As the countdown to Euro 2016 draws near, Melosport continues its European Championships archive coverage, focusing on the golden days of Platini, van Basten and Schmeichel

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1984 France European Championships

The reigning World Champions, Italy, failed to qualify for Euro ’84. They were joined in the international wilderness by the Dutch, who with only one qualification match remaining, had a foot in the finals. Spain was arduously tasked with having to score 11 goals against Malta in order to overtake Le Oranje for top spot and despite a perilous 3-1 half-time score line, miraculously scored nine unanswered goals in the second half to win 12-1.

The finals themselves were dominated by France’s Michel Platini. Before disgracing himself at UEFA, Platini was a slender, multiple Ballon d’Or-winning superstar and he comprehensively showcased his supreme talents at Euro ’84.

The Frenchman scored nine goals, including two hat-tricks, as Les Bleus were crowned Kings of Europe. Still smarting from their luckless World Cup semi-final loss two years earlier, the free scoring French were worthy winners—netting 15 goals in five matches.

Platini’s 9-goal haul is a record which still stands today

Platini stated that this was the only international finals tournament he participated in injury-free:

“In 1982 I was injured – I had a groin problem – and in 1986 (World Cups 1982 and 1986) I was injured – with a nerve problem. In 1984 I wasn’t injured and I was able to perform to my peak. It was the first official title won by France in a team sport, so it was a great moment for French football and for French sport as a whole.”

Their coach, Michel Hidalgo, developed a philosophy renowned for playing attractive football and ensured his players were technically strong. By doing so he created a system where he could accommodate multiple playmakers in his midfield.

During the finals group stages, France accumulated a 100 percent winning record with their highlight being a 5-0 win over Romania. In the semi-finals they faced a tough Portugal side who ran them right to the wire but Platini’s 119^th minute winner sent the French through to the final.

France hosted and won the 1984 Euros

Les Bleus would then face Spain and La Roja had only won one match in four—en route to the final. Their solitary win came in their group against West Germany, courtesy of Antonio Maceda’s injury-time winner. Against Denmark in the semi-finals they were deadlocked 1-1 after extra-time and Dane Preben Elkjær sent his spot kick high to send Spain through to the final.

The final was held in Paris and in a packed Parc des Princes stadium, Platini led the way and the hosts won 2-0 to give France their maiden team sporting title.

Key Facts

• Teams: 8
• Winner: France
• Runner-Up: Spain
• Goals: 41 goals in 15 games (2.73 goals per game)
• Golden Boot: Michel Platini (France)—9 goals (5 games)

1988 West Germany European Championships

If Penanka scored an iconic penalty in the 1976 final, Marco van Basten’s incredible volley in ’88 is rarely omitted from greatest goals compilations.

The Netherlands’ experienced its finest hour during 1988. Having marginally missed out on the previous tournament due to Spain’s unlikely heroics against Malta, the Dutch made no mistake four years later—ruthlessly dropping just two points during qualification.

Hosts West Germany were runners-up at the 1986 World Cup and given their obvious home advantage were considered favourites for the tournament. Coached by legendary player Franz Beckenbauer and having breakthrough players such as Jurgen Klinsmann on board they met another heavyweight, Italy, in their first Group 1 match which ended in a 1-1 draw. Both sides would beat Denmark and Spain in their remaining matches to finish level on points.

In Group 2, the Soviets failed to read the script as they beat Holland 1-0 in Cologne. However, van Basten came alive in the next match with a hat-trick to see off England 3-1. A follow-up win against the Irish meant the Dutch qualified but would face their biggest rivals West Germany in the semi-finals.

The Germans opened the scoring with a Lothar Matthaus penalty in the 55^th minute. Ronald Koeman soon equalised, also from the spot, and van Basten broke German hearts with a cool poacher’s finish in the 88^th minute.

The Soviets beat Italy 2-0 in their semi-final to set up a rematch of the first Group 1 game. Milan’s Ruud Gullit opened the scoring with a bullet header before Serie A club mate van Basten scored a spectacular volley to put the final out of reach. Gullit raised the Henri Delaunay trophy aloft as Holland celebrated a maiden international trophy.

Holland made it third final lucky after defeats in the ’74 and ’78 World Cup Finals

Key Facts

• Teams: 8
• Winner: Netherlands
• Runner-Up: USSR
• Goals: 34 goals in 15 games (2.27 goals per game)
• Golden Boot: Marco van Basten (Netherlands)—5 goals (5 games)

1992 Sweden European Championships

Civil war had erupted in the Balkans and due to international sanctions Yugoslavia were expelled from the finals. Denmark, finished runners-up in their qualifying group, were named as the replacements.

Both Scotland and Sweden (hosts) made their debuts in 1992, as did a unified Germany. The Soviets were then-known as the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) following the dissolution of the USSR.

Respective defending World Champions and European Champions, the Germans and Dutch, were again paired together (in Group 2) and thus continued their rivalry from Euro ‘88 and the 1990 World Cup. Denis Bergkamp sealed a 3-1 win to ensure the Dutch took top spot in the group.

In Group 1, the Danes started slowly as they drew with England 0-0 and then lost to hosts Sweden 1-0. The Swedes, boasting an upcoming but formidable strike partnership of Thomas Brolin and Martin Dahlin, eliminated England in the final group game 2-1.

Meanwhile, Denmark beat France (this was a shock due to Les Bleus’ 100 percent qualifying record) to reach the last four.

Marco van Basten wasn’t at his best as a consequence of recurring injuries but he continued to be a threat. However Denmark, led by the heroics of goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, drew 2-2 and beat the Dutch thanks to penalties as the Manchester United stopper saved the Milan forward’s spot kick.

In Solna, Germany knocked-out Sweden 3-2 with Karl-Heinz Riedle netting a brace. The Danes would then meet the Germans in the final to continue their improbable dream.

The Danes survived heavy pressure from the Germans

John Jensen scored a rare thunderbolt early in the first half—he scored only 12 goals in 400 career matches—and Schmeichel repelled the German threat until Kim Vilfort added a second to seal an unlikely triumph.

“I think, beyond anything, it really sank in when we were in Copenhagen in the town hall for the celebrations with the rest of Denmark. That was unbelievable, truly unbelievable. At this point you’re thinking: “Christ, we actually did this, it’s not a dream.”—Peter Schmeichel

Denmark upset the odds to win the 1992 Euros

Key Facts

• Teams: 8
• Winner: Denmark
• Runner-Up: Germany
• Goals: 32 goals in 15 games (2.13 goals per game)
• Golden Boot: Denis Bergkamp (Netherlands); Tomas Brolin (Sweden); Henrik Larsen (Denmark); Karl-Heinz Riedle (all scored 3 goals)

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RELATED ARTICLES

• European Championships Archives—Part I: The Swinging Sixties (France 1960 to Spain 1968)
• European Championships Archives—Part II: Panenka magic breaks up West German dominance (Belgium 1972 to Italy 1980)