The
Euros-Part Four (1972 Edition)
By
the time the qualifiers for the Fourth (1972) Euros kicked off in the Fall of
1970, the competition was only second in importance to the World Cup.
It
was an established Tournament that was now regarded as prestigious despite the
staging of the Finals Tournament still leaving much to be desired.
Just
like the previous edition, the 32 Nations were to be divided into eight Groups
(each containing four teams).
The
winner of each Group would then advance to the Quarterfinals series (home and
away) in the Spring of 1972, followed shortly thereafter with the Finals that
included the last four teams.
The Qualifiers:
Group 1
This
Group would consist of Romania, Czechoslovakia, Wales and Finland.
Romania
and Czechoslovakia had qualified for the last World Cup (1970 in Mexico) and
had in fact faced one another in that World Cup.
The
two Eastern European sides were favorites to advance from this Group.
Czechoslovakia
appeared to have the upper hand after defeating Romania (1-0) in Bratislava on
May 16, 1971.
But
the Romanians stormed back and won their last three matches, which included
defeating the Czechs in Bucharest (2-1) on November 14, 1971.
It
all came down to Romania’s final match just ten days later vs. Wales at
Bucharest. Romania’s win (2-0) edged them ahead of Czechoslovakia only on goal
difference.
Group 2
This
Group (featuring France, Bulgaria, Hungary and Norway) appeared to be balanced
with no clear favorites.
Bulgaria
had qualified to the last World Cup, but France and Hungary were equally
favorites to advance and only Norway appeared out of the running.
By
the Spring of 1971, Hungary appeared to have wasted their chances after only
tying France at Home (April 24th, 1971, 1-1 tie) and losing to
Bulgaria in Sofia (0-3) on May 19th, 1971.
However,
Hungary scored key wins over its opponents in the Fall of 1971. They defeated
Bulgaria (2-0) in Budapest on September 25th, 1971, followed by a
key win at Paris vs. France (2-0) on October 9th, 1971.
In
the end, France and Bulgaria cancelled each other out by each defeating the
other on home ground (2-1 scores), which allowed Hungary to overtake the pair.
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Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire
(Jean Djorkaeff, April 24, 1971, EC Qualifier, Hungary 1-France 1 )
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(May 19, 1971, EC Qualifier, Bulgaria 3-Hungary 0)
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Photo From: World Soccer, October 1971
(September 8, 1971, EC Qualifier, Norway 1-France 3)
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(September 25, 1971, EC Qualifier, Hungary 2-Bulgaria 0)
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Photo From: Kepes Sport / http://www.tempofradi.hu/1971-x-9-eb-selejtezo-franciaorszag-magyarorszag-02
(October 9, 1971, EC Qualifier, France 0-Hungary 2)
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(October 27, 1971, EC Qualifier, Hungary 4-Norway 0)
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Photo From: France Football, Issue 1337, November 16 1971
(November 10, 1971, EC Qualifier, France 2-Bulgaria 1)
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Photo From: France Football, Issue 1340, December 7, 1971
(December 4, 1971, EC Qualifier, Bulgaria 2-France 1)
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Photo From: France Football, Issue 1340, December 7, 1971
(December 4, 1971, EC Qualifier, Bulgaria 2-France 1)
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Photo From: France Football, Issue 2038, April 30, 1985
(December 4, 1971, EC Qualifier, Bulgaria 2-France 1)
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Group 3
This Group consisted of the England along with
Switzerland, Malta and Greece. England
were clear favorites from the onset but were surely surprised by Switzerland’s
resilience and Qualification had to go down to the wire.
England would face Malta and Greece for the first
time in its history.
The English would be surprised to play on Gzira’s
infamous pitch with goalposts painted with black and white stripes.
They would score comfortable wins over Malta
(twice) and Greece before facing Switzerland in Basel on October 13th,
1971.
England’s win (3-2) would break Switzerland’s
perfect record (four straight wins in the Group).
The following month at Wembley (November 10th,
1971), Switzerland would hold its won in a (1-1) tie to delay the inevitable.
In this match Rodney Marsh would make his England
debut as a substitute.
England would ensure qualification with the last
match in the Group at Athens on December 1st, 1971 and come away
with a (2-0) win.
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Photo From :World Soccer , April 1971
(Sir Alf Ramsey inspecting the pitch, February 3, 1971, EC Qualifier, Malta 0-England 1)
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Photo From :World Soccer, May 1971
(February 3, 1971, EC Qualifier, Malta 0-England 1)
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Photo From: World Soccer, July 1971
(May 12, 1971, EC Qualifier, England 5-Malta 0)
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Photo From: World Soccer, November 1971
(October 13, 1971, EC Qualifier, Switzerland 2-England 3)
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Photo From: England, The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne
(November 10, 1971, EC Qualifier, England 1- Switzerland 1)
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Photo From: World Soccer, January 1972
(December 1, 1971, EC Qualifier, Greece 0-England 2)
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Photo From: The Game, Issue 6, September 1995
(Geoff Hurst, December 1, 1971, EC Qualifier, Greece 0-England 2)
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Group
4
This Group featured the Soviet Union along with
Spain, Northern Ireland and Cyprus.
