By
the time the qualifiers for the Third (1968) Euros kicked off in the Fall of
1966, the interest for the competition had increased drastically from its
modest beginnings in 1960.
By
now just about every European Nation was taking part including the most notable
absentees West Germany.
The
competition was now only second in importance to the World Cup.
In
fact the shear number of participants made it impossible to continue with its
previous format of elimination rounds.
Just
like World Cup qualifiers, the Nations were to be divided into Groups (eight in
total).
The Qualifiers:
Group 1
This
Group would consist of Spain, Czechoslovakia, Republic of Ireland and Turkey.
Defending
Champions Spain, now under new Manager Domingo Balmanya, were favored along
with Czechoslovakia.
Czechoslovakia
appeared to have the upper hand after defeating Spain (1-0) in Prague on
October 1, 1967.
But
Spain edged ahead by defeating them at Madrid (2-1). The Czechs still had a
chance as they had two matches in hand, but a scoreless tie in Turkey followed
by a home loss against the Irish and left them one point behind in the end.
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special
thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(October 23, 1966, EC Qualifier, Republic of
Republic of Ireland 0-Spain 0) |
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special
thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(February 1, 1967, EC Qualifier, Turkey 0-Spain
0) |
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special
thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(October 1, 1967, EC Qualifier, Czechoslovakia
1-Spain 0) |
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special
thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(October 22, 1967, EC Qualifier, Spain
2-Czechoslovakia 1) |
Group 2
This
Group (featuring Portugal, Bulgaria, Sweden and Norway) appeared to be
Portugal’s for the taking, The Benfica and Eusebio inspired side had just
finished Third in the 1966 World Cup and the future appeared bright.
However,
a home loss (1-2) vs. Sweden in their very first match on November 13, 1966
would be their undoing and Bulgaria would take full advantage.
The
Bulgarians would go on an unbeaten run culminating in their win vs. Portugal
(1-0) on November 26th, 1967 to qualify. The last match between the
Nations on December 17th, 1967 at Portugal (scoreless tie) was
inconsequential and only confirmed Bulgaria’s domination.
Photo
From: World
Soccer, January 1968
(November 12, 1967, EC Qualifier, Portugal
2-Norway 1) |
Group 3
This Group consisted of the Soviet Union along
with Austria, Finland and Greece. From the onset, qualification seemed assured
for the high scoring Soviets. They were rarely tested and only suffered one
loss away (0-1) at Vienna vs. Austria on October 15th, 1967.
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(USSR
Squad, June
11, 1967, EC Qualifier, USSR 4-Austria 3) |
Group
4
This smaller Group featured West Germany along
with Yugoslavia and Albania.
It was always going to be a duel between the
Germans and Yugoslavs, with the Germans slightly favored.
In the end, the greatest upset of the qualifying
rounds would take place as Yugoslavia edged ahead of West Germany.
Yugoslavia had defeated West Germany (1-0) at
home on May 3, 1967 through a Josip Skoblar strike. The Germans had been
disadvantaged by the absence of missing regulars such as Uwe Seeler, Helmut
Haller, Hottges and Wolfgang Weber through injury, while AC Milan refused to
release Karl-Heinz Schnellinger.
When the Germans (under a pouring rain) defeated
Yugoslavia (3-1) at home on October 7th, 1967, it appeared that they
were home and dry.
Especially since all they had to do was to defeat
the Group’s weakest side Albania at Tirana on December 17th, 1967.
However, the Germans without the injured Franz Beckenbauer and Uwe Seeler faced
a fortress that they could not breach and the result left them one point behind
Yugoslavia.
The result had been expected to be a foregone
conclusion to such an extent that only a single Yugoslavia reporter had made
the trip to Tirana to cover the match.
