Germany suffered a hammer-blow to their confidence ahead of Euro 2004 as the 2002 World Cup finalists were thrashed 5-1 by a young and inexperienced Romania in the latest set of warm-up matches. The Czech Republic also suffered a huge blow yesterday as they were beaten 1-0 by Japan in Prague, their second successive defeat, but a much needed boost to Japan’s hopes of retaining their Asian Cup title later this year.There was disappointment too for the coach who masterminded their Euro ’96 defeat as Berti Vogts saw his Scotland side succumb to their fourth successive defeat, 1-0 to Euro 2004 bound Denmark, who have a habit of besting him as they beat his German team in the Euro ’92 final.There was no victorious international farewell for the ‘divine ponytail’ as Roberto Baggio is fondly known but the 37-year-old showed enough during the 1-1 draw with fellow Euro 2004 finalists Spain that perhaps he should be taken along by Giovanni Trapattoni as a wild card.Euro 2004 hosts Portugal had to battle back twice to draw 2-2 with visitors Sweden grabbing an injury-time equaliser through Nuno Gomes.Germany’s thrashing — they were 4-0 down after the first-half — even without playmaker Michael Ballack left German football legend Franz Beckenbauer incredulous.“Anyone in Europe looking at this result will think it is a printing error,” exclaimed the Kaiser.Japan’s scoring hero was Tatsuhiko Kubo. He struck in the first half to give Japan a deserved lead and the Asian champions dug in after the break to hold on for an unexpected win despite missing captain and Bologna midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata, Reggina midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura and SV Hamburg striker Naohiro Takahara.This loss follows the 2-1 defeat inflicted by the Republic of Ireland in March which ended the Czechs’ 20-game unbeaten record.
