Germany's goalkeeper Oliver Kahn (R) greets Netherland's goal scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy after their Euro 2004 Group D soccer match at the Dragao stadium in Porto June 15, 2004. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. (Xinhua photo)

The Netherlands overcame their disappointing form to hold Germany 1-1 at a Group D match of the European soccer championship Tuesday in Porto, Portugal.

Oliver Kahn should have been ready to celebrate his 35th birthday before Van Nistelrooy volleyed a late goal to level the score.

In a very difficult condition Van Nistelrooy brilliantly turned in Pierre van Hooijdonk's cross at the near post in the 81st minute to make it 1-1.

The Dutch had a poor start as Germany opened the scoring in the 30 minute thanks to Torsten Frings' curling free-kick following midfielder Philip Cocu's foul on Philipp Lahm.

However, the Dutch finally fought back from 1-0 down to take a costful point in the so-called "group of death".

Tuesday's another game saw Czech Republic rally from one goal down to beat Lativia 2-1 in their opener.

Ruud van Nistelrooy of Netherlands celebrates after scoring an equalising goal against Germany during their Euro 2004 Group D soccer match at the Dragao Stadium in Porto June 15, 2004. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.(Xinhua photo)

The debutant Latvians shocked the Czechs with a goal seconds before half-time through Maris Verpakovskis.

But the Czechs managed to equalize through Liverpool striker Milan Baros in the 73rd minute and hit the winner with five minutes remaining thanks to substitute Marek Heinz.

After Tuesday's matches, Czech Republic took three points to top group D and strong Germany and the Netherlands shared the second place with Latvia in bottom.

Source: Xinhua