Czechs Advance After Dutch Thriller

The Czech Republic became the first team to qualify for the Euro 2004 quarterfinals on Saturday after a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Netherlands.

Germany, held to a goalless draw by Latvia, can guarantee a place alongside the Czechs if it beats them next Wednesday but could also scrape through with a draw if the Dutch share the points with the Baltic debutants.

Latvia, enjoying its first major tournament, is still in the hunt for a place in the last eight, and could advance if it beats the Dutch and Germany draw.

In a match already being dubbed an all-time classic, the Netherlands made a flying start, putting two goals past the Czechs in the first 19 minutes.

Wilfred Bouma headed in an Arjen Robben free kick after four minutes for his first international goal. Just 15 minutes later, Robben crossed the ball to striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who tapped it in to give the Dutch a two-goal lead.

The Czechs fought back with the towering Jan Koller firing one home to make it 2-1 at the break.

The second half continued with end-to-end action, and the Dutch twice hit the woodwork before Milan Baros volleyed home a thunderous equalizer.

The Netherlands was reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute when Johnny Heitinga was sent off for a second booking and the Czechs took full advantage.

The Dutch held on for another 13 minutes but were finally broken by a late Vladimir Smicer strike that put the Eastern Europeans on six points at the top of the group.

Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved said his team had recovered from "a cold shower."

"Against a team like the Netherlands, to come back like that, we have to be satisfied despite the slow start," he said.

"We knew we had to pick things up, and quick. Once we did, I had the feeling we would be ok."

Van Nistelrooy said he was "sick, broken and miserable" after his side threw away the initiative, while coach Dick Advocaat defended his decision to take off Robben for defensive midfielder Paul Bosvelt with the Dutch leading 2-1.

"I substituted Arjen Robben because I wanted more grip on the midfield," he said. "When Robben went off things didn't work out."

Earlier, an unfancied Latvia dampened Germany's hopes of advancing, putting in a brave performance to thwart a reinforced German attack.

The tiny Baltic nation of only 2.3 million celebrated the draw as if it was a win, with the country's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga hailing her "golden boys."

The Latvians, who were well organized, kept the match tight and after winning their first point, against the three-time champions, the players were understandably screaming with joy in the dressing room.

"This is a historic -- I wanted to say win -- draw," said coach Aleksandrs Starkovs. "I'm happy and proud for our country and our fans."

For the Germans, though, it was a big let-down. Hopes had been raised after their 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in their opening Group D game.

"We did everything we could, we dominated the game, we had all the possession in the second half and we made some chances," said midfielder Michael Ballack.

"The next match was always going to be like a knockout final, but now that is what it really is for us," he added.

Germany had few chances in the first half but pushed forward more in the second, substitute Miroslav Klose wasting their best chance in stoppage time.

Latvia fought bravely and threatened shortly before halftime when striker Maris Verpakovskis surged powerfully into the box and produced a good save from goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.

Ten minutes into the second half Verpakovskis's pacy run ended when he was sandwiched by two defenders but his appeal for a penalty was harshly turned down by English referee Mike Riley.

Germany coach Rudi Voeller had predicted Germany's fate would rest on their final game against the Czech Republic.

"I hoped a draw would be enough from that game but now it looks certain that Germany will need a win," he said.

"But, in principle, nothing has been lost. We still have a chance to reach the next round."

Elsewhere, UEFA has charged Swiss striker Alexander Frei with spitting at England midfielder Steven Gerrard, the second such offense at the tournament.

Italy's Francesco Totti has already been banned for three games after spitting at Denmark's Christian Poulsen. European governing body's disciplinary committee will hear Frei's case on Sunday.

On the same day, host Portugal faces Spain hoping to break with tradition and beat its neighbor in a competitive international, while Greece needs only a point against Russia to secure a surprise quarterfinal berth.