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| EURO CUP |
The UEFA EURO, previously known as the
European Championship or Euro Cup, started in 1960 by UEFA to determine the best national team in
Europe. The tournament is held every four years, alternating every two with the
FIFA World Cup, and is hosted by a different member nation. There are 52 teams
in Europe that play to qualify for the final 16 positions in group play.
After Pierre
De Coubertin (Olympic Games), Jules Rimet (World Cup) and Gabriel Hanot
(Champions Cup), during the 50s another French man is the inventor of a sport
event: the competition is the European Championship for national team, the man
is Henri Delaunay, first secretary of the newcomer UEFA. Unfortunately, many
countries opposed the project, and Delaunay died before it could be finalized.
Anyway, his son Pierre carried on the idea, and in 1958 a commission presented
a first edition during the period 1958-1960, with a format including only
knockout games: first a qualifying round and a last 16 round with two legs
matches, and a final round in a specific venue. The plan was voted down by
Germany, England, Scotland, Switzerland, Belgium, and Netherlands. Also Italy
decided not to take part to the Championship; at the end just 17 of 33 teams
joined the tournament. As the number was reduced, it took just a two legs match
between Czechoslovakia and Eire to have 16 teams. Eire won 2-0 at Dalymount
Park in Dublin, but Czechoslovakia in the second leg had a penalty after 4
minutes, then at the end they defeated the Irish 4-0, qualifying to the Last 16
round.
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