England at major tournaments :: Total Football Magazine - Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, Non-League News Other News > England > England at major tournaments England at major tournaments Tournament football and England; it’s been a journey full of high hopes but ultimately, many tears, disappointment and in recent years, penalties! Since winning the World Cup in 1966 (pictured), there have been moments where as a country, we have enjoyed immense success and unforgettable memories. Gordon Banks' save against Brazil in 1970, Gazza’s tears at Italia 90, Michael Owen’s wonder goal against Argentina at France 98 and the goal that never was in Bloemfontein two years ago. Total Football looks back at England’s performances at major tournaments since the World Cup win in 1966, the highs and lows, and whether their performance met the country’s expectations. 1968: European Championships (Italy) Stage reached: Semi-finals, finished third England arrived at Euro 68 as world champions and took part as one of only four sides to compete at the finals, alongside hosts Italy, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union.

It was their first ever appearance at the European Championships but a 1-0 defeat to Yugoslavia denied Alf Ramsay’s men of holding both World and European crowns. Goals from Bobby Charlton and Geoff Hurst were enough to see off Soviet Union and secure third place as the hosts Italy ended up victorious. High point: Finishing third at the first attempt. Low point: Beaten in the semi-finals by Yugoslavia which ended the hopes of winning the trophy. VERDICT: Below expectations. 1970: World Cup (Mexico) Stage reached: Quarter-finals, beaten 3-2 by West Germany after extra-time The defence of the World Cup in hot and humid Mexico began in bizarre circumstances when the captain Bobby Moore was arrested in Colombia for allegedly stealing a bracelet from a jeweller shop in Bogota. He was released on bail and the charges were later dropped. England were drawn alongside dangerous European sides Romania and Czechoslovakia and the former champions, Brazil. A narrow victory over Romania courtesy of a Hurst goal was followed by the showdown with Brazil in Guadalajara. The match will always be remembered for Gordon Banks sensational stop to deny Pele a certain goal from his header.

Moore was at his absolute best in this match but a goal from Jarzinho was enough for the South Americans to take all three points. An Allan Clarke penalty saw off Czechoslovakia and advanced England to the last eight and a meeting with West Germany. Banks was taken ill with food poisoning and Peter Bonetti had to deputise in goal. First half strikes from Allan Mullery and Martin Peters opened up a 2-0 lead but a catastrophic mistake from Bonetti allowed Franz Beckenbauer’s weak shot to end up in the net. Uwe Seeler’s header made it 2-2 and with Bobby Charlton having been mysteriously substituted by Alf Ramsay, the game fell away from the defending champions. In extra-time, the West Germans coped better with the uncomfortable heat and another Bonetti error allowed Gerd Muller to score the winner. England’s reign as world champions was over and a decade of alarming decline was about to begin. High point: Gordon Banks' remarkable save, still thought by many as the greatest of all-time. Low point: Peter Bonetti’s calamitous error to let Beckenbauer’s shot in and start the collapse against the West Germans. VERDICT: Below expectations.

1980: European Championships (Italy) Stage reached: Group stage, finished third in Group B After a 10 year absence from the international stage, England returned to compete at Euro 80, again held in Italy. Ron Greenwood was manager and qualifying had been easy but expectation was low, despite having the likes of Ray Clemence, Kevin Keegan, Phil Neal and Ray Wilkins in the squad. Wilkins scored the first goal against eventual finalists Belgium but the Belgians came back to draw 1-1. A late goal from Marco Tardelli in Turin condemned the English to defeat in Turin and despite a 2-1 triumph over Spain, a goalless draw between Italy and Belgium sent both sides into the semi-finals and eliminated England at the group stage. High point: Leaving on a high with victory over Spain. Low point: Holding on against the hosts for 80 minutes before Tardelli’s winner. VERDICT: Below expectations.

1982: World Cup (Spain) Stage reached: Second group phase, second in Group B Back on the World Cup stage in 1982 but it was a tight squeeze in qualifying and this team under Greenwood had struggled to maintain consistency after the Euro 80 disappointment. Expectations rose when Bryan Robson scored after only 27 seconds against the highly fancied French, as England won 3-1 in Bilbao. Further wins over Czechoslovakia (2-0) and Kuwait (1-0) took England into the second group phase with maximum points and alongside Brazil, made everyone sit up and take notice. That’s where the delight ended as tame 0-0 draws in the next phase with West Germany and hosts Spain saw England finish on two points and going home disappointingly before the semi-finals. High point: Bryan Robson’s goal after 27 seconds in the first match against France. Low point: No goals in the second group phase, ultimately meaning an early flight home. VERDICT: Below expectations.

1986: World Cup (Mexico) Stage reached: Quarter-finals, lost 2-1 to Argentina The late Bobby Robson was now in charge and he guided England to a respectable campaign in Mexico 1986. It threatened to go disastrously wrong after the first two games. Defeat to Portugal was followed by a 0-0 draw with Morocco. Skipper Robson was forced out of the finals in this match with a shoulder injury, then a ridiculous red card for vice captain Ray Wilkins ultimately ended his international career. Victory was essential against Poland, who had finished third four years earlier. A breathtaking performance from Gary Lineker saw him tear the Poles apart, bagging a first half hat-trick. The 3-0 result was followed by another brace from Lineker in a convincing 3-0 win over Paraguay in the last 16. The quarter-finals pitted England up against Argentina and Diego Maradona. Ten minutes into the second half, the game was delicately balanced at 0-0 when Maradona punched the ball into the net in the famous ‘Hand of God’ incident.

