Sweden and Turkey Play a Lackluster 0-0 Game

The game between Turkey and Sweden produced one winner--Italy.

Without kicking a ball, Italy qualified for the quarterfinals of Euro 2000 after group rivals Sweden and Turkey played to a dull goalless draw Thursday, giving Turkey its first-ever point in a European championship final.

In a dour game in which skill was a non-factor, Turkey and Sweden maintained a small chance of advancing to Monday’s final Group B game.

Italy, which beat Belgium 2-0 Wednesday, leads the group with six points, ahead of Belgium, which has three. Turkey and Sweden have one point each. So far no Group B team is eliminated.

Judging by the uninspired performance they produced Thursday, neither Sweden nor Turkey looks likely to advance. Turkey at least could claim some satisfaction for earning its first point in a European Championship final.