Germans' Ruud awakening

THE NETHERLANDS salvaged their pride and resurrected their Championship prospects at Euro 2004 with a vigorous second half comeback, provided a fitting climax to UEFA's 50th Anniversary celebrations in Porto last night.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy conjured up a stylish equalising goal to finally invest an uninspired contest with a welcome element of improvisation in the 81st minute. His typical strike finally elevated the mood of the game to the level of a championship tie and provoked a passionate drive for victory from both teams.

The heightened tension was welcome and the surprise was it took so long in coming. For the setting for a derby contest between these traditional rivals was stunning, the stadium beautiful. Through the wide gap between the roof and the fans behind the south goal were views of picture-postcard quality, of the motorway to Lisbon as it led its speeding traffic flow across a giant suspension bridge. The river Duoro wound its more elegant path beneath, into the heart of the city on its journey to the sea.