Moments later, Diego dribbled almost the length of the pitch, leaving five England players for dead before rounding Shilton to score the ‘Goal of the Century’ according to a poll conducted by FIFA in 2002. Lineker pulled a goal back to ensure he finished as top scorer but Argentina won 2-1 and went onto triumph in the final. It was a bitter pill to swallow for the team but pride had been restored after too many unpredictable years. High point: Gary Lineker’s first-half hat-trick to dismantle Poland and keep England in the World Cup. Low point: The ‘Hand of God’ goal, a cruel and illegal way for the team to go out of the competition. VERDICT: Met expectations. 1988: European Championships (West Germany) Stage reached: Group stage England arrived at the 1988 European Championships full of confidence and amongst one of the favourites, along with hosts West Germany and Holland. They left having recorded their worst performance ever in this tournament, losing every single game. It started badly with a shock 1-0 defeat to debutants, the Republic of Ireland. This was despite dominating most of the game.

A looping header from Ray Houghton settled the match in Stuttgart. Elimination followed at the hands of Holland, with the talismanic Marco van Basten scoring a wonderful hat-trick in a 3-1 win. A 3-1 defeat to the Soviet Union finished the nightmare off. Tony Adams and Bryan Robson were the only goalscorers, it was a horrific performance. High point: There wasn’t one! Low point: Losing 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland. VERDICT: Below expectations. 1990: World Cup (Italy) Stage reached: Semi-finals, finished fourth after 2-1 defeat to Italy in third placed play-off The 1990 World Cup in Italy saw defences outshine attackers - and foul play seemed to be the order of the day. England had a memorable tournament and got so close to reaching the final on an agonising evening in Turin. The group stage was hardly memorable. An ugly 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland in Cagliari was followed by a 0-0 stalemate with reigning European champions Holland. Mark Wright’s headed goal was enough to beat Egypt to ensure Bobby Robson’s team topped Group F.

Bologna was next for a heart stopping second round tie with Belgium. England had control of possession but it wasn’t until a dramatic volley from David Platt in the last minute of extra-time that got England into the last eight. Tournament underdogs Cameroon waited in Naples and grabbed a 2-1 lead midway through the second half after a Platt header had opened the scoring. The Africans clumsy tackling handed Lineker two penalties, from which he made no mistake. Another extra-time win took England into the semi-finals for the first time since 1966. To the match with West Germany, with England completely on top until ten minutes into the second half. Andreas Brehme’s free-kick deflected off Paul Parker and looped over Peter Shilton and into the net. With time running out, Lineker made the most of half an opportunity to smash home an equaliser. In extra-time, a late challenge by the star of the finals, Paul Gascoigne on Thomas Berthold earned Gazza a yellow card, which would have ruled him out of the final. Cue the famous tears from the Tottenham midfielder.

In the shootout itself, Lineker, Peter Beardsley and Platt made no mistake and neither did Brehme, Lothar Matthaus and Karlheinz Riedle for Germany. Bodo Illgner guessed right to deny Stuart Pearce. Olof Thon scored past Shilton before Chris Waddle blasted his penalty in the direction of Luton Airport! Heartbreakingly, England’s journey was over and Robson left to takeover at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. However, Italia 90 had been a journey and the players returned to a huge reception of delirium. After the 1980s traumas on the international scene, combined with the tragedies of Heysel, Bradford and Hillsborough, the World Cup had made people proud to get behind English football again. High point: David Platt’s 120th minute winner against Belgium in the second round. Low point: The ugly 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland. VERDICT: Met expectations.

1992: European Championships (Sweden) Stage reached: Group stage Former Wolves manager Graham Taylor had taken over the reins after Italia 90 and England were drawn in Group A of the 1992 championships, along with favourites France, hosts Sweden and late entrants Denmark. It was a team that lacked international quality. The likes of Neil Webb, Keith Curle and Carlton Palmer were selected and Taylor’s approach of defensive football turned out to be very negative. Two awful 0-0 draws with Denmark and France at least kept England with a chance of progressing but that went with an uncomfortable evening in Solna against the hosts. David Platt put the Three Lions infront after three minutes, before Johnny Ekstrom equalised and a brilliant goal from Tomas Brolin put England out. Taylor’s decision to substitute Gary Lineker before the second Swedish strike would go on to have dire consequences for his remaining days as England manager. High point: None. Low point: Graham Taylor’s baffling decision to substitute Gary Lineker in the Sweden match. VERDICT: Below expectations. 1996: European Championships (England) Stage reached: Semi-finals drew 1-1 with Germany, beaten 6-5 on penalties.

Terry Venables had been manager following failure to qualify for USA 94 and this was the year when ‘Football came home.’ The country got right behind England and a run to the semi-finals made us all feel proud to be English again. A flat 1-1 draw in the tournament opener with Switzerland preceded a famous 2-0 success over Scotland, made special for Paul Gascoigne’s sensational second goal and the 4-1 thrashing of Holland when the Shearer/Sheringham combination looked untouchable. The last eight brought Spain to Wembley, who were unlucky not to win in normal time. In the shootout, Stuart Pearce earnt redemption for the World Cup of 1990 and David Seaman saved from defender Nadal to ensure England progressed. To date, it is the only penalty shootout victory the country has experienced. An early Shearer header (his 5th of the tournament) gave England the perfect start in the semi-final before Stefan Kuntz equalised for Germany 12 minutes later. Gascoigne and Darren Anderton missed golden opportunities and after two hours of pulsating drama, it went to penalties again.