The Soviets were favorites to win this Group
with only Spain as their main rival.
The
key encounter between the Nations took place in Moscow on May 30th,
1971.
USSR’s
win (2-1) gave them a psychological advance and the scoreless draw in the
return fixture at Seville on October 27th, 1971 ensured their
advance.
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Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(November 11, 1970, EC Qualifier, Spain 3-Northern Ireland 0)
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Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(November 11, 1970, EC Qualifier, Spain 3-Northern Ireland 0)
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Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(May 9, 1971, EC Qualifier, Cyprus 0-Spain 2)
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Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(May 9, 1971, EC Qualifier, Cyprus 0-Spain 2)
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Photo Photo From: World Soccer, July 1971
(May 30, 1971, EC Qualifier, USSR 2-Spain 1)
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Photo From: AS Color Nº 2, June 1, 1971
(May 30, 1971, EC Qualifier, USSR 2-Spain 1)
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Photo From: Футбол - Футбол-Хоккей, 1971 №24---13.06
(June 7, 1971, EC Qualifier, USSR 6-Cyprus 1)
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Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(October 27, 1971, EC Qualifier, Spain 0-USSR 0)
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Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(October 27, 1971, EC Qualifier, Spain 0-USSR 0)
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Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)
(February 16, 1972, EC Qualifier, Northern Ireland 1-Spain 1)
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Group 5
This Group featured Belgium along with Portugal, Denmark and Scotland. This was another balanced Group with no clear favorites.
Belgium took the initiative and played and won its first three matches on home soil vs. Denmark (2-0, November 25, 1970), Scotland (3-0, February 3, 1971) and Portugal (3-0, February 17, 1971).
Portugal offered some resistance by winning its next two matches, but Belgium’s away win at Denmark (2-1, May 26, 1971) gave them their fourth straight win in the Group.
After Scotland defeated Portugal (2-1) at Glasgow (October 13, 1971), it made Belgium’s final two matches against its rivals inconsequential.
Group 6
This
Group featured Italy along with Austria, Sweden and Republic of Ireland.
Italy
were the defending European Champions and had just finished runner-up in the
1970 World Cup Finals in Mexico.
Italy
were favored to go through and were rarely troubled.
However,
in their very first match, vs. Austria (October 31st at Vienna),
despite their victory (2-1), Italy would lose Luigi Riva to a serious injury
after a foul by Norbert Hof. He would be out for a lengthy lay-off.
In
this win over Austria, Giancarlo De Sisti scored his first ever goal for
Italy.
For Italy’s next match vs. Republic of Ireland in
Florence (December 8th, 1970), Pierino Prati was called up as Riva’s
repalcement and would score Italy’s third goal in the (3-0) win.
In
the Fall of 1971, Luigi Riva would return from injury and Romeo Benetti would
make his debut for Italy.
Italy’s
crucial win over Sweden (3-0) on October 9th, 1971, ensured Italy’s
qualification. Luigi Riva was back to great effect and scored twice.
Italy
Captain Giacinto Facchetti would be honored for earning his 60th cap
and tying Umberto Calligaris.
On
the following day, Liam Tuohy would lead the Republic of Ireland for the first
time in a (0-6) loss vs. Austria in Vienna.
The
last match in the Group between Italy and Austria (2-2) on November 20, 1971 at
Rome was an inconsequential affair and Italy used the opportunity to experiment
and award three new caps (Tazio Roversi, Sergio Santarini and Claudio Sala).
Giacinto
Facchetti would earn his record breaking 61st cap.
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Photo From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
(Italy squad, October 31, 1970, EC Qualifier, Austria 1-Italy 2 )
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Photo From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
(Luigi Riva’s injury, October 31, 1970, EC Qualifier, Austria 1-Italy 2 )
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Photo From: Guerin Sportivo - Febbraio 2016
(Italy squad, December 8, 1970, EC Qualifier, Italy 3-Republic of Ireland 0 )
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Photo From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978
(Italy squad, May 10, 1971, EC Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Italy 2 )
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Photo From: Il Libro Azzurro del Calcio Italiano, Authors: Pericle Pratelli, Pasquale Scardillo, 1974
(Artemio Franchi, Gino Stacchi and Ferruccio Valcareggi honoring Giacinto Facchetti for his 60th cap, October 9, 1971, EC Qualifier, Italy 3- Sweden 0 )
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Photo From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
(Italy squad, October 9, 1971, EC Qualifier, Italy 3- Sweden 0 )
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Photo From: Ireland on the Ball, Author: Donal Cullen
(October 10, 1971, EC Qualifier, Austria 6-Republic of Ireland 0)
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Group 7
This
Group featured Yugoslavia along with Holland, East Germany and Luxembourg.
Holland had been a rising Nation with the emergence of Johann Cruyff and Ajax Amsterdam’s Total Football.
Holland had been a rising Nation with the emergence of Johann Cruyff and Ajax Amsterdam’s Total Football.
For
the time being, they were still one tournament away from making an impact.
