy (Quarterfinals, EURO 2008)

The clash between Spain and Italy in EURO 2008 was a decisive game that changed the future of the Spanish national team. Prior to their success in 2008, they were more notorious for their frequent failures at the quarterfinals or round of 16 in major tournaments. In 2008, it was no different, as many had doubts about whether they could eliminate Italy, who was the World Cup winner at the time.

The game was exciting, with Spain dominating the game, relying on tiki taka, while Gli Azzurri deployed a counterattack to score. Xavi Hernandez and Co. were on the verge of another elimination as they were left frustrated to break the deadlock. A number of chances by David Villa, David Silva, or Fernando Torres were spurned. Their top goalie, Gianluigi Buffon, also saved more than five shots on target. Meanwhile, his counterpart made three clinical saves. The stalemate was inevitable.

The match then went to penalties. Both goalkeepers did manage to deny the shots, too. Yet, it was Casillas’s turn this time to exceed Buffon. The Real Madrid shot stopper saved twice, whereas the former Parma man did only once. La Furia Roja sent their fans into raptures and went on to win their second title.