EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 1968

For the third European Championship in 1968, again four teams would qualify, to be determined by first a group stage of qualifying and then by quarter-finals taking place over two legs in the spring of 1968. Again, the hosts for the final tournament were not decided until the last four teams were known.

In the quarter-finals, Italy overturned a one goal deficit by beating Bulgaria 2-0 at home, while the Soviet Union went one better with a 3-0 win over Hungary making up for a two goal first leg defeat. World Champions England beat reigning European Champions Spain home and away to reach the last four, while Yugoslavia crushed France 5-1 at home after a first-leg draw.

Italy were chosen as hosts for the final tournament, and in the first semi-final were held to a 0-0 draw after extra-time by the Soviet Union. Ludicrously, the only tie-breaking method allowed for by the tournament rules was a coin toss, and when the Soviet captain called incorrectly Italy were in the final. There they would face Yugoslavia, who ended England's hopes of adding the European crown to their World title with the only goal three minutes from full-time.

In the final, Yugoslavia drew first blood when Dragan Džajic, who had scored that late goal against England, found the net again shortly before half-time. The lead lasted until ten minutes from the end, when Angelo Domenghini pulled Italy level. Extra-time brought no more goals, but for the final the rules did not require another coin toss - there would be a replay two days later. This time it was Italy who scored first, Luigi Riva putting them ahead in the twelfth minute, and Pietro Anastasi added a second goal before half-time. Yugoslavia had no reply, and once again the host nation lifted the European title.