Lisbon: Three-time European champions Germany became the latest big name to exit from the Euro 2004 finals after going down to a 2-1 defeat against a second-string Czech Republic side yesterday (Jun 24, 2004).

Substitute Milan Baros struck the decisive goal, his third in the competition, 13 minutes from time after Marek Heinz had cancelled out Michael Ballack's first-half opener.

The 2002 World Cup finalists followed Italy and Spain out of the tournament in a recurrence of their Euro 2000 nightmare when they exited at the group stage without winning a match.

Two draws and this defeat means Germany have not won in the European championships for eight years with their last triumph coming against the Czechs in the Euro 96 final at Wembley.

In the other match of the day held at Braga, Dutch registered an easy win over Latvia 3-0. Ruud van Nistelrooy scored two goals in the rather decisive match. With this win, Netherlands qualify for the quarter finals and will take on Sweden in Faro on Saturday (Jun 26, 2004).