1980 European Football Championship

The 1980 European Football Championship (Euro 80) final tournament was held in Italy. This was the 6th edition of the European Football Championship, held every four years and endorsed by UEFA. The final tournament took place between June 11 and June 22, 1980.

Related Topics:
Italy - European Football Championship - UEFA - June 11 - June 22 - 1980

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This was the first edition in which eight teams, rather than four, could qualify for the final tournament. Seven of these countries had to qualify for the final stage. Also for the first time, the hosts, in this case Italy, qualified automatically for the finals.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Because of the expanded format, the final tournament went through some changes as well. Two groups of four teams each were created; each team would play all others within their group. The winners of the groups would go straight to the final (there were no semi-finals), while the runners-up disputed the third place match.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~