1996 UEFA European Championship
Germany's golden goal triumph at 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; this was the first major competition to be decided using this method. This was also Germany's first major title won as a unified nation, adding to the two European Championship titles won by West Germany prior to reunification.
Quick Facts
- Result
- Champions (2nd Euro title)
- Final score
- Germany 2–1 England
- Final venue
- Wembley Stadium, London
- Manager
- Berti Vogts
- Group
- A (with England, Croatia, Scotland)
- Top scorer (team)
- Andreas Möller (4 goals)
Lore & Background
Germany won the tournament, beating the Czech Republic 2–1 in the final with a golden goal from Oliver Bierhoff during extra time. In the group stage, Germany were in Group C and lost to the Czech Republic in their opener, then defeated Italy and drew with Russia. Germany beat Croatia 2–1 in the quarter-final, with goals from Jürgen Klinsmann and Matthias Sammer. In the semi-final, Germany drew 1–1 with England after extra time and won 6–5 on penalties, with Andreas Möller scoring the winning penalty. The final saw the Czech Republic take the lead through a Patrik Berger penalty in the 59th minute, before Oliver Bierhoff equalised in the 73rd minute and scored the golden goal in extra time.
Reader's Guide
Germany's path to the title: Group C – lost to Czech Republic, defeated Italy, drew with Russia. Quarter-final: Germany 2–1 Croatia. Semi-final: Germany 1–1 England (6–5 on penalties). Final: Germany 2–1 Czech Republic (golden goal). Key players: Oliver Bierhoff (scored two goals in the final, including the golden goal), Jürgen Klinsmann (scored in quarter-final), Matthias Sammer (scored in quarter-final), Andreas Möller (scored winning penalty in semi-final shootout).
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