This Day in History: 2022-12-15

Nr. 366

SOVIET UNION WIN FIRST EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS (1960)

While the inaugural European Championships, known originally as the Nations’ Cup, was a rather limp and unloved affair, the Soviet Union had few complaints as they became Europe’s first national champions. Only 17 teams entered the competition and over the course of a year a series of home and away games were played until they were whittled down to four – France, the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia – who progressed to the final in France. In the semi-finals the Soviets overcame the Czechs 3-0 in Marseille with two goals from Valentin Ivanov and one from Viktor Ponedelnik, while Yugoslavia advanced after fighting out a thrilling 5-4 win over France.
With the hosts out a crowd of only 18,000 bothered to watch the final at the Parc des Princes. Yugoslavia took the lead two minutes before half-time through Milan Galic, before the Soviets replied with two goals. The first was from Slava Metreveli and then in extra-time Ponedelnik scored the winner.

Action from the final as the Soviet Union strike force bear down on the Yugoslavian goal.