1964 Spain

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Spain 1964

The second European Nations Cup in 1964, was similiar to the tournament four years before, a knockout competition but with 29 teams entering. Greece withdrew, as they were drawn against Albania. The holders, The Soviet Union, Austria and Luxenbourg were all given byes into the second round. Teams played home and away up until the Semi-Finals, where a match will determine a place in the final. Similiar to the 1960 Finals, the host will be picked when four teams are left in the competition.

Luxembourg shock win. Spain's rematch against The Soviets

Luxenbourg provided the biggest shock in the qualifying rounds by beating The Netherlands 3-2 on aggregate, and drew with the other surprise package Denmark (3-3 and 2-2), only to lose in the replay 1-0. Denmark, were joined by holders The Soviet Union, Hungary and hosts Spain, to contest for the final prize. The Nou Camp and Bernabeu were the two stadiums used for the finals.

In the Semi-Finals, The Soviets beat their Danish oppositions 3-0 in Barcelona, while Spain needed extra time to secure their place in the final, in Madrid. This means a repeat of the 1960 Quarter Finals, which saw Spain quit the competition, as they refused to play against The Soviets. However, Generalisimo Francisco Franco, granted permission for their Spanish Team to play the final. With more than 79,000 spectators, saw the hosts taking the 1964 honours by winning 2-1, with a late goal by Marcelino. Hungary took third place with two goals in extra time, to win 3-1.