Germany won their third European Championship title using a golden goal in extra time, the first time this rule decided a major tournament final.
Key Facts
- Venue
- Wembley Stadium, London
- Attendance
- 73,611 spectators
- Final Score
- Germany 2–1 Czech Republic (AET)
- Golden Goal Minute
- 95th minute
- Golden Goal Scorer
- Oliver Bierhoff (his 2nd goal of the match)
- Germany's Championship Titles
- 3rd European Championship title (record)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Both Germany and the Czech Republic emerged from Group C, with Germany finishing first and the Czech Republic second. Germany eliminated Croatia and then England (via penalty shoot-out) in the semi-finals, while the Czech Republic defeated Portugal and France (also via penalties) to reach the final at Wembley Stadium on 30 June 1996.
The final ended 1–1 after 90 minutes, forcing extra time. In the 95th minute, German substitute Oliver Bierhoff scored a golden goal — his second of the match — to give Germany a 2–1 victory. The match was refereed by Italy's Pierluigi Pairetto and watched by 73,611 spectators.
Germany claimed a record third European Championship title. The match is historically notable as the first major international tournament final decided by the golden goal rule, which awards an immediate victory to the team scoring first in extra time, a format that was later discontinued by UEFA in 2004.
Result
at Wembley Stadium, London