1996 England

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England 1996

Euro 1996, was the tenth Euro Championship, and the tournament expanded once again, from eight teams to sixteen. Four groups of four, playing a game against each and every group member. The top two sides will go through to play in the quarter finals (newly introduced), where its the knockout stages of the tournament. A total of 31 matches was played.

The first ever golden goal gave Germany their third successful tournament

The hosts England was in remarkable form, winning the dramatic game against Scotland 2-0 and beating The Netherlands 4-1 in the final group game, to claim top spot and have priority of playing all their games at Wembley.

The Group stages were pretty straight forward, with the bigger footballing nations going through, with the exception of Italy, who went out on head to head against The Czech Republic. Holders Denmark also went out, after finishing third in their group, behind Portugal and Croatia.

The knockout stages of the competition is somewhat disappointing. 9 goals scored in seven games, with four games being decided by penalties, which three of them finished goalless.

The semi final match between England and Germany was possibly the most entertaining of them all. Paul Gascoigne couldnt get a touch on a loose ball during extra time, proves to costly for England, as they went out of another major football tournament on penalties. Gareth Southgate's sudden death penalty was saved, whilst Andreas Moller wrapping things up.

This sets up another meeting between The Czechs and Germany in the final, as Germany won 2-0 in the group stages. The final proves to be a more tighter affair, Patrick Berger scoring on the spot, to give the Czech Republics the lead. Oliver Bierhoff 73rd minute header, took the game into extra time. Bierhoff also scored the first golden goal in history, to give The Germans a third successive title.

All is not lost for the home side, Alan Shearer took away the Golden Boot, with five goals under his name.