Euro-1996: results and facts

In 1996, another European football championship was held. The venue was England. Euro-1996 was remembered by many fans of football. The tournament brought new rules and showed the world debutants of major competitions: Croatia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Bulgaria, Switzerland and Russia. At Euro-1996, the UK last time proved its best, reaching the semi-finals. At the same championship there was a rule of the "Golden goal" and the number of participating countries doubled (to 16).

Qualifying tournament

The qualifying tournament was not remembered by any sensations. Surprised only Sweden, which was a bronze medalist of the last European Championship, without going to the final. Above it rose Turkey and Switzerland.

Due to the expansion of the number of countries that could participate in the tournament, more teams had the opportunity to leave the group. On Euro-1996, after the collapse of the USSR and Czechoslovakia, Russia and the Czech Republic set off.

Group A

The group included England, Holland, Scotland and Switzerland.

Stubborn struggle began here with the first Euro-1996 match. In the first round, Switzerland beat England, and Holland could not beat Scotland. The second matches put everything in its place: the favorites beat opponents with the score 2: 0.

In the third round, England confronted Holland and scored four goals. In a parallel meeting, Scotland won Switzerland 1-0. Holland in this situation did not leave the group, but Scotland could not hold back the onslaught and missed the ball. In the playoffs came England and Holland.

Group B

The group included France, Spain, Romania and Bulgaria.

Despite the obvious favorites, the solution was decided at the last minute of the third stage. In Euro-1996, in soccer in Group B, France and Bulgaria had 4 points to the final half time, Spain had 2, only Romania remained at 0.

In the last match, Spain-Romania was the first to win, which they managed only six minutes before the end of the match. France was not without difficulty managed to win a victory over Bulgaria.

Group C

The group included Germany, Czech Republic, Italy and Russia.

Many analysts argue that the composition of the Russian national team was the strongest in the entire post-Soviet history. The age of the players was optimal, almost all performed in the leading European championships. However, the Russian team was not lucky at Euro-1996. The results disappointed many fans, but we must remember that the group had future champions and silver medalists. The enemy was a strong Italy.

The group was won by Germany, not missing a single ball. The second strongest team was the Czech Republic, which managed to outplay the Italians. Russia finished the group stage in fourth place.

Group D

The group included Portugal, Croatia, Denmark and Turkey.

In this group, many were interested in Denmark. The current cup holder stood out with a strong team, which was even better than four years ago. At the first stage, they failed to beat Portugal, drawing in a draw. The Croatians defeated the Danes 3-0. The victory against Turkey did not allow them to leave the group. In the playoffs went to Portugal and Croatia. The last place in the group was taken by the Turks.

Quarter-Finals

Quarter-final matches did not give the audience a lot of goals. Some games did end in a goalless draw. Only one team managed to score two goals.

The England-Spain pair was the most interesting. Both teams created a sea of moments, but could not score in regular time. Everything was decided in a series of penalty shoot-outs, where the English were unmistakable. In the national team of Spain, Fernando Hierro made a mistake, and one hit the goalkeeper of the national team managed to fend off. The result: 4: 2 on penalties.

In the quarterfinals of Croatia went to formidable Germany. The Croatians have powerfully started the match, but fouled on a German player in his own penalty area, after which the penalty was unmistakably realized. At 51 minutes Croatia played one ball, but in a few minutes was removed from the field of Shtimats. Almost immediately, Germany took advantage and stepped forward. The result: 2: 1 in favor of the Germans.

The Czech Republic had to compete with the formidable attack of Portugal. The defense of the Czechs with distinction cope with the raids of Luis Figo and Rui Koshta. At the 53rd minute midfielder Karel Poborski brought the Czech Republic forward. Portugal was unable to equalize, even despite the removal of Latala at 83 minutes.

The match France-Holland attracted special attention. In this pair there were excellent teams that can flash. However, the match was boring. In regular time spectators of goals did not see. In the penalty shootout, Clarence Seedorf failed to score . The result: 5: 4 on penalties, in the semifinals France.

Semifinal

The Germany-England pair could not decide who would go further in the regular time. In the first half, the teams scored one goal. In the penalty shoot-out, the German goalkeeper Andreas Kepke repelled the blow and brought the national team to the finals. The result: 6: 5 on penalties.

Match Czech Republic-France was the most boring at the championship. The main time of the goals did not bring. Everything was decided in a penalty shootout, where again the first ten strokes were unmistakable, and then the Czech goalkeeper reflected a penalty. The result: 6: 5 on penalties.

Euro-1996 Final

The European Championship finale promised to be exciting. Who won the Euro-1996? This question can be heard from young fans. By the end of the tournament, Germany came up with serious losses. Many key players were injured. The application for the game included only 16 players, and five of the reserve were two goalkeepers.

The Czechs were doing better. Players did not have disqualifications and injuries. Despite the unfortunate situation, Germany managed to get out and win. In the second half, the Czechs advanced. At 69 minutes on the field came the reserve forward of Germany Oliver Bierhoff. In six minutes he equalized the score, and in extra time scored "Golden Ball".

Euro-1996 in football brought Germany the only trophy for years to come. The country was hit by a systemic crisis, and the fans had to wait for new victories for a long time.