History Of The European Championship: 1972

The qualifying competition for the 1972 championship finals saw few surprises. In Group 7, however, the multi-skilled Dutch side came only second to 1968 runners-up Yugoslavia. They would have to wait until the World Cup two years later to show us how good they were.

In the quarter-finals, which again acted as play-offs for Finals qualification, Hungary and Romania were drawn together and were difficult to separate.

After 1-1 and 2-2 draws, and this being in the time before the away goals' rule, a third match was required which Hungary won 2-1 at home.

Belgium, hosts for the Finals, delighted everyone by knocking out holders Italy. Having secured a 0-0 draw away, the Belgians played wonderfully well at home and knocked the Italians out 2-1 on aggregate. Similarly, the USSR drew 0-0 away to Yugoslavia before knocking them out at home 3-0.

England, meanwhile, met West Germany once again and, on a rain-sodden night at Wembley in the first leg, English hopes of European Championship success more or less "drowned".

The match had a capacity crowd on its feet throughout but it was evident early on that England had a tough task if they were to overcome a talented German team which, despite playing away, did not take on a defensive outlook.

Fast, attacking football often had England reeling. In midfield Netzer and Wimmer frequently tore holes in the English defence. The home team also had its fare share of the play but Beckenbauer, Breitner and Schwarzenbeck remained supremely cool, quick and tenacious.

After 26 minutes West Germany went ahead when a shot from Uli Hoeness was deflected out of the reach of Banks and found its way into the net.