The first five penalty takers were faultless for both teams but Gareth Southgate’s sudden death kick was tame and saved by Andreas Kopke. Andy Moller scored the German penalty to send them into the final. Venables left and Southgate became famous for doing Pizza Hut commercials with Pearce and Waddle. So close, yet so far once again. High point: Thrashing Holland 4-1 at Wembley in one of the great England performances. Low point: Gareth Southgate’s penalty is saved, when it looked so good for the hosts. VERDICT: Met expectations. 1998: World Cup (France) Stage reached: Second round, drew 2-2 with Argentina, beaten 4-3 on penalties Former player Glenn Hoddle took England to France 98 but it was another World Cup where expectations fell short. Hoddle’s decision to leave Paul Gascoigne out of his 22-man squad raised many eyebrows, as did his inclusion of 18-year-old sensation Michael Owen. Owen’s stock rose highest especially when he came off the bench and scored against Romania in Toulouse. A last minute goal from Dan Petrescu however won the match for the Eastern Europeans.

Victories over Tunisia and Colombia took England through as runners-up in Group G and this meant a match with old rivals, Argentina. It was a belting match in St. Etienne. Gabriel Bautista and Alan Shearer exchanged early penalties, before Owen took on half the Argentine defence, kept his balance and powered a shot past Carlos Roa. It was the moment a boy became a man. Javier Zanetti equalised and then shortly into the second half, David Beckham petulantly kicked out at Diego Simeone. Simeone made the most of it but Beckham was rightfully sent off for his actions. Sol Campbell had a goal disallowed and following a nervy extra-time, another penalty shootout beckoned. This time, it was Paul Ince and David Batty who came up short from 12 yards as the South Americans advanced. It was another competition that promised much but delivered so little. High point: Michael Owen’s wonderful goal against Argentina. Low point: David Beckham’s moment of madness in the same match, costing the team dearly. VERDICT: Below expectations.

Stage reached: Group stage, finished third in Group A Comments about disabled people led to Hoddle resigning in February 1999 following a media storm. Kevin Keegan had a crack at international management and England made it to Euro 2000, although they had to negotiate a tricky playoff against Scotland to do so. Drawn along with Germany, Romania and Portugal in Group A, the English started the campaign in style with Paul Scholes and Steve McManaman giving us a 2-0 lead inside 18 minutes against Portugal. However the classier Portuguese team fought back to win 3-2 and it was the story of England’s time in Belgium. Shearer produced a final moment of glory in his international career, with a cracking header to beat a poor German side in Charleroi and end 34 years of tournament pain. Unfortunately it was in vain as a 3-2 defeat to Romania when needing only a point to qualify for the quarter-finals meant England’s dismal European Championship record continued. High point: Alan Shearer’s header in Charleroi that ended 34 years of tournament pain against the Germans.

Low point: Throwing away a 2-0 lead in 18 minutes to lose 3-2 to Portugal. VERDICT: Below expectations. 2002: World Cup (Japan/South Korea) Stage reached: Quarter-finals, lost 2-1 to Brazil The FA went foreign for their next appointment, with Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson chosen to end the long wait for glory. Despite sordid details about his private life, Eriksson dealt well with the pressure and guided England to a respectable quarter-finals berth, which was as much as could be expected after a catalogue of injuries in the build-up. The high spot was redemption for the captain, David Beckham. Four years earlier, he was portrayed as a national disgrace. Now he became a national hero when he struck the winning penalty to beat Argentina in Sapporo. Draws with Sweden and Nigeria ensured progression from a tough looking Group F, followed by a convincing 3-0 win over Denmark in the last 16. Michael Owen gave England the perfect start in the last eight, opening the scoring against Brazil before Rivaldo equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Five minutes into the second half, Ronaldinho lobbed David Seaman from a direct free-kick and his goal was enough for Brazil to advance 2-1. A good effort considering the humid conditions in Asia and the injuries which meant the likes of Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard had to miss out on the 2002 World Cup experience. High point: David Beckham’s moment of redemption against Argentina from the penalty spot in Sapporo. Low point: Ronaldinho’s free-kick which curled over David Seaman’s head and sent England home. VERDICT: Met expectations. 2004: European Championships (Portugal) Stage reached: Quarter-finals, drew 2-2 with Portugal, beaten 6-5 on penalties Portugal in 2004 saw a mixture of the brilliant and the bad. The emergence of the most promising talent in Europe excited many but it was a competition that ended again in disappointment. Drawn in Group B alongside France, Switzerland and Croatia, England’s challenge began in disastrous circumstances against the reigning champions.

1-0 up from the 39th minute after Frank Lampard’s header, David Beckham had a penalty saved by Fabien Barthez before individual mistakes allowed Zinedine Zidane to score twice in stoppage time and earn Les Bleus a lucky victory. Rooney stole the limelight in the next two matches, scoring a brace in both games as Switzerland were brushed aside 3-0 and Croatia edged out 4-2. This set up a quarter-final with the hosts, Portugal. Michael Owen opened the scoring inside three minutes, before Rooney had to limp out of the game with a broken foot. Eriksson’s plan to hold onto the advantage disappeared when Spurs misfit Helder Postiga headed home in the last ten minutes to take the match into extra-time. Sol Campbell had a goal controversially chalked off in stoppage time by Swiss referee Urs Meier, leading to thousands of England supporters sending the official hatemail and death threats. Rui Costa and Lampard exchanged goals in extra-time, meaning penalties were the order of the day once again. Beckham’s forgettable tournament was compounded with a shocking penalty that went miles over the bar.

