Germany were the seeded team and favourites to qualify for the next phase along with England but both were surprisingly eliminated. Portugal, who had shown considerable promise at Euro 96 but failed to qualify for the 1998 World Cup finals emerged as one of the more talented teams of the tournament.
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Germany
Romania
The holders had to come from behind to salvage a point after Romania took an early lead. The Romanian play maker, Gheorghe Hagi was in excellent form and his team could have won the match had they put away late chances.
Portugal
England
England were two goals up in the first twenty minutes, rather against the run of play. Goals by Luís Figo and João Pinto made it level at half-time and Portugal were firmly in control. When Nuno Gomes lashed the ball into England's goal in the 59th minute it was no more than they deserved.
Portugal
Romania
Portugal left it very late indeed in a fractious game that they had dominated due to their ability to retain possession. In the 94th minute, however, Costinha popped up to secure his team a place in the next round.
England
Germany
After their disappointing start, a diving header by England's captain Alan Shearer gave England their first victory against their arch-nemesis in 34 years and revived hope of progressing to the quarter-finals. Like most games between England and Germany, the match was closely contested from start to finish.
Romania
England
Romania took an unexpected lead after 22 minutes with a freak goal but two goals in four minutes just before half-time put England ahead. The wheels came off again minutes after the break when Munteanu equalised. A draw would have been enough for England but Romania pressed forward in search of the winner and in the 89th minute they were awarded a penalty, which Ganea converted to break English hearts.
Portugal
Germany
The holders were soundly beaten by the new kids on the block thanks to a hat-trick from Sérgio Conceição.