1996 UEFA European Championship
Germany's golden goal triumph in England's Euro 96.
The 1996 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 96, was the 10th UEFA European Championship, a quadrennial football tournament contested by European nations and organised by UEFA. It took place in England from 8 to 30 June 1996. It was the first ever European Championship to feature 16 teams, an expansion from eight teams. Germany won the tournament, beating the Czech Republic 2–1 in the final with a golden goal from Oliver Bierhoff during extra time.
Quick Facts
- Host nation
- England
- England's result
- Semi-finalists (lost 1–2 to Germany)
- Manager
- Terry Venables
- Tournament format
- 16 teams (first expanded edition)
- England goals scored
- 10 across five matches
- Final venue
- Wembley Stadium, London (old)
- Champions
- Germany (defeated Czech Republic 2–1)
Lore & Background
England drew 1–1 with Switzerland in the opening match, then defeated Scotland 2–0 and the Netherlands 4–1. They reached the semi-finals after a 0–0 draw with Spain in the quarter-finals, winning 4–2 on penalties. In the semi-final, England drew 1–1 with Germany after extra time (Alan Shearer scoring for England), then lost on penalties. England scored 8 goals in 5 matches.
Reader's Guide
The tournament featured 16 teams for the first time. Matches were staged in eight cities. Three points were awarded for a win in the group stage. The knockout stage was characterised by defensive play; four of seven matches were decided on penalties. Germany's golden goal in the final was the first in a major competition.
Did You Know?
- The tournament holds the European Championship's second-highest aggregate attendance (1,276,000) and average per game (41,158) for the 16-team format, surpassed only in 2012.
- This was Germany's first major title won as a unified nation, adding to two European Championship titles won by West Germany.
- Turkey became the first team since the introduction of a group stage to be eliminated without gaining a point or scoring a goal.
More in Trophies & Records
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