Great gourmets Belgium served up a right royal banquet for the opening game of Euro 2000 as the co-hosts got off to a winning start against 10-man Sweden.

The thrilling game had a morsel of everything to keep the crowd on their toes as Belgium overcame a shaky start to sink the Swedes.

The first period was good - and the second was dramatic with a simply sensational start.

Less than 40 seconds had elapsed when Mpenza lashed home a scintillating shot after delicious control.

There was the slightest hint of a handball in the build up - but Belgium didn't care a jot. It was 2-0 and they were coasting.

Or so they thought.

With 53 minutes on the clock, Sweden were back in the game thanks to a quite spectacular comedy of errors.

A poor back-pass should have been routine for De Wilde but he stood on the ball allowing Johan Mjallby the easiest of tasks to roll home into an empty net - even then the Celtic man nearly contrived to miss.

The Swedes threw Henrik Larsson into the fray after his comeback from injury and the distinctive striker was a constant danger as Belgium were back on the defensive.

The game was open and play flowed from end to end, but it was the Swedes who looked the better bet for a goal.

Kennet Andersson saw a shot ruffle the side netting, while at the other end, Mpenza was just off target.

Belgium's introduction of Luc Nillis from the subs' bench handed them the initiative back with the big striker causing Sweden's defence a host of problems.

And it was his through ball that put Goor through 10 minutes from time. Goor was cutting into the penalty area when Patrik Andersson scythed him down and earned an early bath as referee Markus Merk quite rightly produced the red card.