Rui Costa missed his kick but when Darius Vassell’s lacklustre penalty was saved by Ricardo, the Portugal goalkeeper stepped up confidently to beat David James and knock England out on their bogey area once again. High point: The emergence of Wayne Rooney. Low point: Blowing a 1-0 advantage against France, losing 2-1 to a stoppage time double from Zinedine Zidane. VERDICT: Below expectations. 2006: World Cup (Germany) Stage reached: Quarter-finals, drew 0-0 with Portugal, beaten 3-1 on penalties This was when the golden generation was meant to come good but it never gelled in Germany. Narrow victories over Paraguay and the amateurs of Trinidad & Tobago, along with a 2-2 draw with Sweden in Cologne did see an unimpressive England top Group B. David Beckham rolled back the years to score a decisive free-kick with was good enough to see off a stubborn Ecuador side in the last 16. Portugal were opposition again in the last eight where Wayne Rooney was sent off for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho. Beckham was forced off by injury on the hour and a terrible match ended goalless.

Once again, penalties beckoned and once again, it proved to be the downfall. Ricardo saved from Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and Cristiano Ronaldo finished England off 3-1 on penalties. It was the end for Sven-Goran Eriksson and it ended in traditional English fashion, beaten on penalty kicks. High point: Joe Cole’s stunning strike against Sweden in Cologne. Low point: Taking 83 minutes to score past an amateur Trinidad & Tobago team. VERDICT: Below expectations. 2010: World Cup (South Africa) Stage reached: Second round, lost 4-1 to Germany So much hope after an almost perfect qualifying record, England’s superstars flopped spectacularly in South Africa. Stand-in captain Steven Gerrard scored inside four minutes in Rustenberg against the USA but an awful error from Robert Green cost England dear as they were held to a 1-1 draw.

A dismal 0-0 draw with Algeria followed, leaving travelling supporters unimpressed and Wayne Rooney to say to a TV camera; “Nice to see your own supporters booing you.” Needing a win over Slovenia in Port Elizabeth, a better performance saw England into the knockout stages courtesy of a Jermain Defoe strike. A meeting with Germany in Bloemfontein was set-up. England may have had a perfectly good goal denied when Frank Lampard’s effort was ruled out despite having crossed the line but Fabio Capello’s team were thumped 4-1 as the Germans completely outplayed and outclassed a limp England team. High point: Steven Gerrard’s fourth minute opener against the USA in Rustenberg. It was as good as it got in South Africa. Low point: Drawing 0-0 with Algeria and Wayne Rooney’s reaction to the result. VERDICT: Below expectations. South Africa 2010 was a terrible experience to watch for England fans, whether you travelled or watched the dire performances on TV. At least Euro 2012 has matched expectations so far and when you get into the last eight, anything is possible.

By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88 Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12 Visit the Total Football Facebook page: facebook.com/totalfootballmag The Memorial of Football Victory: The Greatest European National Teams of All-Time The Greatest European National Teams of All-Time ﻿ In the earliest era of European football, England and Scotland was held together as the first ever international match in 1872. British teams and Central European teams dominated European football during the first half of the 20th Century. Italy is the first European team to win FIFA World Cup in 1934. In the second half of the 20th Century, Western European teams have become the authorization in Europe. In history of World Cup, it is only two tournaments European team did not appear in final match and European team won totally 10 World Cup champions as a record. It has been known as a dominance side of the World. Nevertheless, many political changes have effected to its football status especially separation of Eastern European nation, the domination has absolutely been transferred to West zone. European Championship was first held in 1960 as European Nation Cup.

The first tournament was not entered by many top nations in Europe and its final tournament was designed for four teams to participate. It was renamed to be the current one in 1968 and the qualifying round in group format was created in the same year. The number of final tournament was increased to 8 teams in 1980 and 16 teams in 1996. British Home Championship was an annual football competition contested between the United Kingdom's four national teams, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Ireland before its partition) from the 1883–84 season until the 1983-84 season. Nordic Football Championship was first played during 1924–1928, only Denmark, Norway and Sweden competed, but Finland joined for the second tournament, and at the last tournament played in 2000–2001, Iceland and the Faroe Islands also competed. Central European International Cup was an international football competition between 1927 and 1960.Participating nations were Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland and Yugoslavia.

Played as a league on a home and away basis, it was contested six times and each single tournament usually took more than two years to complete. Balkan Cup was an international football tournament played on and off between 1929 and 1980 between countries from the Balkan region. The first tournament was played between Romania, Greece, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. Then, Turkey and Albania participated for some tournaments. *Remark : 1) Yugoslavia and Soviet Union cover the best performance of its former members in each tournament. 2) European Championship all-time table include qualifying round. 26.

Football Association Year of Establishment : 1902 Zone : Scandinavia, Stadium : Ullevance (25,572 Seats) All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 45th Nordic Football Championship : WN (1), RN (2) All-Time European Championship Table : 20th European Championship : R12(1), R16(1), R20(5), R24(4) Olympic Games : 3rd (1) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (2), R16 (2), R24 (6) FIFA World Cup : R12 (1-A), R16 (1), R20 (1) All-Time Top Scorer : Jorgen Juve (33 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Rune Bradseth The Greatest Manager Ever : Egil Olsen “Drillos” Norway national team is one of top three football nations in Scandinavia. Its first international match was held in 1908 the same year as affiliation to FIFA. Norway first entered to play in official international tournament in the 1936 Olympic game and won Bronze Medal, this is regarded as their best achievement ever.

To confirm their golden era during the second half of the 1930s, Norway qualified for the 1938 FIFA World Cup final tournament. Norway was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Nevertheless, its football history was in the dark period after the post-war era and became the small football nation until met the second golden age in the 1990s when it turned professional in 1992. Norway was one of the strongest teams in Europe in the middle 1990s but disqualified for the 1994 FIFA World Cup second round despite won point as many as the winner of group. Norway participated for only appearance in European championship final tournament in 2000. 25.

