BRAGA, Jun 1 (SW) - The Netherlands have reached the final of the UEFA U-21 Championship, beating top favorites France 3-2 in extra time.

Only six minutes had been played when a strike from Nicky Hofs put the Dutch in the lead, and a beautiful goal from Klaas Jan Huntelaar doubled the gap in the 38th minute.

But six minutes into the second half, Julien Faubert gave the French new hope and Bryan Bergougnoux scored from a free kick to level the score with five minutes left in regular time.

Near the end of the first half in extra time, goalscorer Faubert received his second yellow card for a foul on Holland captain Schaars.

In the second half of extra time, the French showed absolutely no interest in deciding this match before heading for a penalty shoot-out.

The Netherlands did attack and it was Nicky Hofs to score his second of the evening in the 108th minute, setting the score to 3-2.

This goal was enough for the Dutch side to reach their first ever major tournament final.