Wednesday, 23 June 2021

1984 European Championships: Michel Platini's nine goals

As Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated scoring a penalty against Hungary in Portugal's opening match of Euro 2020 - in that typical understated way of his - the goal that clinched three points for his country contained added significance. 

The successful spot kick broke a record held by a man who played a big part in the organisation of Euro 2020. He may have been widely appreciated as a player, but Michel Platini was far from popular in his stint as UEFA President.

Monday, 7 June 2021

1984 European Championships: France v Portugal

There have been a number of memorable European Championship semi-finals in the years I've been immersing myself in all things football. Another chapter of the Danish story against the Netherlands in 1992; England's heartache at Wembley; more Dutch penalty shootout disappointment against ten-man Italy in 2000; the spectacle of Germany-Turkey in 2008.

But you never forget your first. And placing my England hat to one side for the moment, the sheer drama of the France v Portugal semi-final in Marseille during Euro 84 takes some beating. It would be a night dripping in tension, ecstasy and agony, an evening that almost saw a Portuguese pin pop the French bubble.