De Wilde blames bobble

De Wilde: blunder led to Sweden's goal

Filip de Wilde says a bobble made him misjudge the back pass which gifted Sweden a goal in Belgium's Euro 2000 opening match victory.

Goalkeeper De Wilde made a monumental blunder in the 54th minute, stumbling and giving the ball away to Johan Mjallby who was able to virtually walk it into the Belgian net.

It was a bad moment for the tournament co-hosts but they held on for a 2-1 win.

Anderlecht veteran de Wilde, 35, said: "It was a back pass from Philippe Leonard but the ball bobbled a bit so I tried to control it.

"Maybe the pitch was a bit dry. I just stood on it and fell over. It was like the whole world collapsed.

"I was playing well until then so I had to I try to forget the moment and keep concentrating on the game.

"I made two good saves after that so that made me feel better."

Belgium's next match in Euro 2000 Group B is against Italy on 13 June.