20 years Golden Goal: Bierhoff's Monument

As the June 30 1996, changed the lives of Oliver Bierhoff fundamentally. With his golden goal in the European Championship final wrote today Team Manager history and secured Germany the third European title after 1972 and 1980th

Joachim Loew is his team manager Oliver Bierhoff currently prefer to avoid. ". I'll be glad when I do not hear the The Oliver told often enough," the coach said at the beginning of the week - and he grinned broadly. Already goalkeeping coach Andy Köpke had the team in a speech asked whimsically during Euro 2012, but please finally take the title: "I do not have to constantly talk about Germany's last European Championship victory."

Löw and Köpke speak of 30 June 1996 on which Oliver Bierhoff with his golden goal in the European Championship final against the Czech Republic (2: 1) has secured a firm place in German football history. Even today, 20 years later, the last German European title is inevitably linked with the name Bierhoff.

"Having achieved this goal, of course, an honor of which I am proud," the 48-year-old said a few days ago in the EM-quarters of the German national team in Evian, for the umpteenth time he talk about his feelings of that time should. "But," he intended to, "sometime after 20 years it is enough then. It is about time we write a new story."

Bierhoff's rise is closely linked to this goal

But as a story, it will no longer exist after the abolition of the rule in the year of 2004.Bierhoff, hitherto only reserve player, advanced from one to the other second hero."The Golden Goal has changed my life. Only then I have been fully recognized in Germany," he told the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung", after he had grown up as a footballer in Italy. He was pleased, "I had this good fortune to experience such a crucial moment in the history of football".

He did not "felt the great trust" under German coach Berti Vogts to the final, he recalled. But Vogts brought Bierhoff in the 69th minute for Mehmet Scholl and proved a golden touch. The scorer was like initially the Czech leadership by Patrick Berger (73), before in the 95th minute followed at London's Wembley Stadium the really big moment: a cross from Jurgen Klinsmann landed in the penalty area with Bierhoff, who turned left on its own axis and fired. He had "not thought in life that, goes in the ball."But goalkeeper Petr Kouba let slip the slightly deflected by Kullerball hands - Germany was the third time European champion.

Blackout the goal

He had a "three-minute blackout" after the hit, Bierhoff said later. It was something "incomprehensible". Such incomprehensible that Bierhoff "first time and last time" in his career, the jersey ripped from her body in ecstasy-mode. He had the "getting a bit ridiculous" found in other, yet somehow the "whole ballast ceased and there was pure joy" is. Only the next morning had become him realize "what effect our victory had".

Especially for Bierhoff himself. The angular and header strong striker who played in Italy in Ascoli, Udine at AC Milan and Verona, was now in his home country a large number. According to the 1998 World Cup took Bierhoff (70 matches, 37 goals) in the national team even the captaincy in 2014 he served as team manager for world titles at. But will remain forever a golden goal by 1996 - although Löw the story may not hear.

Gastón Filgueira sees sequence playoffs for Náutico and sees the G4 Series B

in Serie B, the alvirrubro team face Atletico-GO, second in the standings. Then you get the CRB, fourth. Out of the two matches with good results leaves the team with great possibilities to enter the G4 Segundona. This, for example, is the left side Gastón Filgueira vision. "Now we have two games with direct confrontation. We need to get a good result there in Goiania to, at home, take the CRB that is in front of us too. We have to perfect these two games to get a positive result, "said the Uruguayan, who has acted as a steering wheel in the later rounds.



For Gastón, the B Series is still with several teams able to get a place in the Brazilian Series. For example, the 11th - placed Brazil Pelotas, is three points CRB team that opens the zone classification of the best placed of the competition. "It is very tangled. If you win two games, you are in the fray. If you lose two, he stays behind. The important thing is to always be close to the G4 for us at the end or as soon as possible, take a leap to be among the top four. We're getting in the middle of the championship. It is important to stay in fifth place, "Gaston said.

Taiberson recovers from injury and should strengthen against Náutico alethic-GO, Serra Dourada
Player was out of the team since duel against Vasco, in the ninth round of Series B


Gradually, the coach Alexandre Gallo gets into the full-bodied cast again to compete in the Series B. As for the game against Atletico-GO on Saturday, an effort must be made ​​available to the offensive sector Thimphu. Taiberson fulfilled the transition period after suffering a muscle injury, was integrated into the group in training on Thursday and should be part of athletes in relation to the confrontation at Serra Dourada Stadium, the 14th round. The "should" refers to the fact Alexander Gallo closes his training in working with the entire squad available, in addition to not disclose the relationship players for games. On Thursday, for example, the press only had access to heating. In it, Taiberson usually participated with other colleagues. For the match, however, the athlete must not have the position guaranteed holder again. At the time he was out of action immediately after the match against Vasco, in the ninth round, the player saw Ron and Jefferson not stand out as major weapons Nautical offensive in the fight for a place in G4. How is returning from injury is possible in this scenario that Taiberson stay on the bench. For the clash against Atletico-GO, there is also other questions in the lineup holder Alexandre Gallo team. One of the questions falls on the left side and can promote other disturbed. . Matheus Muller and Henry with recent performances below expectations, the coach can promote the return of Gastón the side and promote Ygor entry as wheel after praise on the athlete 's performance against Luverdense Thus, the possible alvirrubra squad is: Julio Cesar; Joazi, Rafael Pereira, Eduardo and Henry; Gastón, Gustavo Henrique (Hugo), Jefferson Nor, Renan Oliveira and Ron; Bergson (James Adan). Eurico also trains Others who also participated in the handling of Thursday was the wheel Eurico. The athlete, however, can be made ​​available for the game against CRB on Tuesday.

