Europa! Europa! Archives - The Cult of Calcio

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1984, Platini’s Edition to Remember

May 14, 2021 Din Havolli Denmark, Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, Europa! Europa!, European Championships 2020, France, History of The Euro Cup, Portugal, Spain, West Germany

Euro 1984 is fondly remembered by many avid viewers of the game as one of the greatest international tournaments to date. This was in no small way attributed to Michel Platini’s heroics. The Frenchman went on to score in every single game his side took part in, leading host country France to the title and tallying an impressive nine goals in the process.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1980, The Belgium Challenge

May 11, 2021 Din Havolli Belgium, Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, Europa! Europa!, European Championships 2020, Germany, History of The Euro Cup, West Germany

UEFA Euro 1980 would see an introduction to a new-look tournament featuring eight teams. Italy did not make it past the group stage but cemented the base of a side that would go on to become World Cup champions two years later. Belgium's golden generation proved to be the tournament surprise despite losing to mighty West Germany in the Final.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1976, The Year of The Panenka

May 7, 2021 Din Havolli Czechoslovakia, Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, Europa! Europa!, European Championships 2020, Germany, History of The Euro Cup, Netherlands, West Germany, Yugoslavia

Euro 1976 seemed set to give us another chapter of an unfolding football rivalry as West Germany and the Netherlands found themselves together at the latter stages of a European Finals for the first time. However, the stage was stolen by Czechoslovakia and a mostly unknown player whose name would eventually go on to become a verb: Antonin Panenka.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1972, Dream Debut for West Germany

May 4, 2021 Din Havolli Belgium, Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, Europa! Europa!, European Championships 2020, Germany, Hungary, USSR, West Germany

Belgium seemed to be a fitting neutral host nation in the climate of Cold War relations and it was perhaps for that reason that it was chosen to host the European Championship in 1972. The tournament retained the four-team format that had by now become familiar and there was no doubt as to which team went into it as favorites: Gerd Muller's debuting West Germany.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1968, A Year of Firsts and Lasts

May 1, 2021 Din Havolli England, Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, Europa! Europa!, European Championships 2020, Italy, The Azzurri, USSR, Yugoslavia

This week we look at UEFA Euro 1968, a year of firsts, a year of chance and a very different competition to the tournament we know today. Italy were the host nation and went on to win their only European championship to date in a pretty unconventional manner - making their way past the USSR by means of a coin toss and beating Yugoslavia in a Final that was played twice.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1964, Spain’s Forgotten Glory

April 27, 2021 Din Havolli Denmark, Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, Europa! Europa!, European Championships 2020, Hungary, Spain, USSR

Before Xavi and co. had ushered international football into an era of Spanish dominance, you would have been forgiven for not recalling the last name to come close to landing some silverware for La Roja. The Euro 1964 hero, Luis Suarez, managed to bring the best out of his teammates on the way to lifting the only trophy Spain would claim for the next 44 years.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1960, The Humble Beginnings

April 23, 2021 Din Havolli Czechoslovakia, Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, Europa! Europa!, European Championships 2020, France, USSR, Yugoslavia

In the lead up to the UEFA Euro 2021, The Cult of Calcio will be turning over the extraordinary moments that have been a part of one of the greatest events in international sport. Today, we begin with a look at the very beginning, a tournament that would belong to one man: USSR's legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin.

Italy booked their place into the Nations League Final Four on Wednesday night as they easily disposed of Bosnia Herzegovina in their last group stage test

Italy Beat Bosnia, Claim Spot into Nations League Final Four

November 18, 2020 Matteo Carnevale Euro 2020, Europa! Europa!, Italian Football, Italy, The Azzurri One comment

Italy booked their place into the Nations League Final Four on Wednesday night as they easily disposed of Bosnia Herzegovina in their last group stage test. Andrea Belotti and Domenico Berardi's goals wrapped the Azzurri's 22nd consecutive game without conceding a defeat and sent them...home, as the Final Four will be hosted in Milan and Turin in October 2021.

Italy Outclass Poland to Catch Nations League Group Top Spot

November 15, 2020 Matteo Carnevale Euro 2020, Europa! Europa!, Italian Football, Italy, Nations League, Poland, The Azzurri One comment

Stronger than injuries, even stronger than Covid. Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri continue to offer one convincing performance after another. Italy dominated Poland in Reggio Emilia and took all the three points on offer in their penultimate Nations League Group Stage test, courtesy of a Jorginho penalty and a late Domenico Berardi goal.

Mount Goal Leaves Martinez Ruing as England Claim Win Over Belgium

October 11, 2020 Luke Phelps Belgium, England, Euro 2020, Europa! Europa!, Nations League

England came from behind to beat Belgium 2-1 in their third game of this year's Nations League tournament, topping their group with seven points. Gareth Southgate named a strong side to face the Belgians tonight, headed by the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Marcus Rashford. But it was former Everton manager Roberto Martinez whose Belgium side took an early lead.

Poland and Italy Play Dull 0-0 Nations League Draw

October 11, 2020 Awais Khan Euro 2020, Europa! Europa!, Italian Football, Italy, Poland, The Azzurri

Roberto Mancini’s Italy took on the challenge of Jerzy Brzeczek’s Poland for this crunch League A Group 1 fixture. After the Netherlands had played a 0-0 draw against Bosnia Herzegovina, the Italians had the chance to solidify their grip at the top of the table. However, they too could only manage a 0-0 away draw against their Polish counterparts.

In Round 2 of the Nations League, it was the Cristiano Ronaldo show in Stockholm as the Juventus ace scored a brace to get to 101 goals for Portugal

Nations League Round Two Recap: Cristiano Ronaldo Does It Again!

September 9, 2020 Awais Khan Euro 2020, Europa! Europa!, Italian Football, Nations League

The second round of the Nations League saw Cristiano Ronaldo stealing the stage but there was much more that happened both on and off the pitch. The international break ended just like it began, unable to answer how the coronavirus pandemic can be managed in football. Kylian Mbappé was the notable casualty of national duty, though he will soon return to action.

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