In
the end the Dutch would be undone by two away losses against its rivals
Yugoslavia and East Germany.
In
their very first match in the qualifiers, they wasted an opportunity by only
tying Yugoslavia at home (1-1) in Rotterdam.
Johann
Neeskens would make his debut for Holland in their loss vs. East Germany (0-1)
in Dresden on November 11th, 1970.
Yugoslavia
ended undefeated in the Group to edge ahead of Holland and East Germany.
Their
crucial win vs. East Germany, away at Leipzig (2-1) on May 9,1971 made the
difference.
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Photo From: Het Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989
(Johann Cruyff, October 10, 1971, EC Qualifier, Holland 3-East Germany 2 )
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Group 8
This
Group featured West Germany, along with Poland, Turkey and Albania.
Poland
were also an emerging Nation and like the Dutch were on the verge of an
International breakthrough.
However,
this Group was always West Germany’s for the taking that had been one of
Europe’s finest for some time.
Helmut
Schoen’s side had just come off an impressive World Cup in Mexico and
Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller appeared to be getting even better and better. They
were to be without inspirational Captain Uwe Seeler who had retired from the
International side after over a decade.
Unlike
the 1968 edition, where the Germans appeared to take lightly, they were fully
committed this time around and intent on winning.
Their
commitment was on full display when they played Albania at Tirana on February
17th, 1971. During the 1968 Edition, the Germans had dropped a
crucial away point in Tirana that had cost them the qualification.
This
time around they made sure of the victory (1-0). Such was the German’s
determination, that Helmut Schoen even called up AC Milan based Karl-Heinz
Schnellinger.
This
win was followed by another win away from home vs. Turkey (3-0) on April 25th,
1971. In the absence of Wolfgang Overath, Franz Beckenbauer would captain West
Germany for the first time and also was deployed as Libero.
Schoen
was also starting integrate more Borussia Moenchengladbach players to
complement the Bayern Munich contingent. Moenchengladbach’s Horst Koppel and
Herbert Wimmer made their return to the German squad for this match.
Borussia
Moenchengladbach’s Gunter Netzer was also starting to make an impact along with
club mate Jupp Heynckes.
In
their next match vs. Albania (June 12th, 1971) at Karlsruhe (2-0), Bayern
Munich defender Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck made his debut for the National Team.
The
crucial match in the Group was between Poland and West Germany on October 10th,
1971 at Warsaw.
By
then Paul Breitner, the Bayern Munich defender was now part of the squad and
was making his second ever appearance. He was somewhat at fault for Robert
Gadocha’s opener for Poland but the Germans stormed back with a Gerd Muller
double and another strike from Jurgen Grabowski for a convincing (3-1) win.
The
Germans comfortable held off Poland scoreless at home in their final match to
qualify.
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Photo From: Chronik des deutschen fussballs, 2005
(West German players celebrating, April 25, 1971, EC Qualifier, Turkey 0-West Germany 3)
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Photo From: World Soccer, December 1971
(October 10, 1971, EC Qualifier, Poland 1-West Germany 3)
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Photo From: Bild am Sonntag-EM 1972 Viertelfinale
(October 10, 1971, EC Qualifier, Poland 1-West Germany 3)
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Quartefinals
The Quarterfinals were to be played on home and away basis
in the Spring of 1972 just months ahead of the Finals.
England
were paired with West Germany, while Italy faced Belgium. Hungary were to face
Romania, while the Soviets would take on Yugoslavia.
The
first legs were scheduled on April 29-30th. The most anticipated of
these encounters was between eternal rivals England and West Germany.
The
respective Managers Alf Ramsey and Helmut Schoen had faced one another before
most notably the 1966 World Cup Final as well as the 1970 World Cup
Quarterfinal.
On
April 29th, on a rain soaked Wembley pitch, the English took on the
West Germans (wearing Green uniforms).
The English were missing Allan Mullery.
Helmut Schoen had to write off a number of players.
Patzke, Fichtel and Libuda had been guilty of accepting bribes in the
Bundesliga and were no longer eligible for the National Team.
Borussia
Moechengladbach defender Berti Vogts was also missing due to a long term
injury.
In
addition, leading up to the match, Sepp Maier had a quarrel with Bayern Munich
teammates Beckenbauer and Muller. He was angry with them for blaming him for
defeats against Rangers Glasgow and Duisburg.
There
was also a controversy over Adidas, the equipment furnisher, since five of the
Borussia Moenchengladbach players were also part time Puma representatives.
All
these problems seemed to be forgotten when the Germans took the field and
produced one of their most memorable displays.
Bayern
Munich’s Uli Hoeness was only making his second appearance in National Team
colors and would make an impact in this match.
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Photo From: World Soccer, June 1972
(Georg Schwarzenbeck and Martin Chivers, April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, England 1-West Germany 3)
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Photo From: Bild am Sonntag-EM 1972 Viertelfinale
(Gunter Netzer and Uli Hoeness, April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, England 1-West Germany 3)
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Gunter
Nezter, Hoeness and Wimmer would take control of the midfield and the Germans
dominated like no other team in Wembley.