Photo
From: Chronik des deutschen fussballs, 2005
(Gerd Muller after
scoring West Germany’s second goal, October 7, 1967, EC Qualifier, Yugoslavia
1-West Germany 0) |
Group
5
This Group featured Hungary along with East
Germany, Denmark and Holland. The more experienced Hungarians were expected to
qualify form this Group and did it comfortably and their only loss was an
inconsequential one in their very last match vs. East Germany (0-1) at Leipzig
on October 29, 1967.
In historical terms, the most important event in
this Group was the debut of the Dutch Maestro Johann Cruyff who made his debut
for Holland (as a teenager) on September 7, 1966 at Rotterdam vs. Hungary
(2-2).
Photo
From: Het Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989
(Johann Cruyff on his debut for Holland,
September 7, 1966, EC Qualifier, Holland 2-Hungary 2 ) |
Group 6
This
Group featured Italy along with Romania, Switzerland and Cyprus.
Italy
had just suffered the humiliating loss vs. North Korea at the World Cup and
reconstruction was required.
The
men charged to lead the task were Inter Manager Helenio Herrera along with
Ferruccio Valcareggi.
The
duo would lead Italy in its first two wins in the Group vs. Romania at home
(3-1) and away at Cyprus (2-0).
From
Italy’s third match in the Group vs. Romania (1-0 win) on June 25, 1967 at
Bucharest, Ferruccio Valcareggi would take sole charge of the squad and would
remain so until 1974.
In
This match vs. Romania, Ezio Pascutti and Giacomo Bulgarelli played their last
matches for Italy.
Italy
would run away with this Group and drop only one away point vs. Switzerland
(2-2 tie) at Berne on November 18, 1967.
During
these qualifiers, two important players entered the Italian set-up.
On
November 1st, 1967, in Italy’s win over Cyprus (5-0) in Cosenza,
Fiorentina midfielder Giancarlo De Sisti made his debut.
On
November 18th, 1967, vs, Switzerland at Berne, Cagliari (and future
Inter) forward Roberto Boninsegna would make his debut. This duo would be an
integral part of the Italian National Team for the years to come.
Photo
From: Die Nati, Die Geschichte der Schweizer Fussball-Nationalmanschaft, author
Beat Jung, 2006
(Fritz Kunzli and Giancinto Facchetti , November
18, 1967, EC Qualifier, Switzerland 2- Italy 2) |
Photo
From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo,
1910-1983
(Italy squad, November 18, 1967, EC Qualifier,
Switzerland 2- Italy 2) |
Photo
From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale
di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
(Italy Manager Ferruccio Valcareggi ) |
Group 7
This
Group featured France along with Poland, Belgium and Luxembourg. France had
been the only participant in the last World Cup, but it was a balanced Group
with only Luxembourg seemingly without a hope.
France
were initially led by the duo of Jean Snella and Jose Arribas. Starting 1967, former
star Just Fontaine was appointed Manager. However, he only stayed in charge for
five months and did not manage in any qualifiers. In the Fall of 1967, Louis Dugauquez would be appointed as Manager.
After
losing to Belgium (1-2) at Brussels on November 11th , 1966, France
went on a winning run against the other teams in this Group (Poland and
Luxembourg).
Their
most impressive win was a (4-1) win vs. Poland away at Warsaw on September 17th,
1967.
Belgium
lost any chance by losing both its matches vs. Poland.
In
the end France’s win (3-0) over Luxembourg on December 23rd, 1967,
in the very last match in the Group edged them ahead of both Belgium and
Poland.
Photo
From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire
(October 22, 1966, EC
Qualifier, France 2-Poland 1) |
Photo
From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire
(September 17, 1967, EC
Qualifier, Poland 1-France 4) |
Photo
From: Football Magazine, Issue 94, November, 1967
(October 28, 1967, EC
Qualifier, France 1-Belgium 1) |
Group 8
This
Group was specifically designed for all the British Home Nations (The New World
Cup Champions England, along with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
To
save on fixture congestion, these qualifiers would concurrently count as part
of the yearly Home Championship matches.
England
started comfortably and won its first two matches vs. Northern Ireland and
Wales.
