Italy vs Russia
1994 World Cup finalists Italy began their campaign with a fixture against Russia in Group C. Italy finished second to Croatia in qualifying group 4, but secured their place in the tournament as the highest seeded runner up. The Italians finished qualifying in good form, drawing 1-1 with 10 men in Croatia after goalkeeper Luca […]
Romania vs France
France kicked off their Euro 96 campaign by riding a strong defensive performance to a 1-0 victory over a livewire Romanian team. The two teams were more than familiar with each other, as both came through Qualifying Group 1, with Romania topping the group, one point ahead of the French. France drew 0-0 with Romania […]
Holland vs Scotland
Netherlands entered the tournament as somewhat of an enigma, being installed as one of the bookmakers’ favorites despite a tough qualifying campaign. The Netherlands finished second in Group 5 behind the Czech Republic, only beating Norway to a playoff spot courtesy of the goal difference tie breaker. Two goals from Patrick Kluivert helped the Dutch […]
Denmark vs Portugal
Portugal and Denmark opened their respective Euro 96 campaigns with an entertaining 1-1 draw played out at Hillsborough. Portugal topped their qualifying group by six clear points, and had seen similar climate and surroundings to what they would experience in England, when they won 2-1 against Northern Ireland in Belfast. Despite leading Portugal with 6 […]
Germany vs Czech Republic
The Czech Republic opened their tournament campaign with a tough fixture against Germany. Germany entered the tournament off the back of a successful qualifying campaign, topping a group that included a talented Bulgaria team who had knocked them out of the 1994 World Cup in the USA. In the final game of the group, with […]
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 […]