The Italians kicked off the second phase with a decisive defeat of Norway that was reminiscent of their Wembley win over England last year. Christian Vieri found the net for the fifth time in the tournament in the 18th minute and Maldini's men then killed off the game completely. It was a very different story where Chile, without much of a defence but boasting one of the best striking partnerships around, and Brazil entertained 45,000 at the Parc des Princes with 90 thrilling minutes of open football. Brazil won well and were followed into the last eight by the hosts, who finally broke through Paraguay's stiff defence towards the end of extra time, and Denmark, who destroyed a Nigerian team which had been expected to coast through. Goals from Jurgen Klinsmann and Oliver Bierhoff were enough to get Germany through against Mexico, who had led for most of the second half.
The Romanians, bleached with success after the first round, home after the second.
Yugoslavia's rather spectacular lack of ambition against Holland didn't aid their cause. Finding themselves behind to a 38th minute Dennis Bergkamp goal, a clearly very talented side briefly took control of the game but after Komljenovic had levelled, their interest waned again. Davids made the decisive intervention with a goal in the 90th minute. Romania followed Yugoslavia the following day with Croatia's Davor Suker scoring the deciding goal. Argentina and England then produced the contest of the round. Two controversial penalties, a wonderful Michael Owen goal and a clever Argentinian set-piece left the score at 2-2 at half-time. After the break David Beckham was dismissed and Sol Campbell had a goal disallowed as a result of Alan Shearer giving Carlos Roa a close up of his elbow. In the end they paid the price for having only three established penalty takers left on the pitch for the shoot-out. Beckham gets his marching orders and English hearts sink.