For
Scotland, Malcolm
MacDonald was
to be the caretaker Manager for its first two matches and starting 1967, Bobby
Brown would take full charge and become Scotland’s first Full-Time Manager.
The
First match in the Group between Wales and Scotland at Cardiff on October 22nd,
1966, was played just one day after the Aberfan Disaster in Wales.
A
Slag Mountain slide had buried the village school killing more than 116 children (in all
144 dead).
England
got a big scare on April 15, 1967 at Wembley after Scotland defeated them
(3-2). This was England’s first loss in 19 matches.
For
the Scottish, 36-year old goalkeeper Ronnie Simpson was making his
International debut.
However,
England would stay the course and win its next two matches vs. Wales and
Northern Ireland to stay one point ahead.
It
all came down to the return fixture vs. Scotland at Glasgow on February 24,
1968. Scotland had to win to edge ahead but England managed a tie (1-1) to win
the Group and qualify.
Photo
From: Wizards and Bravehearts, A History of the Scottish National Side, Author:
David Potter, 2004
(April 15, 1967, EC
Qualifier, England 2-Scotland 3) |
Photo From : World Soccer, December 1967
(October 21, 1967, EC
Qualifier, Northern Ireland 1-Scotland 0) |
Photo
From: World Soccer, May 1968
(February 24, 1968, EC
Qualifier, Scotland 1-England 1) |
Quartefinals
The
Quarterfinals were to be played on home and away basis in the Spring of 1968
just months ahead of the Finals.
England
were paired with Spain, while Italy faced Bulgaria. France were to face
Yugoslavia, while the Soviets would take on Hungary.
The
first match was on April 3rd, when England took on and defeated
Spain (1-0) at Wembley through a Bobby Charlton strike near the end.
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special
thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(April 3, 1968, European Championships, England
1-Spain 0) |
For
the return leg at Madrid on May 8th, the English were missing
starting goalkeeper Gordon Banks. Peter Bonetti stepped in as his replacement.
It
was also a clash in styles; the English were still sticking to their 4-3-3
formation, while Spain played in a 4-2-4 formation.
Spain
struck first early in the second half through Amancio. Their hopes were dashed
just a few minutes later when Martin Peters scored England’s equalizer.
England
would score another through Norman Hunter with less than ten minutes remaining
to win the series convincingly.
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special
thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(May 8, 1968, European Championships, Spain
1-England 2) |
On
April 6th, Bulgaria took on Italy at Sofia. The Italians would miss
the injured Cagliari striker Luigi Riva for both these matches. AC Milan’s
Pierino Prati would replace him in these matches.
Bulgaria
scored first in the 11th minute through a Nikola Kotkov penalty
kick. They would hold onto the lead until the hour mark, when an own goal from
Dimitar Penev leveled the score. The Bulgarians scored two goals in succession
through Dinko Dermendiev (66th minute) and Petar Jekov (73rd).
Prati
justified his selection by scoring a second goal for Italy in the 83rd
minute to give them hope for the second Leg.
The
second leg would be on April 20th at Naples. The local goalkeeper
Dino Zoff would earn his first ever cap in this match. The future World Cup
winning (1982) captain would stay with the National Team until aged 41.
The
Italians were missing defender Armando Picchi through injury (he would sadly
pass away on May 27, 1971, aged just 35).
Valcareggi
decided to replace Bertini, Bercellini and the injured Picchi with Giorgio Ferrini, Aristide
Guarneri and Ernesto Castano.
Bulgaria’s
game plan was to play defensively in the hopes of earning a scoreless tie and
qualify.
Italy
had to attack and were rewarded early on. In the 14th minute, Gianni
Rivera set up Prati for the opener.
Italy
doubled the lead in the 55th minute. On a Free Kick, Rivera passed
to Angelo Domenghini who shot from more than 30 yards for the second goal.
Afterwards
Italy took on a defensive form to keep the lead, while the Bulgarians were
forced to come out and attack. They could not manage to break through the
Italian defense and were eliminated.