Stadium : Windsor Park (24,374 Seats) All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 39th British Home Championship : WN (8) All-Time European Championship Table : 23rd European Championship : R12(2), R16(3), R20(2), R24(3) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R16 (6), R24 (7) All-Time World Cup Performance : QF(1),R12(1),R20(1) All-Time Top Scorer : David Healy (36 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : George Best The Greatest Manager Ever : Peter Doherty Northern Ireland national team is one of the parts in British football history, was founded as Ireland national team for the first international match in 1882. In 1884, Ireland competed in the inaugural British Home Championship. They affiliated to FIFA in 1911. In 1920 Ireland was partitioned into Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. Between 1928 and 1946 the IFA were not affiliated to FIFA and it was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954.

Northern Ireland achieved their best highlight of its history when they reached the 1958 FIFA World Cup quarter-final. They met another recognizable era in the 1980s, qualified for their last two World Cups. However, Northern Ireland has never qualified for European Championship final tournament, the narrowest occasions were created in the 1976 and the 1984 tournament. 24. European Championship : SF(1), QF (1), R12(1), R16(1) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R16 (1), R24 (8) All-Time World Cup Performance : QF(1) All-Time Top Scorer : Ian Rush (28 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : John Charles The Greatest Manager Ever : Mike Smith "The Dragons" Wales played its first international match with Scotland in 1876 and won the first international trophy at the 1907 British Home Championship. It becamea member of FIFA in 1906 but withdrew from FIFA matches since 1928 and re-affiliated in 1946. It also affiliated to UEFA in 1954.

Wales first played outside the British isles in 1933. Although Wales never qualified for UEFA Euro final tournament until 2016, it would have qualified for the model of 16 teams three times, achieving quarter-finalist in 1976. Wales achieved its longet winning streak at 6 game between 1980 nd 1981. Between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, Wales declined to the bottom group among European teams. In 2015, Wales Achieved its best ever FIFA Ranking at 8th place as a result from performance in the 2016 UEFA Euro qualification, was developed incrementally at 109 ranks from 117th in 2011. Wales qualified for EURO final tournament for the first time for 2016 and surprisingly achieved the semi-finalist. 22.

All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 49th All-Time European Championship Table : 13th UEF Euro : WN(1), QF(2), R16(3), R20(4), R24(2) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (1), R16 (4), R24 (7) FIFA World Cup : R16(1), R24(1), R28(1) All-Time Top Scorer : Nikos Anastopoulos (29 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Vassilis Hatzipanagis The Greatest Manager Ever : Otto Rehagel “Hellenic Football” Greece national team is famous for surprising the World when they could win European Championship in 2004. Its first international match was first held in 1929 two years after affiliation to FIFA. Greece first participated in World Cup qualification round of the 1934 tournament. They won runner-up in the 1935 Balkan Cup. Greece was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954.

Its history was known as the garden tree team, had never qualified for major tournament until got achievement to qualify in the 1980 European Championship. Greece qualified for FIFA World Cup for the first time in the 1994 tournament. In 2004, they won the victory European Championship title as the second appearance. This really changed history of Greece football to be a lot higher respectful team. Greece acquired the only game win in the 2010 World Cup. 21.

Football Association Year of Establishment : 1921 Zone : British Isles, Stadium : Aviva (51,700 Seats) All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 38th All-Time European Championship Table : 21th European Championship : R6(1), R12(1), R16(5), R20(4) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R16 (6), R24 (4) FIFA World Cup : QF(1), R16(2) All-Time Top Scorer : Robbie Keane (67 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Liam Brady The Greatest Manager Ever : Jack Charlton Republic of Ireland national team made its debut at the 1924 Olympics after affiliated to FIFA in 1923, reaching the quarter-finals. Between 1924 and 1936, the team competed as the Irish Free State and from then until 1950, it was referred to by the FAI as Éire or Ireland. In 1953, it is officially called as Republic of Ireland and was first admitted to UEFA in 1958.

They first participated in European Championship final tournament in 1964. Contrarily to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland spent four decades in the second half of the 20th Century with no appearance in FIFA World Cup until 1990 before went on participation for next two tournaments. The late 1980s to the early 1990s is the golden era of Irish football when they reached European Championship final tournament in 1988 following up by acquiring of its best ever place in history of World Cup with quarter-finalist in 1990 before made impressive performance in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. 20.

Stadium : Vasil Levski National (43,632 Seats) All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 33th Balkan Cup : WN (4), RN (1) All-Time European Championship Table : 22th UEFA Euro : QF(1), R12(3), R16(3), R20 (1), R24(4) Olympic Games : 1st (1), 2nd (1) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(2), R16(3), R24(9) FIFA World Cup : 4th (1),R12 (2), R16 (3), R32 (1) All-Time Top Scorer : Dimitar Berbatov (48 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Hristo Stoichkov The Greatest Manager Ever : Dimitar Penev Bulgaria national team is one of the strongest teams in Balkan Peninsula. Bulgaria played its international match and was affiliated to FIFA in 1924.

They first played in international tournament in the 1929 - 1931 Balkan Cup before won three titles in five during the first half of the 1930s. Bulgaria first participated in FIFA World Cup qualification round of the 1934 tournament. Bulgaria was one of the first members of UEFA in 1954. They finally qualified for their first ever World Cup of the 1962 tournament and could go on four consecutive appearances until 1974 but could not win in any game. They met their golden era during the middle 1990s, finished fourth place in the 1994 FIFA World Cup as the highest point in their history. They also participated in European Championship final tournament for the first time in 1996. However, their best achievement of the competition is a quarter-finalist in 1968. 19.