The
normally dependable English Captain Bobby Moore would have a poor match and his
mistake would lead to the German opener in the 26th minute.
His
diagonal pass in his own area was intercepted and the ball eventually reached
Hoeness who struck from just outside the box.
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Photo From: Bild am Sonntag-EM 1972 Viertelfinale
(Gordon Banks after Uli Honess’ goal, April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, England 1-West Germany 3)
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The
English attacked but Maier was in fine form and kept them at bay.
The
English equalizer arrived in the 77th minute, when Francis Lee
tapped into the open net after Maier had parried an effort.
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Photo From: Bild am Sonntag-EM 1972 Viertelfinale
(Francs Lee scoring for England, April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, England 1-West Germany 3)
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Photo From: Die Geschichte der Fussball Nationalmanschaft, Author: Dietrich Schulze-Marmeling (Hrsg)
(April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, England 1-West Germany 3)
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Photo From: The best of enemies, England V Germany, Author David Downing
(April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, England 1-West Germany 3)
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The
Germans went back in attack and would score twice in the last five minutes.
Bobby
Moore compounded his evening by giving away a penalty kick after he fouled
Siggi Held in the 85th minute. Gunter Netzer would score from the
spot (his effort struck the post before going in). Just a few minutes later,
the Germans scored their third goal after fine work by Hoeness enabled Muller
to score.
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Photo From: IFFHS-Europameisterschaften 1958-1984, No 2
(Gunter Netzer’s penalty kick, April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, England 1-West Germany 3)
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Photo From: Bild am Sonntag-EM 1972 Viertelfinale
(Uli Hoeness and Helmut Schoen after the match, April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, England 1-West Germany 3)
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The
tie had been virtually decided and one could see a way back for the English in
the second Leg.
The
return leg at West Berlin on May 13th was also played under rainy
conditions. The German were missing
Jurgen Grabowski through injury.
Heinz
Flohe would step in as a replacement.
The
Germans did not exert themselves too much and were content onto holding to
their lead.
The
English seemed defeated before even taking on the field with Ramsey fielding a
4-4-2 defensive formation. It was surprising that Ramsey did not field an
attacking formation since they needed to win to have any chance. Ramsey would
assign Peter Storey to man-mark Nezter. Storey and Hunter would restrict
Netzer’s chances to dominate the midfield.
It
would be a tough physical match with not much excitement, except an effort by
Siggi held that hit the bar. The Germans advanced to the Finals with the
scoreless tie.
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Photo From: England, The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne
(May 13, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, West Germany 0-England 0)
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Photo From: Chronik des deutschen fussballs, 2005
(Gerd Muller and Peter Storey and the West German squad after the match, May 13, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, West Germany 0-England 0)
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On
April 29th, at Milan, Italy would host Belgium for the first leg of
their quarterfinal series.
Italy
were missing Gianni Rivera and Roberto Boninsegna.
Raymond
Goethals chose to have Belgium play with defensive tactics to stifle the
Italians in their won game. In addition, Christian Piot had a superb match in
the goal and was responsible for many saves.
The
Belgians had an appeal for a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, after
Rosato had fouled Paul van Himst, but the Referee waved off the protests.
In
the second half, Franco Causio would make his debut for the Italian National
team by coming on for Domenghini.
The
Belgian Manager Raymond Goethals was so nervous on the touchline that his
antics led him to be sent off.
The
Police came to escort him off and he was to be taken away from the stadium.
However, he bribed them by giving away all his Belgian Federation Badges and
items he had on him. They allowed him to stay in the stadium and he watched the
remainder of the match through a window in the dressing rooms.
The
Belgians had achieved what no other team had done in eleven years by taking a
point off of Italy in San Siro in a qualifier.
The
Italian Press described that Belgium had played in an Italian manner to earn
the point.
Belgians
appeared to have the upper hand going into the second leg.
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Photo From Guerin Sportivo - Marzo 2016
(Luigi Riva and Christian Piot, April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, Italy 0-Belgium 0)
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Photo From: Il Libro Azzuro, Author: Walter Perosino, 1998
(Luigi Riva, April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, Italy 0-Belgium 0)
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Photo From Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
(Franco Causio, April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, Italy 0-Belgium 0)
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Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Belgium squad, April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, Italy 0-Belgium 0)
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The
return leg was at Brussels’ Parc Astrid on May 13th. The Belgians
felt the venue was an advantage over Heysel, since the stands are close to the
pitch.
For
Italy, Ferrucio Valcareggi made a number of changes from the first leg.
Gianfranco
Bedin, Roberto Rosato, Angelo Domenghini and Pietro Anastasi were replaced with Mario Bertini, Luciano
Spinosi, Romeo Benetti and Roberto Boninsegna.
The
Belgians would take the match to the Italians and dominate.
Wilfried
Van Moer gave the lead to Belgium in the 23rd minute. Some time
later he would be the victim of a vicious foul by Mario Bertini that would
break his leg.
Afterwards
Bertini expressed regret over the incident and claimed it had been accidental.
Amazingly,
van Moer remained on the field until the halftime break and then walked on foot
to the Anderlecht Hospital.