On
April 6th, France hosted Yugoslavia at Marseille’s Stade
Velodrome. They could not host the
match in Paris as Parc des Princes was being renovated.
France
had called up Nestor Combin from Torino for this match.
Yugoslavia
played more defensively but still ended up having more chances, as they were
technically stronger.
Vahidin
Musemic gave Yugoslavia the lead in the 66th minute. France tied up
the match through Fleury Di Nallo in the 78th minute.
Photo
From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle
Histoire
(April 6, 1968, European Championships, France
1-Yugoslavia 1) |
The
return Leg on April 24th at Belgrade proved beyond a doubt, which
was the better team.
France
chose to select the inexperienced debutant Vincent Esteve at right back.
In
what would amount tom one of France’s most humiliating losses, the Yugoslavian
side technically and physically dominated them.
Ivica
Osim, Dragan Dzajic and Iliaj Petkovic were praised in an all-around excellent
performance. France’s Jean Djorkaeff was unable to control Osim and Dzajic set
up the tempo by scoring as early as the second minute through an assist by
Petkovic, The French defense were in full panic and conceded two more goals in
quick succession in the 13th minute (Musemic header from a Petkovic
free kick) and 14th minute (Dzajic scored from an Osim assist).
Petkovic would score another in the 32nd
minute and even though just a minute later Di Nallo pulled one goal back, the
Yugoslavs still dominated.
Musemic would scored his second and Yugoslavia’s
fifth in the 79th minute to finish the rout.
Photo
From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle
Histoire
(April 24, 1968, European Championships,
Yugoslavia 5-France 1) |
The last quarterfinals series took place later in
May between Hungary and USSR. The Hungarians won (2-0) in Budapest on May 4th,
but just a week later on May 11th at Moscow, the Soviets stormed
back to win (3-0) and overturn the deficit.
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(USSR squad, May 11, 1968, European
Championships, USSR 3-Hungary 0) |
Finals
The
Final Four consisted now of Italy, USSR, England and Yugoslavia.
To
celebrate the Italian Federation (FIGC) (1898-1968)’s 70th
Anniversary, the Italian Federation president Artemio Franchi had lobbied and
won the rights for Italy to host the Finals.
The
Format of the Finals had not changed; the Matches would take place within a few
days of one another (and in fact this format would remain until 1976).
The
semifinals took place on June 5th, 1968. The Italian hosts took on
the Soviet Union at Naples, while Yugoslavia faced England in Florence.
Just
four days prior, the USSR Olympic Team had played an Olympics qualifier vs.
Czechoslovakia in Prague. In those days of ‘Shamateurism’, the Eastern Bloc
Nations’ Olympic Teams were effectively their ‘A’ Teams.
In
this Olympics qualifier, the Soviets lost two of their vital elements to
injury: Igor Chislenko and Murtaz Khurtzilava.
Not only this duo were unavailable to face
the Italians, but Valery Voronin was also missing as he had been recently
invloved in an automobile accident.
Despite these withdrawals, the Soviets were
generally better in this match but Dino Zoff was superb in goal and kept Italy
in the match.
(June 5, 1968, European Championships, Italy 0-USSR 0) |
In the end the match was scoreless after
Overtime. The stalemate was to be decided by a coin toss. Italian Captain Giancinto
Facchetti and his Soviet counterpart Albert Shesterniev followed the Match
Referee, the West German, Kurt Tschenscher to the dressing
room for the decision. The Italians won the coin toss and were through to the
Final.
Photo
From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale
di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
(Diagram of the coin toss , June 5, 1968,
European Championships, Italy 0-USSR 0) |
The
Yugoslavia and England match would be a physical and foul ridden match. England
Manager Alf Ramsey had chosen Norman Hunter ahead of Geoff Hurst in the
starting lineup.
Hunter
would tackle Osim so hard in the fifth minute that it effectively rendered Osim
useless for the rest of the match.
The
English had better possession but could not make any headway.
