Documentary: Euro 1960 - The First Ever European Championships

Published on: March 18, 1960 By Drew

Summary:

The inaugural 1960 European Championships, marked by political intrigue such as Spain's withdrawal over Franco's concerns about facing the Soviet Union, culminated in a dramatic Soviet victory against Yugoslavia after extra time.

Key Takeaways:

The 1960 European Championships, inspired by Henri Delaunay, took place in France. Despite a strong qualifying campaign, several prominent teams declined to join the tournament.
Spain's exit from the quarter-finals, driven by the political climate under Franco's regime concerning the Soviets, significantly altered the tournament's dynamics.
The final showdown between the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia was a fiercely contested match that reached extra time, with the Soviets triumphing 2-1.
Legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin's outstanding performances were crucial to securing their victory.
This tournament not only highlighted the rising significance of international football but also exposed the political complexities influencing the sport.