He
would be replaced at halftime by Odillon Polleunis. Van Moer’s Euros were
officially over.
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Photo From: Le Siecle des Diables Rouges, Author: Christian Hubert
(Wilfred van Moer’s injury after a foul by Mario Bertini, May 13, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, Belgium 2-Italy 1)
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Fabio
Capello would make his International debut for Italy in the second half
replacing Bertini.
Paul
van Himst would score Belgium's second in the 71st minute. The
Italians replied with a Luigi Riva penalty kick minutes before the end.
Naturally afterwards there were calls for Ferrucio
Valcareggi to resign.
The
Italian Federation President, Artemio Franchi stated that “Italy must rebuild
completely, with many more young players, and if Valcareggi resisted such
changes he would have no choice but to resign”.
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Photo From Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
(Pierluigi Cera, May 13, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, Belgium 2-Italy 1)
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Ferrucio
Valcareggi stated “Belgium were the better side and no individual player in our
team was at fault. If anyone is to blame then it is me”.
This
would be the last match for Giancarlo De Sisti. The dropped
Anastasi would later vent his frustration by saying that “he does not understand
why he gets called up if he is not going to play…. between Riva, Bonisegna and
Prati, I know there is no place for me”.
It
had been a foul ridden match and the Austrian Referee Schiller was criticized
for allowing the match to get out of hand.
Apparently
in one incident, Boninsegna and Erwin vandendaele were exchanging punches while
the play was on the other side of field with Schiller unaware of the fight.
Belgians
were through but it had been at the cost of one of their most talented players,
Wilfried van Moer.
On April 29th, at Budapest, Hungary and
Romania would start their quarterfinal series. Rudolf Illovszky gave a first
cap to right back Peter Vépi, while Lájos Kocsis was
back in the squad in midfield.
Laszlo Branikovits gave Hungary the lead in the 11th
minute. The Hungarians had further chances and hit the bar twice.
As the match progressed, Romania’s performance
improved and Lajos Satmareanu struck the equalizer in the 56th
minute. The match ended (1-1) with still much to play for.
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(April 29, 1972, UEFA European Championships, Hungary 1-Romania 1)
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The
Second Leg took place at Bucharest on May 14th. For Hungary, Tibor Fabian took the right back spot replacing Vepi.
The
match ended in a (2-2) tie, with the Hungarians guilty of missing a penalty
kick.
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(May 14, 1972, UEFA European Championships, Romania 2- Hungary 2)
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(May 14, 1972, UEFA European Championships, Romania 2- Hungary 2)
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A
replay was needed three days later at Belgrade. This time the Hungarians won
(2-1) to earn a place in the Finals.
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(May 17, 1972, UEFA European Championships, Hungary 2-Romania 1)
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On
April 30th, at Belgrade, Yugoslavia took on the Soviet Union. It
would be a tough and balanced encounter that ended scoreless.
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Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Predrag Cvijetic).
(April 30, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, Yugoslavia 0-USSR 0)
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The
Return leg was on May 13th at Moscow. It had rained before the match
and the field was muddy.
Viktor
Kolotov was back in the squad for the Soviets. He had missed the first leg
through illness.
The
match was listless and only came to life after the Soviets scored through
Kolotov in the 53rd minute.
Afterwards,
the Soviets were galvanized and pressed for more goals.
Anatoly
Banishevski would double the lead in the 74th minute and Eduard
Koznikovich would round out the scoring just before the end for a comprehensive
(3-0) win.
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Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Predrag Cvijetic)
(May 13, 1972, UEFA European Championship Quarterfinals, USSR 3-Yugoslavia 0)
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Finals
The
Final Four consisted now of Belgium, USSR, Hungary and West Germany.
Belgium
were designated as the hosts for the Finals phase.
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 14th, 1972. The Belgian hosts took on
West Germany at Antwerp, while Hungary faced the Soviet Union in Brussels.
The
Belgians were weakened by the absences of Wilfried van Moer (following his
severe injury vs. Italy) and Nicolas Dewalque.
Belgium
Manager stressed the absences by saying “I envy Schoen, he will lineup Nezter
and Beckenbauer against us, but due to injuries, I do not have my Netzer (van
Moer) nor my Beckenbauer (Nicolas Dewalque)”.
Goethals
was nevertheless convinced of his tactics and said, “unless some unforeseen event, I will bet Muller will not score
against us” (words that would come
back…..)
He
was secretive of his tactics and during a training session in Heysel, he sent
out the West German journalists, when the time came to discuss tactics with the
gathered journalists.
In
the ensuing Press Conference, when the West German journalists were back in, he
told the Belgian journalists “Enemy ears are listening, today I will not say
much”.
Goethals
had complained that he could not train more at Heysel. To make things fair it had been decided that
a team could only train once at a designated venue that they would play.
Goethals
thought this was ridiculous as they were accustomed to train there for years.
Goethals
had wanted to play the match at Anderlecht’s Parc Astrid or Sclessin, but the
Belgian Federation imposed Antwerp’s Deurne because of its capacity.