It
was only towards the end of the match that the deadlock was broken. In the 86th
minute, Trivic and Holcer combined to set up Dzajic for the winner. Dzajic was
able to just get ahead of Bobby Moore, whose positioning many blamed for the
goal.
Shortly
afterwards, Alan Mullery entered history by becoming the first ever England
player to be sent off. He was sent off for retaliating
after brutal tackle by Trivic.
The
third place match between England and the USSR took place on June 8th
at Rome, as a curtain raiser to the Final between Italy and Yugoslavia.
Ramsey
decided to call upon Nobby Stiles (back after more than a year) to cover for
the suspended Mullery.
Tommy
Wright was also handed his International debut at right back and Geoff Hurst
took the place of the injured Alan Ball.
Stiles
was jeered every time he touched the ball. Many still remembered his vicious
foul on France’s Jacques Simon during the 1966 World Cup.
In
Addition, Italian Communists in the stands booed the English Team.
The
English were victorious through goals by Bobby Charlton and Geoff Hurst to
claim the Third spot.
Photo
From: World Soccer, August 1968
(June 8, 1968, European Championships, England
2-USSR 0) |
Afterwards
the stage was set for the Final that the Italians were expecting to win on home
soil. Yugoslavia were missing Osim who had been injured in the match vs.
England.
The
Italians were missing Rivera. He had been injured in the match vs. the Soviets.
Giovanni Lodetti replaced him in the starting lineup.
Aristide
Guarneri was also drafted in, replacing Giancarlo Bercellino from the previous
match.
Pietro
Anastasi was given his International debut replacing Alessandro Mazzola.
Italy
attacked but found Pantelic excellent in goal. For Yugoslavia, Dzajic was
creating many chances that his teammates could not capitalize on.
Dzajic
himself scored Yugoslavia’s goal in the 39th minute. In the second
half, Italy tried to get back on terms but could not break through.
Finally,
with ten minutes remaining Angelo Domenghini tied up the match for the hosts with
a free kick. His shot had passed through a gap in the wall.
The
result was unchanged through the overtime.
The
Italians had been unimpressive and lucky, as Yugoslavia appeared set to win.
Photo
From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo,
1910-1983
(June 8, 1968, European Championships, Italy
1-Yugoslavia 1) |
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Italy squad, June 8, 1968, European
Championships, Italy 1-Yugoslavia 1) |
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special
thanks to Predrag Cvijetic)
(Yugoslavia squad, June 8, 1968, European Championships, Italy
1-Yugoslavia 1) |
Photo
From: Football Magazine, Issue 102,
August 1968
(Ilija Petkovic and Giacinto Facchetti) |
Since
the match ended in a tie, a second encounter was required which took place two
days later (June 10th) at the same venue.
Ilija
Petkovic could not play this encounter as he had been injured from a Facchetti
foul from the first encounter. Idriz Hosic started in his place. Osim was still
injured and missed this match as well.
Valcareggi
made many changes for Italy. Ferrini, Castano, Juliano, Prati and Lodetti were
taken out to be replaced with Roberto Rosato, Sandro Salvadore, Alessandro
Mazzola, Giancarlo De Sisti and Gianni Rivera.
This
energized the Italians who appeared fresher than the clearly tired (and
demoralized) Yugoslavians.
The late equalizer in the previous match had knocked the wind out of their sails.
The late equalizer in the previous match had knocked the wind out of their sails.
The
Italians took the lead in the 12th minute. Angelo Domenghini crossed
from the right side to Riva to score the opener.
In
the 32nd minute, Domenghini was once again the creator as he set up
Anastasi for the second goal.
Italy
held on to the lead and won the UEFA European Championship for the first
time. Italy became the first nation to
win the Olympic Title, European Nations Cup and the World Cup.
