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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Controversy Erupts Over Dutch Goal

Opening goal in 3-0 win over Italy legit, Euro 2008 officials rule

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(Newser) – When Ruud van Nistelrooy scored the Netherlands' first goal in yesterday's Euro 2008 match, Dutch and Italian fans alike waited for the offsides call. It didn't come, leaving the Italians incensed, the Dutch warily pleased, and the officials defiant. UEFA confirmed today that van Nistelrooy wasn't offsides thanks to a little-known rule, AP reports.

"The goal was not offside because in addition to the Italian goalkeeper, there was another Italian player in front of the goal scorer. And even though that player at the time had actually fallen off the pitch, his position was still relevant for the purposes of the offside law," explained a UEFA official. The 3-0 defeat was Italy's worst ever in the European Cup finals.

Italy's Gianluigi Buffon reacts during the group C match between the Netherlands and Italy in Bern, Switzerland, Monday, June 9, 2008, at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships.
Italy's Gianluigi Buffon reacts during the group C match between the Netherlands and Italy in Bern, Switzerland, Monday, June 9, 2008, at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships.   (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Dutch team celebrate in front of cheering supporters after winning 3-0 at the group C match between the Netherlands and Italy. The first goal, though contested, was fair, officials say.
The Dutch team celebrate in front of cheering supporters after winning 3-0 at the group C match between the Netherlands and Italy. The first goal, though contested, was fair, officials say.   (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
An Italian fan reacts after his team lost to the Netherlands, 3-0, in a Group C match in Bern, Switzerland.
An Italian fan reacts after his team lost to the Netherlands, 3-0, in a Group C match in Bern, Switzerland.   (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Italy's Luca Toni got a yellow card for arguing with referee Peter Froejdfeldt about whether Van Nistelrooy's goal was offsides or not.
Italy's Luca Toni got a yellow card for arguing with referee Peter Froejdfeldt about whether Van Nistelrooy's goal was offsides or not.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Alessandro della Valle)
Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder was one of three Dutch players who scored in the group C match between the Netherlands and Italy.
Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder was one of three Dutch players who scored in the group C match between the Netherlands and Italy.   (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Netherlands' Ruud van Nistelrooy, right, celebrates with teammates Wesley Sneijder, center, and Joris Mathijsen after he scored the opening goal.
Netherlands' Ruud van Nistelrooy, right, celebrates with teammates Wesley Sneijder, center, and Joris Mathijsen after he scored the opening goal.   (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
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