Kluivert hits record high

Netherlands 1-1 Portugal
Patrick Kluivert scored his 37th international goal to move level with Dennis Bergkamp as the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer as the Dutch held UEFA EURO 2004™ hosts Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Wednesday's international friendly in Eindhoven.

Kluivert on top
Kluivert, playing in Dutch colours for the 68th time, struck 27 minutes into the Philips stadium encounter after being picked out by Roy Makaay's back-heel and, unmarked, the FC Barcelona forward made no mistake from 15 metres.

Bright start
The former and future hosts of the UEFA European Championship combined to produce an entertaining, flowing game, the opening stages of which were dominated by the Portuguese. Inspired by Luis Figo and Rui Costa, Portugal started brightly and might have gone ahead on 15 minutes if not for the brilliance of Edwin van der Sar, who blocked Simão Sabrosa's shot from 12 metres with his feet after Figo and Pauleta had combined to work an opening for the SL Benfica forward.

Davids comes close
Having survived that scare, Kluivert fired the home side ahead and the Netherlands came close to extending their lead before the break, the Boavista FC goalkeeper Ricardo saving from Edgar Davids on 33 minutes after the Juventus FC midfield player had been teed up on the edge of the area by Marc Overmars.

Van der Vaart impresses
Both coaches made changes at the interval with Luiz Felipe Scolari electing to rest Figo, Rui Costa and Maniche, while Dick Advocaat made four changes, finding room for the exciting Ajax teenagers Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart, the latter in particular proving a thorn in the side of the Portuguese defence.

Ricardo on form
Six minutes after the restart, Andy van der Meyjde saw his shot cleared off the line and Ricardo also had to be alert to turn away Van der Vaart's strike at the near post. Moments later, the Ajax playmaker shot narrowly wide from 15 metres before Portugal hit back.

De Boer deflection
First Hugo Viana drew a sharp save from Van der Sar at the near post then Nuno Gomes, on for Pauleta, shot just wide. But on 78 minutes Portugal's pressure told, Simão's shot from the edge of the area deflecting off Frank de Boer to leave Van der Sar no chance in the Dutch goal. But the Dutch keeper had the last laugh in added time, when he marked his return to the side with a brilliant save to deny Viana a last-gasp winner.

Belarus test
Next up for the Dutch is a 7 June visit to Belarus as they seek to improve their EURO 2004™ qualifying prospects. They are currently second in qualifying Group 3, level on ten points with leaders Czech Republic.