Having already defeated the favored home Dutch side in the semifinals, Italy was nursing a 1-0 lead over France in the final minute of injury time in Euro 2000's final match. Certain they would soon be the new European champions, Italy's subs rose from the bench and saluted their fans. But when French substitute Sylvain Wiltord raced down the left side and sent a miraculous bullet into the net, fellow sub David Trézéguet's eventual game-winner in extra time was almost a fait accompli. In the thrilling final, even stodgy Italy engaged in an up-and-down battle. But it wasn't enough overcome this French team, which joined the 1974 German squad as the only teams to be champion of Europe and the world at the same time. By becoming the first World Cup holder ever to win the European crown, France earned a spot among the best teams of all time. And after a month of often scintillating football, Euro 2000 got the final it deserved.
