1964 European football championships The 1964 European Nations Cup was the second episode in the European Championships history. The 1964 Finals was held in Spain. Twenty Nine teams entered the competition, all the nations taking part played home and away matches until the stage of the semi- finals. The shock of the qualifying stages was without doubt European minnows Luxembourg’s victory against Holland. They were then up against Denmark to whom they lost in a replay match after both ties ended all square.
The remaining semi- finalists included Denmark, Soviet Union, Hungary and the host nation, Spain.
The opening semi – final between the Soviet Union and Denmark ended up in a 3- 0 victory to the Soviet Union. Hungary were fancied by many to win the competition however the stumbled in the other semi- final tie against the hosts, Spain 2-1 in extra time. The 1960 European Championships final was between the host nation Spain and once again the Soviet Union were featured in the final looking to defend their title.
The match was played in front of a packed crowd of nearly 80,000 at the Santiago Bernabeu; France won the match 2-1 thanks to a late winner from their legendary player Marcelino. The Soviets outplayed Spain in the closing stages of a tight match, and they won the coupe D’Europe. The ecstatic 125,000 crowd witnessed the Soviets win the trophy.
The Nou Camp was the venue for the third place playoff final between Hungary and Denmark, to everyone’s surprise the score was 1-1 after ninety minutes had been played, however Hungary were to beat Demark 3-1 after two late goals in extra time.