In
the end, more than 30,000 German fans were in the stands, while some locals
snubbed the National Team because no local players had been selected. The
Flamand Television did not even film the match.
In
contrast to the Germans, Hungary had only requested and allocated 1,800
tickets, while the Soviets got 1,100.
A
lot was also drawn to see who would play in white. Belgium would wear white and
the Germans would wear their away strip of Green.
Goethals
felt the white jerseys were “a big advantage at night”.
The
Germans were near full strength. They were still missing Berti Vogts at right
back. He had been injured in the right knee on November 1971 playing against
Internazionale Milano with Borussia Moenchengladbach.
He
had been operated in February 1972 at Koln University and was out of action. He
was nevertheless part of the West German for these Euros, but the starter in
his position was Horst-Dieter Höttges.
Siggi
Held was also not released for these matches, as his club Kickers Offenbach
needed him for promotion to the Bundesliga. Schalke’s Erwin Kremers would fill
his role up front.
AC
Milan also would not release Karl-Heinz Schnellinger, as he was needed for
Coppa Italia action. But such was West Germany’s strength that they would not
be required nor missed.
Wolfgang
Overath’s unavailability allowed Gunter Netzer to dictate the proceedings from
the midfield and this Tournament would be his.
Goethals
had set up a defensive tactic to counter Netzer’s surges without sacrificing a
player to act as man marker.
However,
he was unable to counter Muller who would go on and score twice on
half-chances.
The
match got underway with Dutch Maestro Johann Cruyff and his wife watching from
the stands.
The
Germans set the pace and attacked for the first twenty minutes.
The
Germans took the lead in the 24th minute, when Muller headed in a
cross by Nezter, that Piot should have perhaps covered.
 |
Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 131, December 1999
(Gerd Muller, June 14, 1972, UEFA European Championships, Belgium 1-West Germany 2)
|
Belgium
started attacking in the second half, without really threatening the Germans’
superiority.
The
Germans scored their second in the 71st minute, again by Muller when
he latched onto a seemingly harmless cross by Netzer. Once again the Belgian
defense seemed hesitant and many felt should have covered the action.
Belgium
pulled a goal back by Odillon Polleunis in the 83rd minute, but the
Germans were not troubled and had deservedly won.
 |
Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Belgium squad, June 14, 1972, UEFA European Championships, Belgium 1-West Germany 2)
|
 |
Photo From: Chronik des deutschen fussballs, 2005
(June 14, 1972, UEFA European Championships, Belgium 1-West Germany 2)
|
Afterwards,
Goethals felt vindicated about his tactical plan and stressed the fact that
Netzer had not been able to make his usual runs and was restricted to taking
long distance shots. That may have been accurate, however, Nezter did
nevertheless manage to create two goals for Muller.
Belgium’s
Paul Van Himst stated “ we could have won, it would suffice to have van Moer in
our squad and take off Muller from the Germany side”.
Belgium’s
Georges Heylens stressed Muller’s instinctive opportunism, he said, ”Muller had against us two
semi-opportunities and scored from both”.
Simultaneously,
the Hungary and USSR semifinal was taking place at Brussels.
The
fact that the matches were played at the same time may have been a contributing
factor to the low turnout in a match watched from the stands by Lev Yashin,
Ladislao Kubala, Remetter and Jules Nagy.
The
Soviets had surprisingly left off Gennadi Evryuzhikin.
Vladimir
Onischenko would start in his place.
Hungary
seemed better in the early stages but could not capitalize on their chances.
For the Soviets, Murtaz Khurtzilava had an excellent match and
the Soviets slowly got back in the game.
In
the 53rd minute, the Soviets took the lead through Anatoly Konkov.
 |
|
(June 14, 1972, UEFA European Championships, USSR 1-Hungary 0)
|
A
few minutes later (60th minute), Rudolf Illovszky would make a
double substitution by sending on Florian Albert and Antal
Dunai in place of Lájos Kocsis and Ferenc
Bene.
Florian Albert had been out of International
reckoning for some time due to his poor form. But a few weeks prior to the
Tournament he had impressed in a Ferencvaros-Honved matchup (4-2 Ferencvaros
win) and had
unexpectedly made the Hungary squad.
Hungary’s
performance improved after the duo came on. They were awarded a penalty kick in
the 82nd minute after a foul on Dunai.
However,
Rudakov parried Zambo’s attempt and Szoke was only able to hit the side netting
on the rebound. (Many Hungarian players had their back turned during the
penalty kick).
The
Soviets reached the Final to meet the West Germans.
The
third place match between Belgium and Hungary took place on June 17th
at Liège.
This
was a match that perhaps neither team wanted to play nor the public wanted to
watch for that matter. Only just over 6,000 fans went to see this match that
featured the host Nation.
For
Belgium, Paul van Himst became the new appearance record holder by making his
69th appearance, overtaking Vicky Mees.
For
the Hungarians, Mihaly
Kozma was in the lineup in place of Szoke on the right wing. Kozma was upfront
with Dunai in a 4-4-2 formation for Hungary.
