Spain vs Bulgaria
Spain’s primary attacking strategy was to build up through the thirds, however they could also rely on direct balls into the final third utilizing Caminero & Pizzi through target play. The left wing brought an inverted movement from Luis Enrique to move into the central channels, which allowed Sergi to overlap into the flank. Belsue […]
Spain vs Bulgaria
Spain and Bulgaria opened Euro 96 play by splitting the points in an eventful and entertaining game at Elland Road. Spain headed into the tournament in good form after a dominant performance in qualifying, topping Group 2 that also included reigning European champions Denmark. Spain went undefeated and outscored their opponents 25-4 during the 10 […]
England vs Switzerland
Home nation England and Switzerland battled to a 1-1 draw to open Group A play at a packed Wembley Stadium in London. Alan Shearer opened the scoring for England in the 23rd minute, but Swiss striker Kubilay Turkyilmaz hit back with a late penalty to see the spoils shared. Terry Venables ‘Christmas Tree’ formation is […]
England vs Switzerland
England used a 442 set up, which at times would look asymmetrical with one side narrowing on the wings and the other stretching high and wide. England began the match favoring the left wing, using McManaman in a traditional wide role, being supported behind by Pearce and inside by Gascoigne. Ince would serve as the […]
EURO 96 Qualifying – Top 5 Goal Scorers
As part of our Euro 96 analysis we turn our attention to the qualification campaign that lead up to the tournament. Today we examine some of the top strikers of the era, focusing specifically on the top 5 scorers from qualifying. Number 5: Gianfranco Zola, Italy, 7 Goals At the time of the tournament Zola […]
Euro 96 Squad Analysis
On May the 22nd 1996 the Champions League Final between Ajax and Juventus, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, would bring an end to the European Club football calendar for the 95/96 season. This allowed all 16 managers of the participating nations the opportunity to assess their available players, take part in pre-tournament training camps […]