European Nations Cup 1960 - Historical Football Kits

European Nations Cup 1960 Final Stage

european nations campionship 1960 The first UEFA European Nations Cup had 17 entrants (West Germany, Italy and England were among those that declined their invitation). After a preliminary round to reduce the number of teams to 16, the teams played off in two knock-out rounds to produce four finalists. On the instructions of General Franco's fascist government, the Spanish Federation refused to travel to the Soviet Union for their quarter-final and withdrew.

The venue for the finals was decided once the four qualifying teams were known.

Semi-Finals

Yugoslavia

France

Yugoslavia 5 France 4

Parc des Princes, Paris (26,730)
6 July 1960

The inaugural Nations Cup opened with a thrilling game that swung first one way then the other. Yugoslavia scored first but Jean Vincent equalised within a minute and just before half-time, Les Bleus took the lead. Wisnieski added France's third (53 minutes) but Žanetić immediately pulled one back. France made it 4-2 just after an hour's play but in a remarkable four minute spell, Yugoslavia scored three.

French supporters watching on TV complained that it was impossible to distinguish the two sides on their black and white sets so France adopted all-white change strips afterwards.

(Jon Jones)

Soviet Union

Czechoslovakia

Soviet Union 3 Czechoslovakia 0

Stade Vélodrome, Marseille (25,184)
6 July 1960

In a robust game, the Soviet team overpowered their opponents.

Third Place Play-Off

Czechoslovakia

France

Czechoslovakia 2 France 0

Stade Vélodrome, Marseille (9,438)
9 July 1960

France were perhaps demoralised by their dramatic semi-final defeat and a small crowd saw them succumb to Czechoslovakia.

Final

Soviet Union

Yugoslavia

Soviet Union 2 Yugoslavia 1 (after extra time)

Parc des Princes, Paris (17,966)
10 July 1960

Yugoslavia took the lead just before half-time but the Soviets equalised four minutes into the second half. The winner came in the 23rd minute of extra time. This was the Soviet Union's only international title.