A 1: 2 defeat against Italy, in which Pierluigi Casiraghi scored twice and Ilja Zymbalar managed to equalize in the meantime, was followed by goals from Matthias Sammer and two times Jürgen Klinsmann, a smooth 3-0 defeat against Germany. The elimination was sealed after just two games. Only the surprise team from the Czech Republic was able to wrest a draw in the final third round match. After a 2-0 break through Jan Suchopárek and Pavel Kuka , the Russian team turned the game around with goals from Alexander Mostowoi, Omari Tetradze and Vladimir Bestschastnych. Vladimír Šmicers goal to equalize shortly before the final whistle saved the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals and meant the exit of Italy.