It
appeared both teams would have been happy with a draw and not much effort was
made. The match would mostly be remembered as an ill-tempered affair with many
tactical fouls as well as an incident involving a fan and the Police at
halftime.
 |
Photo From: Le Siecle des Diables Rouges, Author: Christian Hubert
(June 17, 1972, UEFA European Championships, Belgium 2-Hungary 1)
|
Raoul
Lambert opened the scoring for the home team in the 24th minute.
Five minutes later Paul Van Himst doubled the lead taking advantage of a miscue
between Miklós
Páncsics and Istvan Geczi.
At
halftime, Lájos Szucs replaced Zambo in the Hungarian
lineup and their play improved thereafter.
 |
Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 131, December 1999
(Paul van Himst, June 17, 1972, UEFA European Championships, Belgium 2-Hungary 1)
|
The Hunagrians were awarded a penalty kick in
the 50th minute after Dunai was pushed in the box. This time Lajos Kü was able to finally
score from the spot for Hungary.
In
another incident Peter Juhasz kicked Christian Piot in frustration, as he could
not reach a ball. He was booked for his offense and after that the match
degenerated into rough play.
After
the match Georges Heylens had an altercation with the match Referee. He wanted
to take the match ball and give it to van Himst in recognition of his new
record; however, the Referee would not allow it as according to the rules he had
to give the ball to the UEFA delegation.
The
most talked about incident of the match occurred during halftime. A West German
fan entered the field with a West German flag. A police officer restrained him
in a violent manner by striking him twice on the arm with a baton. This angered
the fans and as both teams were re-entering the field, they were met with a
chorus of boos. This surprised the Belgians, as they were unaware of the
incident.
It
was reported that after being debriefed on the situation, Paul van den
Boegnants (minister of Belgian defense) had asked an explanation from the
policeman’s commander.
On
the following day, June 18th, 1972, the Final between West Germany
and the USSR took place in Brussels.
The
Soviets were playing in their third Final (1960, 1964, and now 1972), while
this was the Germans’ first continental Final match.
The
Germans stuck with the same formation and were confident of victory.
The
two sides had met less than a month earlier on May 26th, in a
friendly for the inauguration of Munich’s Olympiastadion. The Germans fielding
the same starting lineup had comprehensively won (4-1) with Gerd Muller scoring
all four goals.
In
fact ahead of the Final, Schoen’s main worry was that his players might as a
result underestimate the Soviets. He reminded them that the (4-1) win meant
nothing.
In
any case he need not have worried as the German’s superiority was beyond
dispute.
They
attacked from the start and the result was rarely in doubt.
They
displayed a technical superiority that had not been seen in Europe (according
to some observers) since the Great Hungary side of 1954.
 |
Photo From: 1974 - Libro Album Fussball - Report Linda1974 - Libro Album Fussball - Report Linda
(West Germany squad, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
 |
Photo From: Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(USSR squad, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
In
first 27 minutes, the Germans had already taken 10 shots on goal.
In
the 28th minute, they would open the scoring after constant
pressure, predictably through Muller, as he latched on and struck the rebound
from a shot by Heynckes that had been parried by Rudakov.
 |
Photo From: Deutschlands Fussball Landerspiele, Eine Dokumentation von 1908-1989
(Gerd Muller scoring the first goal, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
They
would score twice more in quick succession in the second half.
Herbert
Wimmer would score after being put through by Heynckes in the 52nd
minute.
In
the 57th minute, Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck would start a move in his
own half and would end up being the provider for Muller at the end of the move
as Muller did what he did best.
Photo From: IFFHS-Europameisterschaften 1958-1984, No 2
(Herbert Wimmer scoring the second goal, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Europameisterschaften 1958-1984, No 2
(Gerd Muller scoring the third goal, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
The
Germans won and became European Champions for the first time. They also became
the second Nation to win the European Nations Cup and the World Cup (after
Italy).
The
Germans’ tactic consisted stifling the Soviets into their own half. They were
able to build their attacks with great momentum that would force the Soviets to
retreat in their own half. The Germans ran at them with Physical strength,
speed, quick passing, and extra men in attack during breakaways.
Each
player was constantly in motion, and the Germans defended and attacked with all
ten players.
 |
Photo From: France Football, Issue 2409, June 9, 1992
(Uli Hoeness, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
 |
Photo From: World Soccer, June 1992
(Gerd Muller, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
 |
Photo From: Deutschlands Fussball Landerspiele, Eine Dokumentation von 1908-1989
(Jupp Heynckes, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
 |
Photo From: 1974 - Libro Album Fussball - Report Linda1974 - Libro Album Fussball - Report Linda
(Gerd Muller after scoring the third goal, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
Franz
Beckenbauer lifted his first International trophy and after the match said, “in
German Football, there is something that does not suit to Soviet Football, it
poses problems that they can’t solve”.
Helmut
Schoen in fact believed that the Belgians had posed more of a problem to the
Germans than the Soviets.
