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England 1-1 Holland - Leroy Lita Opens, But Late Goal From Rigters Takes Under-21 EURO Championship To Extra Time

Submitted by Scott Harkness on Wed, 20/06/2007 - 19:21.

England are currently drawing 1-1 against Holland in the Under-21 European Championship Semi-Final at the Abe Lenstra Stadion in Heerenveen, with a goal from Reading FC striker Leroy Lita giving England the lead and Maceo Rigters equalising for Holland in the 89th minute.

Although Holland started the game strongly, with Royston Drenthe causing problems for the Three Lions' defence, England were the stronger team in the first-half, dominating possession over the hosts.

Stuart Pearce’s team were rewarded with their hard work in the 38th minute with a goal from Leroy Lita.

An excellent flick on from David Nugent, gave Lita space to turn Oranje defender Ron Vlaar to shoot home on the volley past Dutch keeper Boy Waterman.

Holland came out slowly for the second-half, with Lita almost doubling the score less than five minutes into the second-half, but his free-kick was unlucky to ricochet off the post and away to safety, much to the relief of the stranded Dutch keeper.

The home-side began to get into the flow of the game and towards the end of the second period they were the team in control and laid the England goal under siege.

With just a minute to play in the second-half, Holland levelled the score with a stunning overhead strike from Maceo Rigters.

Steven Taylor received an ankle injury, which gave the chance for Holland to attack. Ryan Donk broke free on the left of the penalty area, heading it across goal, with Rigters shooting past the injured Stephen Taylor in the England goalmouth to take the game to extra-time.

(FULL MATCH REPORT: 605.html...)


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