Photo
From: World Soccer, August 1968
(June 10, 1968, European Championships, Italy
2-Yugoslavia 0) |
Photo
From: Il Libro Azzuro, Author: Walter Perosino, 1998
(June 10, 1968, European Championships, Italy
2-Yugoslavia 0) |
Photo
From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Italy squad, June 10, 1968, European Championships,
Italy 2-Yugoslavia 0) |
The
host Nation had recovered from the humiliation of the 1966 World Cup and would
build up on this success to reach the 1970 World Cup Final.
This
Tournament confirmed the competition’s growing status. It was becoming only
natural for all European Nations to compete.
The
main point of criticism appeared to have been the behavior of the Italian fans
for continually whistling Yugoslavia in both matches, not to mention, booing of
the English squad for Political reasons.
The
Finals format still left a lot to be desired but that would be remedied in the
80s and beyond, but it was clear that this was now a highly rated competition
(right behind the World Cup).
Photo
From: Calcio 2000, Issue 22 Supplement,
August-September 1999
(Italy captain Giacinto Facchetti holding the Trophy , June 10, 1968, European Championships, Italy 2-Yugoslavia 0) |
Photo
From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978
(Italian players celebrating, June 10, 1968,
European Championships, Italy 2-Yugoslavia 0) |
References:
Calcio
2000, Issue 22 Supplement, August-September 1999
La
Nazionale Italiana, 1978
Azzurri,
Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
Onze-Mondial,
Issue 130, November 1999
Il
Libro Azzurro del Calcio Italiano, Authors: Pericle Pratelli, Pasquale
Scardillo, 1974
World
Soccer, June 1968
World
Soccer, July 1968
World
Soccer, August 1968
England,
The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne
L'Equipe
de Suisse, Authors Guy Balibouse, Roger Felix, Pierre Tripod, 1993
Het
Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989
Landslaget,
Det Norske Fotballandslagets Historie, authors Egil Olsen, Arne Scheie,Per
Jorsett, Otto Ulseth, 1997
Il
Libro Azzuro, Author: Walter Perosino, 1998
The Boys in
Green, THE FAI international Story, Author
Sean Ryan, 1997
L'Integrale
de L'Equipe de France de Football, Authors: J.M. and Pierre Cazal, Michel
Oreggia, 1998
se
Lvickem na prsou-Authors O.Bartunek, J.Kalat
Österreichs
Fußball Länderspiele Chronik 1902 – 1993, Author: Anton Egger
Wizards
and Bravehearts, A History of the Scottish National Side, Author: David Potter,
2004
Bialo
Czerwoni 1921-2001, Author Andrzej Gowarzewski
Todo
Sobre La Seleccion Espanola, Felix Martialay, 2006
Die
Nati, Die Geschichte der Schweizer Fussball-Nationalmanschaft, author Beat
Jung, 2006
Ireland
on the Ball, Author: Donal Cullen
Fussball in der
DDR 1945-1989 Teil 2 Nationalmannschaft, Author: Klaus Querengaesser
Chronik
des deutschen fussballs, 2005
Almanaque da
Seleccao, Authors: Published by Almanaxi, 2004.
Football
Association of Ireland, 75 Years, Author: Peter Byrne, 1996
Les
Bleus, Le livre official de l'equipe de France, Author: Dominique Grimault,
1997
Scotland,
The Team, Author Andrew Ward, 1987
Scotland,
the complete international Football
Record, Author Richard Keir
Deutschlands
Fussball Landerspiele, Eine Dokumentation von 1908-1989
Capitaines des bleus depuis 1904, Author Vincent
Duluc.
L’Equipe,
L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire
Libri
I Kombetares (1936-2001), Author Besnik Dizdari
Landsholdet-I
medgang og modgang, Author: Palle "Banks" Jorgensen
England
v Scotland, The Auld Enemy, Author: Dean Hayes
Les
Bleus Author Denis Chaumier, 2004
Luxembourgeoise
de Football , 75 and de football au Grand-Duche de Luxembourg 1908-1983
Ã¥r
med Svensk Fotboll 1904-84, Author Glanell Thomas red
Il
Libro Azzuro, Author: Walter Perosino, 1998
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