He
believed the Soviets played well, but believed that they did not know how to
take advantage of their opportunities and that they did not do the unexpected
move to create chances. (which meant they were predictable).
 |
Photo From: IFFHS-Europameisterschaften 1958-1984, No 2
(Franz Beckenbauer lifting the trophy, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
 |
Photo From: Die Geschichte der Fussball Nationalmanschaft, Author Dietrich Schulze-Marmeling (Hrsg), 2004
(Gerd Muller lifting the trophy, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
In
fact for most observers, the only unpredictable player in the Soviet side
was Murtaz
Khurtzilava. In all the Soviets had only three chances, with one Khurtzilava
effort hitting the post.
Ultimately, they seemed exhuatsed by the
Germans’ fast play and quick changing movements.
The only low point for Germany was the
behavior of some of its fans. With less than five minutes remaining, some of
their fans got near the touchline. Some even entered the pitch and at one point
Sepp Maier had to intervene and get them out of the field.
At the final whistle, the players had to run
away from the fans.
 |
Photo From: France Football, Issue 1368, June 20, 1972
(Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer and Gunter Netzer celebrating, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
The
main criticism about the Finals concerned the refereeing. The violence in the
Belgium-Hungary match (following Juhasz’s booking) was blamed for the Referee’s
lack of control.
In
addition, the Scottish Referee William Mulan’s handling of the Belgium-West
Germany match was questioned. He had tolerated Erwin Vandendaele’s constant
violent play and fouls.
However,
in general these Euros were successful as far as attendance, especially for the
qualifiers and the quarterfinal series.
The
format of the Finals was perhaps partly to blame for low attendance in a couple
of the matches. It was becoming clear that the Tournament format would have to
be changed eventually to enhance attendance.
 |
Photo From: Kicker Sportsmagazin Edition, 100 Jahre Deutsche Landerspiele
(Franz Beckenbauer and Gunter Nezter with the trophy, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
At
the end, Helmut Schoen believed this victory heralded a new era for Football.
He stated, “ I believe we showed today
that there I more to modern football than massed defense. I hope our win here
will be a lesson for soccer around the world. I am certain that defensive
soccer, and the formations that teams adapt to play that kind of game, must be
abandoned at all costs. The game must flow. One must attack at least as often
as one defends.
If
you ask me why our team is so good, I would answer that it is because we have
found just the right blend of team spirit, physical strength, tactical
discipline and the spirit of adventure. We have all the strengths of the South
Americans in ball control and passing ability, but we also have the physical
and moral attributes of the best European sides.
The
days when a team like Internazionale can win a competition purely by defensive
Football have gone for good. We proved here that the modern game is an
attacking one, even against a team with physical powers of the Russians. As you
saw here they held us to one goal in the first half with a mixture of strong
defensive play and a certain amount of luck, but in the second half we ran them
off their feet and the game was won within a quarter of an hour.”
No
one could argue with him, he had rebuilt a side on the post-Herberger and
Seeler era that was even stronger and more complete than his predecessors.
Beckenbauer,
Netzer and Muller were at the top of their game and formed a solid backbone.
 |
Photo From: Deutschlands Fussball Landerspiele, Eine Dokumentation von 1908-1989
(Gunter Netzer and Franz Beckenbauer, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
Youngsters
such as Breitner and Hoeness could only improve. The World Cup to be held on
home ground appeared a realistic possibility (and ultimately would be).
Gunter
Netzer was regarded as the best player of these Euros and his legacy is largely
built on his performances in these Euros.
 |
| (A cartoon of Gunter Netzer) |
It
would be a shame that he would miss out on the 1974 triumph, as Schoen would
fall back on Wolfgang Overath. No one who witnessed these Euros would have
fathomed such a possibility; such was Netzer’s brilliance.
Many
consider this 1972 West German as the best in its History and even better than
the one that would triumph in the World Cup two years later.
 |
Photo From: World Soccer , July 1972
(West Germany squad with the trophy, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
 |
Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 23, October1999
(West Germany squad with the trophy, June 18, 1972, UEFA European Championships, West Germany 3-USSR 0)
|
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da Seleccao, Authors Published by Almanaxi, 2004
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Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983
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Czerwoni 1921-2001, Author Andrzej Gowarzewski
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Calcio
2000, Issue 23, October1999
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des deutschen fussballs, 2005
Deutschlands
Fussball Landerspiele, Eine Dokumentation von 1908-1989
Die
Geschichte der Fussball Nationalmanschaft, Author Dietrich Schulze-Marmeling
(Hrsg), 2004
Die
Nati, Die Geschichte der Schweizer Fussball-Nationalmanschaft, author Beat
Jung, 2006
England,
The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne
France
Football, Issue 1337, November 16 1971
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Football, Issue 1340, December 7, 1971
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Football, Issue 1368, June 20, 1972
Guerin
Sportivo - Febbraio 2016
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Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989
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Il
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Scardillo, 1974
Ireland
on the Ball, Author Donal Cullen, 1993
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La
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Le
Siecle des Diables Rouges, Author Christian Hubert
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Fußball Länderspiele Chronik 1902 – 1993, Author Anton Egger
AS
Color Nº 2, June 1, 1971
se Lvickem na prsou-Authors O.Bartunek, J.Kalat
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Vellut
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