Show Notes
The very modern European Championships, saved four years ago from ruin, kicked off with the experienced hosts against a vibrant young Italy, a shambolic game but a familiar outcome between Denmark and Spain, England's "FA Cup tie" against the Republic of Ireland and the mouthwatering prospect of the Dutch against the Soviet Union.
This episode was first aired on 6 July 2023
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More from Nessun Dorma Retro Football Podcast
The 1988 semi finals were a clash of cultures. History provided all the backdrop required in Hamburg as the Dutch sought revenge for the 1974 and much more besides whereas the USSR and Italy played out a clash of aesthetics in Stuttgart.
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It was jeopardy for those who still had a fighting chance of the semi finals. Spain realistically needed to beat West Germany in Munich with Italy only needing a draw against Denmark and the following day the Dutch needed to beat the Irish who knew that they probably only needed a draw as England limped to the end of their road against the USSR.
Our journey reaches the European Championships of 1988 but thankfully, we've already covered it in-depth already. For those of you who haven't already enjoyed it, we are re-releasing it this week.
In what is fast becoming one of our most enjoyable shows, Aidan Williams joins Martyn to go over how qualifying for Euro '88 took shape. England look like world beaters and the Dutch could have been watching on from home. And for those who just missed out, there are signs of what was to come in the following decade.