The qualifying competition for the 1972 championship finals saw few surprises. In Group 7, however, the multi-skilled Dutch side came only second to 1968 runners-up Yugoslavia. They would have to wait until the World Cup two years later to show us how good they were.

In the quarter-finals, which again acted as play-offs for Finals qualification, Hungary and Romania were drawn together and were difficult to separate.

After 1-1 and 2-2 draws, and this being in the time before the away goals' rule, a third match was required which Hungary won 2-1 at home.

Belgium, hosts for the Finals, delighted everyone by knocking out holders Italy. Having secured a 0-0 draw away, the Belgians played wonderfully well at home and knocked the Italians out 2-1 on aggregate. Similarly, the USSR drew 0-0 away to Yugoslavia before knocking them out at home 3-0.

England, meanwhile, met West Germany once again and, on a rain-sodden night at Wembley in the first leg, English hopes of European Championship success more or less "drowned".

The match had a capacity crowd on its feet throughout but it was evident early on that England had a tough task if they were to overcome a talented German team which, despite playing away, did not take on a defensive outlook.

Fast, attacking football often had England reeling. In midfield Netzer and Wimmer frequently tore holes in the English defence. The home team also had its fare share of the play but Beckenbauer, Breitner and Schwarzenbeck remained supremely cool, quick and tenacious.

After 26 minutes West Germany went ahead when a shot from Uli Hoeness was deflected out of the reach of Banks and found its way into the net. At this period of the game, the class and skill of the Germans was apparent but one felt that England had plenty in reserve to stay in the match.

Whereas in the opening half the Germans had held sway, England swept forward time and time again after the interval.

Their play, however, lacked imagination and it seemed impossible to outwit Sepp Maier in the German goal. When Francis Lee finally equalised after Maier had only been able topalm away a Bell cross-shot, it seemed that England had saved the day.

The last six minutes, however, were disastrous. Firstly, Bobby Moore gave away a needless penalty which was converted by Netzer (although Banks was unfortunate not to bring off a great save); and secondly, Emlyn Hughes presented Muller with his one golden opportunity which he converted into the best goal of the match.

In the return match, a dreary game played in Berlin, both goalkeepers had a relatively trouble-free afternoon and the game was remarkable for the failure of either side to mount a credible attack on goal.

The Finals, in Belgium, drew the hosts against the favourites, West Germany, who duly won with two goals by the prolific Gerd Müller and the Soviet Union prevailed against Hungary in the other semi to reach their third Final in four tournaments.

The Germans won the Final comfortably, 3-0, thanks to another two goals from Müller, which brought his total, including qualifying, to 11 in the tournament.

Tournament Statistics

1972 European Championship - Qualifying statistics
1972 European Championship - Finals statistics