Euro 1996 in England
Euro 96 saw England host their first major tournament since the World Cup in 1966. It was to be the first European tournament under the new 16 team format and would see four groups of four nations competing. The hosts England kicked off the tournament with a 1-1 draw with Switzerland at Wembley in group A. England defeated Scotland 2-0 with a wonder goal from Paul Gascoigne. Earlier in the match Scotland had missed a penalty through Gary McAlister which would have put them a goal ahead. Scotland were denied their birth in the second round by a late Patrick Kluivert consolation goal in a 4-1 defeat to England. Many consider the England - Holland game as the match of the tournament with England putting on one of their best performances in modern years.
France and Spain progressed from a tough looking Group B which contained World Cup semi-finalists Bulgaria. Germany and Czech Republic qualified from the so called "Group of Death" eliminating one of the pre tournament favourites, Italy. A late Vladimir Smicer goal in a 3-3 draw at Anfield with Russia was enough to seal the Czechs place as runners up in Group C. Defending champions Denmark were eliminated in the group stages largely down to the emerging Croatian team and in particular their star striker Davor Suker. Portugal topped Group D after defeating runners up Croatia 3-0 at the City Ground in Nottingham.
UEFA Euro 1996 Knockout Stages
The first two quarter finals were decided by penalties with Stuart Pearce overcoming his miss in Italia '90 to convert England's third penalty in a victory over Spain at Wembley. On the same day, there was another goalless draw which led to a penalty shoot out victory for France over the Dutch. Germany held off the Croatian's to win 2-1 at Old Trafford and Czech Republic beat Group D winners Portugal 1-0 thanks to a goal from one of the stars of the tournament and soon to be Manchester United player Karel Poborsky. The first semi final was a largely uneventful affair which saw rank outsiders Czech Republic defeating France on penalties after a 0-0 draw. France only conceded two goals in the whole tournament although it was in front of goal where their problems lay.
England's Euro 1996 Semi Final Defeat to Germany
Hosts England spurred on by an ever loyal home following took on arch rivals Germany in a repeat of the 1966 World Cup Final. An early goal from Alan Shearer was quickly cancelled out by German veteran Stefan Kuntz. England spurned a number of chances and so another game in this year's tournament would be decided by a penalty shoot-out. The first ten penalties were all converted before England's Gareth Southgate saw his low shot saved by Kopke in the German goal. It was then down to German number 7 Andreas Moller who coolly converted his spot kick to book Germany's place in the final.
1996 UEFA European Championships Final at Wembley
Sunday June 30th 1996, Wembley Stadium, London. Germany took on Czech Republic in a repeat of the opening game in Group C. A Patrick Berger penalty in the second half gave the Czechs the lead, but this was soon cancelled out by German striker Bierhoff. And it was he who would make history by scoring the first ‘golden goal' in a major football tournament. He struck in extra time to give Germany a 2-1 victory, sealing their third European title. England did scoop two awards for the tournament with Alan Shearer winning the golden boot prize for top scorer; netting five times in England's run to the semi-final and winger Steve McManaman was named Uefa player of the tournament.
