Czech Republic to revisit Wembley 30 years after Euro '96 final
September 29, 2026 08:00
WHAT HAPPENED
Euro 1996 was the first European Championship after Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech side began the tournament as outsiders, with most of the squad still playing in their domestic league and some players having made little expectation of a deep run.
They opened with a 2-0 defeat by Germany at Old Trafford, then beat Italy 2-1 at Anfield. A late equaliser from Vladimir Smicer helped secure a 3-3 draw with Russia at Anfield; that result, combined with Italy failing to beat Germany (0-0), was enough to send the Czechs through.
Highlights of their run included Karel Poborsky's memorable scooped goal in a 1-0 quarter-final win over Portugal at Villa Park and a goalless semi-final with France at Old Trafford that the Czechs won 6-5 on penalties. Penalty takers included Pavel Nedved, Patrik Berger and Poborsky.
In the final at Wembley they led Germany after 59 minutes through a Patrik Berger penalty but Germany won with a golden goal.
KEY CONTEXT
Players and staff at the time were still coming to terms with their own success. Berger recalled that some opponents underestimated them: "He was asking me what my plans were for the summer. I said 'I'm going to the Euros' and he said 'to watch games?'" Berger said of then-Germany defender Jurgen Kohler. On penalties he added: "You don't want to go there. If someone says something different they're lying. Nobody wants to take that penalty." He also reflected: "We were living the dream. It was an amazing feeling. An amazing moment for the country." The tournament produced large scenes in Prague, where thousands of Czech fans turned out in the city centre.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The Czech Republic meet England in Prague on Tuesday (19:45 BST) and then at Wembley on 6 October, the latter fixture arriving close to the 30th anniversary of their Euro '96 campaign.