Olympic Games: 2nd(3),3rd(1),Confederation Cup : WN(1) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(2), R16(5), R24(3) FIFA World Cup : QF(1), R12(2), R24(1) All-Time Top Scorer : Poul Tist Nielsen, John Dahl Tomasson (52 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Michael Laudrup The Greatest Manager Ever : Richard Moller Nielsen Denmark national team is one of the greatest European teams in the earliest era of football. Denmark played it first official international match in 1908 and was affiliated to FIFA in 1904. As amateur status, Denmark played its first international tournament in the 1908 Olympic Games and won silver medal before went on golden era to win silver medal again in the next Olympic Games. They won the first international tournament in the first ever Nordic Championship held between 1924 and 1928. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 before first entered in the FIFA World Cup qualification for the 1958 tournament.

It is the first appearance of Denmark in the 1964 European Championship. Denmark was introduced professionalism in 1978. They spent a long period until qualified for their first ever World Cup of the 1986 tournament. The 1990s is the most successful era of Denmark. They were allowed to join the 1992 European Championship after Yugoslavia withdrew and surprised the World by winning the title. Denmark reached their best place ever in World Cup with fifth place in the 1998 tournament. 16. FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(2), R16(4), R24(5) FIFA World Cup : QF(3-A,1-B), R12(1), R16(4), R20(1) All-Time Top Scorer : Alexander Frei (42 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Severino Minelli The Greatest Manager Ever : Karl Rappan “Schweizer Nati” The Switzerland national team is known as one of the smallest football nations in the Europe. They first played international match in 1905 after joining with FIFA in 1904.

Switzerland entered to play their first international tournament in the 1924 Olympic Games and won silver medal immediately. This achievement is perhaps the best in their history as the Olympic Games was the best football tournament in the World at that time. Switzerland got successful period during the 1930s in FIFA World Cup after they participated for the first time in 1934. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and being host of World Cup in the same year and reached quarter-final round which is regarded as their best result ever in history of the tournament. They met the dark era during the 1970s and the 1980s, did not qualify for FIFA World Cup for six tournaments in row until 1994. They first qualified for European Championship final tournament in 1996. 15. All-Time Top Scorer : Wlodzimierz Lubanski (48 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Zbigniew Boniek The Greatest Manager Ever : Kazimierz Gorski ‘The White Eagles” The Poland national football team is one of the most prominent Eastern European teams during the first half 1970s.

Poland played its first international match in 1922 and was first a member of FIFA in the next year. Poland played its first international tournament in the 1924 Olympic Games. They first entered to participate in the 1938 FIFA World Cup and qualified for the final tournament at once. It was first affiliated to UEFA in 1955. They met the failure era through the 1950s and the 1960s until the golden era was crated when they won Gold Medal in the 1972 Olympic Games and went on winning third place in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Poland qualified for World Cup for five occasions in row between 1974 and 1986 before got flopping in the 1990s. It was the first appearance of Poland in European Championship final tournament in 2008 before being a host in 2012. 14.

Stadium : Stadionul National (55,200 Seats) All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 24th Balkan Cup : WN (4), RN (1) All-Time European Championship Table : 18th UEFA Euro : QF(4), R12(3), R16(2), R20(3), R24(1) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (3), R16 (8), R24 (2) FIFA World Cup : QF (1-A,1-B), R12 (2-A,3-B) All-Time Top Scorer : G. Hagi, A. Mutu (35 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Gheorghe Hagi The Greatest Manager Ever : Angel Iordanescu Romania national team is the considerably successful team from Eastern Europe even it is the only one in this zone to have never achieved concretely. Romania played the first international match in 1922 before admitted to FIFA in the next year.

Romania had the successful era during the 1930s, won the first ever Balkan Cup in 1931, participated in all three World Cup tournaments and was one of the founding members in the first ever FIFA World Cup. It was also one of the first members of UEFA in 1954. The dark era was happened during the 1950s and the 1960s, did not qualify for major tournament until 1970 and flopped disqualifying again through the 1970s until the first appearance in the 1984 European Championship. Romania’s golden age is the 1990s after they qualified for consecutive three World Cups and reached fifth place in the 1994 tournament as their best place ever. Romania reached their best result ever in history of European Championship in the 2000 quarter-finalist. 13.

All-Time Top Scorer : Ferenc Puskas (84 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Ferenc Puskas The Greatest Manager Ever : Gusztav Sebes “The Magical Magyars” Hungary national team is one of the greatest primes ever during the first half 1950s and is best known for being one of the most formidable and influential sides in football history. It is the greatest team ever in history of Olympic Games, hold the record most Gold medal with three. Hungary is the oldest team in Eastern Europe as its first official international match was held in 1902. The affiliation to FIFA was created in 1907. Hungary was introduced professionalism in 1924. They played the first international tournament in Central European international Cup in 1927 and never played in Olympic Games before World Cup era. They first entered to play the first World Cup in the 1934 tournament and could win runner-up in the 1938 FIFA World Cup. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954.

is best known for being one of the most formidable and influential sides in football history, The side of that era has the all-time highest Football Elo Ranking in the world, with 2166, and one of the longest undefeated runs in football history, remaining unbeaten in 31 games, spanning over more than 4 years. The post-golden age decades saw a gradually weakening Hungary. They has become a normal team in Europe during the 1990s and the 2000s. 12. FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (3), R16 (7), R24 (6) FIFA World Cup : 3rd(1), 4th(1), R12(1), R20(2), R24(1) All-Time Top Scorer : Cristiano Ronaldo (61 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Cristiano Ronaldo The Greatest Manager Ever : Luis Felipe Scolari “The Navigators” Portugal national team is one of the most technical teams in the Europe. They played the first international match in 1921 and joined with FIFA in 1923.

Portugal played its first international tournament in the 1928 Olympic Games. They first entered to play in the FIFA World Cup qualification of the 1934 tournament. Portugal had to wait until their golden era coming visit to make the first appearance in FIFA World Cup of the 1966 tournament and immediately won third place as their best result ever. The 1970s and the 1980s was the dark era of Portugal until return to make first participation in European Championship of the 1984 tournament and could reach semi-final round, also qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. The 2000s is their second greatest era, qualified for all three European Championships and World Cups, finished runner-up as their best ever place in the 2004 European Championship as host and finished fourth place in the 2006 tournament. 10.

Football Association Year of Establishment : 1904 Zone : Scandinavia, Stadium : Ullevi (43,000Seats) All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 13th Nordic Football Championship : WN (9), RN (4) All-Time European Championship Table : 12th UEFA Euro : SF(1), QF(2), R12(1), R1(4), R20(2), R24(2) Olympic Games : 1st (1), 3rd (2), 4th (1) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (5), R16 (7), R24 (3) FIFA World Cup : RN(1), 3rd(1-A,1-B), 4th(1-A), QF(2), R12(1), R16(4), R24 (1) All-Time Top Scorer : Zlatan Ibrahimovic (59 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Nils Liedholm The Greatest Manager Ever : George Raynor The Swedish national team is the greatest Scandinavian team of all-time. They played first international match in 1908 after admitted to FIFA for four years.

Sweden played its first international tournament in the 1908 Olympic Games and won fourth place. They participated in their first World Cup ever in the 1934 tournament. Sweden won its first Nordic championship in 1936 and finally holds the record most tournament winners at nine. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Sweden reached semi-final round in the last pre-war World Cup and the first post-war World Cup and also won their only Olympic Games gold medal in 1948. Sweden won runner-up as their best place ever in the 1958 FIFA World Cup as host. Sweden was introduced professionalism in 1967. It was the failure era of Sweden in the 1960s and the 1980s. The first half of the 1990s is their another prominent era after it entered to play in their first ever European Championship final tournament in 1992 as host and reached semi-final round as their best place ever before finished third place in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. 9.

Olympic Games : 1st (2), 3rd (3) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (10), R16 (5) FIFA World Cup : 4th(1), QF(5), R12(1), R20(2), R24(2) All-Time Top Scorer : Andriy Shevchenko (48 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Lev Yashin The Greatest Manager Ever : Valery Lobanovski “Red Army” The Soviet Union National Football Team was one of the strongest sides of the Europe during the 1960s. The All-Russian Football Union was affiliated to FIFA in 1912 before changed to Soviet Union later and Its first international match was held in 1924. Soviet Union was first admitted to FIFA in 1946 and was one of the first members of UEFA in 1954. Soviet Union entered to play in World Cup for the first time in the 1958 tournament as the same period as their beginning of golden era.

Between 1958 and 1972, Soviet finished quarter-finalist for three times in World Cup and reached fourth place as their best place ever in the World Cup of the 1966 tournament and they also won the first ever European Championship in their home in 1960 and finished runner-up twice in that period. After the failure in the middle to second half 1970s, they returned to show top-class performance again in the 1980s. Soviet Union played the last tournament in the 1992 European Championship before the big separation of nation. Since then, Russia was first appeared in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Ukraine first participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and reached quarter-final round as the best place in World Cup among former-Soviet nations. 8. All-Time Top Scorer : Davor Suker (45 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Dragan Dzajic The Greatest Manager Ever : Ivica Osim “White Eagles” Yugoslavia national team is regarded as the most beautiful style of play in the Europe as its players have been a naturally technical gift.

The national team was founded the Kingdom of Serbs in the first international match in 1920. The affiliation to FIFA was created in 1923, played its first international tournament in the 1924 Olympic games and it was one of the founding members in the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930. The greatest era of Yugoslavia was happened in the 1950s to the early 1960s when its superstars formed the team until reaching semi-final round as their best ever place in the FIFA World Cup of the 1962 tournament and additionally finished runner-up in the first ever European Championship in 1960. Even they disqualified for the 1966 and 1970 FIFA World Cup, it is surprising that the team could finish second place again in the 1968 European Championship. Yugoslavia met another prominent time in the late 1980s and played the last tournament in the 1990 FIFA World Cup before the partition of nation and was suspended in the 1992 European Championship and the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Afterwards, Croatia and Serbia-Montenegro made their first appearance for the international tournament in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Croatia could win third place. 7. All-Time Top Scorer : Jan Koller (55 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Josef Masopust The Greatest Manager Ever : Rudolf Vytlačil “The Bohemian-Moravian” Czechoslovakia the greatest Eastern European team of all-time, Is one of the only six teams to ever reach final match in both European Championship and FIFA World Cup. They affiliated to FIFA in 1907 but it was more than a decade to play in the officially first international match in 1920. It was their first international tournament as the participation in the 1920 Olympic Games. Czechoslovakia played their first ever World Cup in 1934 and could finish runner-up immediately. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Czechoslovakia won the last Central European international cup in 1960 and won third place in the first ever European Championship in the same year.

The 1962 FIFA World Cup runner-up and the 1976 European Championship Champion are regarded as their greatest achievements ever. They played the last competition in the 1992 European Championship qualifying round before the partition of nation. Czech Republic played its first tournament in the 1996 European Championship and could win vice-champion. Czech republic and Slovakia played in their only World Cup in the 2006 and the 2010 tournament, respectively. 6.

FIFA Confederation Cup : 3rd (1) FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(9), R16(5), R24(1) FIFA World Cup: WN(1),4th(1A),QF(1A,3B),R12(6),R20(1), R24(1), Olympic Games : 1st (1), 2nd (2) All-Time Top Scorer : David Villa (56 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Luis Suarez Miramontes The Greatest Manager Ever : Vicente Del Bosque “The Red Fury” Spain is proud as the only team in history to win three major international tournament in row, won twice Euro and a World Cup between 2008 - 2012. It is one of four nations to ever won both FIFA World Cup and European Championship. They holds the World record most games unbeaten with 35 between 2007 and 2009 and also the record most consecutive game wins with 15 between 2008 and 2009, tied with Germany as the most appearance in European Championship final with three.

Spain was first admitted to FIFA in 1914 and played its first ever international match in the 1920 Olympic Games and immediately won Silver medal, is the only concrete achievement of them in the pre-war era. Spain was introduced professionalism in 1926. They played in their first ever World Cup in 1934. Spain was successful in the 1950 FIFA World Cup as finishing third place. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Spain won the 1964 European championship as their first ever appearance. Since 1978, Spain has qualified for World Cup every nine tournaments in row. They finished runner-up in the 1984 European Championship. The golden era came visit during the late 2000s after they won the 2008 European Championship and their only FIFA World Cup of the 2010 tournament. Spain every disqualified for World Cup for four times during the 1950s and the 1970s. 2.

Italy All-Time Top Scorer : Luigi Riva (35 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Giuseppe Meazza The Greatest Manager Ever : Vittorio Pozzo ‘Azzuri” Italy is the most FIFA World Cup winners among European teams, is officially the greatest team of the World in the 1930s, has been well-known as its naturally defensive style of play. They affiliated to FIFA in 1905 and played its first international match in 1910. The 1912 Olympic Games was its first international tournament. Italy was introduced professionalism in 1923 Italy won the first ever Central European intercontinental cup in 1930 and won the second title in 1935 following up by winning the 1936 Olympic Games Gold medal. Azzuri won its first FIFA World Cup in 1934 as their first appearance and became the first team to win two consecutive World Cups after won the 1938 tournament. Italy was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and they disqualified for the 1958 World Cup as the only time in their history.

The late 1960s is one of their remarkable eras when it won the 1968 European Championship as their first ever participation and reached the 1970 FIFA World Cup final. Italy won its first post-war World Cup in 1982. They was very close to win again in 1994 but lost in penalty before finish vice-champion in the 2000 European Championship. Italy won their fourth World Cup champion in 2006 greatly. 1. Germany All-Time Top Scorer : Miroslav Klose (71 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Franz Beckenbuer The Greatest Manager Ever : Helmut Schon “Iron Eagle” Germany is the greatest European team of all-time, holds the record most winners in European Championship, place the number one in the European Championship final tournament all-time table and is the only European team to have never disqualified for World Cup as it did not enter in 1930 and was banned in 1950. Germany is also the most appearance in FIFA World Cup final among European teams with 7. They played the first international match in 1908.

They played their first ever World Cup in 1934. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 as West Germany and won their first ever World Cup champion in the same year. West Germany played their first ever European Championship in 1972 and finish runner-up before won the 1974 FIFA World Cup as host. Germany ties with Brazil holds the record most consecutive appearance in FIFA World Cup final with 3, was created between 1982 and 1990. East Germany ever qualified for World Cup just once time in 1974. After the re-unification of Germany, they acquired only champion in the 1996 European Championship, finished runner-up in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Germany’s lowest place ever in World Cup is tenth in the 1938 tournament. It holds the World record most consecutive international games win exclude friendly matches with 15 achieved in the 2010 to 2012. Germany is the only nation in history to win the World Cup trophy outside its continent between Europe-South Americas, achieved in 2014.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Statistics By Zone (Divided base on geographic) Northern Europe : 8 Soccer-Poland coach sees solid base for future success Soccer-Poland coach sees solid base for future success * Disappointed Poland turn attention to next World Cup * Polish defence breached just twice By John Irish MARSEILLE, France, June 30 (Reuters) - Poland have proved at Euro 2016 that they can compete with the best, but must now step up a level to be able to progress further in future tournaments, coach Adam Nawalka said on Thursday. Poland, who had never won a European Championship match prior to this tournament, go home without losing a game in open play after falling to Portugal on penalties at the quarter-final stage in Marseille. However, they take some solace from the way they have defended throughout their five games, conceding just two goals, which included holding world champions Germany to a goalless draw. "It's definitely a tough moment for us. The players put a lot of heart into this match," Nawalka told reporters. "We haven't lost a match at this tournament and we had our chances today.

But we need to look with optimism into the future because we've made another step forward." Poland failed to get out of the group stage when it co-hosted the tournament in 2012 and Euro 2016 was the best result by a Polish team since they finished third at the World Cup in 1974 and 1982. When asked whether his team could now push on from this experience, Nawalka said: "I hope so. We proved that we are good enough and played interesting football. "This championship has begun a fantastic era of emotions that we want to continue bringing to the fans." That feeling was echoed by centre back Kamil Glik. "There are a lot of positives from this tournament. We want to take this good experience forward for the World Cup qualifiers now," he said. With much of the focus ahead of the game on striker Robert Lewandowski failing to score in seven matches, Nawalka sought to defend his captain after he ended his barren spell with a calmly-placed second-minute goal. "Lewandowski is still and is always an important element for this team. He is the captain, motivates players and sets an example," Nawalka said.

"This tournament was good for us and him and he is an integral part of this team." (Reporting By John Irish; Editing by Toby Davis) Reblog

Question: Which European nation finished third in football's 1974 and 1982 World Cup Tournaments?
Answer: POLAND