One night just for them

It was expected that France might strengthen a little more to the doubts generated from the first day. Of his three companions group, he played at face level. For its part Switzerland, with what is perhaps his best generation of talented players, he should step forward to prove to everyone, but especially herself, who know and can compete with any opponent. The 0-0 was lackadaisical, leaving to remember the shots on the posts Pogba and Payet, as well as the good performance of Sommer beside the pile of broken Tees Swiss.

No one, except perhaps the fans at the Lille Métropole, remember the duel between the hosts and their Central European neighbors. Quite the opposite will happen regarding the stake held in the Stade de Lyon. There Romania, which had shown a good tone in his two previous games, and Albania, which surprisingly had options until the end when he faced both Switzerland and France faced. Then weighed them inexperience, nerves betrayed them to define before the goalkeeper, a figure, the goalkeeper, which plunged them into sadness soon after beginning the day of its debut.

But they could still redeem himself. After decades of ostracism first to the Yugoslav power, then to the various rallies in Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and even Bosnia, Albanians were clearly the worst Balkan selection. Macedonia and Montenegro until they have had their moments. Albania no, never to machada two years ago when Portugal won 0-1. Even though the Portuguese have chronic problems in front of goal, it was still a surprise. There began as exciting as tortuous path that gave them in qualifying for the first big tournament selections in its history.

Until last night, when after the defeat against Switzerland (1-0) and France (2-0), they dreamed big goodbye. A goal to celebrate, a point to remember, a joy that evoke. Something deserved, for it fought for every ball as if it were the last. The lack of quality palliated with the order and illusion, scratching ankles, running down every ball with despair. This led to climax shortly before half - time. A ball hung from the right sector Memushaj reached the head of Armando Sadiku , who introduced the ball into the goal. The error will be as anecdotal Tatarusanu for them (not that Romanians), although it was essential for the arrival of the both.



Emotions boiled over in the stands since. Romania, who put in serious trouble both Swiss and the French, not found a way to penetrate the Albanian orderly behind. The men of De Biasi were to leave life not fit goal . So he was finally thereby achieving a victory that is already historical to be the biggest milestone ever achieved for its football. The supporters of Albania is jubilant after last night lived. His grand prize has been able to live together with his unthinkable until very recently. Not only they were classified: they have competed every encounter. The biggest thing is that the win could have a hidden prize. But if they have passed the second round or not will depend on what happens in the other groups. We have to wait until Wednesday. After decades longing to be here, what difference does another couple of days?

Diego Maradona charge against England: "It's an overrated team"

Diego Maradona made ​​clear in his column in the Times Of India that has never felt footballing appreciation for England and used to reload against the British combined after his failure at Euro 2016, where they were eliminated by Iceland in the second round.

"Let's congratulate Iceland for up to England. It was a surprise that there really is not much. Iceland was higher and sent into the game, making rivals its illustrious run aimlessly, without purpose or poison. England remains a overrated team, untalented and desire. Although I would be surprised that Iceland conseguiera reach beyond quarter, against France, the small nation has been the history of the tournament so far. "

Maradona also had words for the farewell of Spain and the so - called end of cycle: " We also saw the end of the golden generation of Spain and his reign in Europe is expected. Given the way they had gone to the World Cup 2014 . it was fun to watch while it lasted and now have to start again. the fall in Spain coincided with the return of the Azzurri, see how they do now. "

The Argentine analyzed the first quarter-end, Poland - Portugal : "It's a battle between Lewandowski and Ronaldo .. Poland is a typically European quipo who refuses to give up the only goal in four games out of a work of Shaquiri art. But the defensive organization is not its only strength. the coach Adam Nawałka is not afraid to play with two strikers as Lewandowski and Milik and cons are dangerous ".

"Dangerous too, although waves, is Portugal. Ronaldo played no role in 120 minutes against Croatia but it also speaks of the importance of the rest of the team. Fernando Santos is not afraid align enough players to stop the opponent 's attack and wait for their chance . Portugal should continue with this plan against Poland. You can also force Poland to look for plan B and increase the chances of counter with Ronaldo and Nani . "

Gareth Bale dreams: "It is our time as selection"

The selection of Wales is still one of the surprises of the European Championship in France 2016 without any doubt. In the first participation of British history combined, those of Chris Coleman was put among the top eight teams in the competition.

Her great figure is Gareth Bale and want to keep dreaming of the hand of his team and believes they are at the right time ". It is our time to shine We are the only team remaining UK, an amazing achievement , " he said in press press.

"The match against Ireland North was ugly, perhaps not suit us, but we found a way to win that shows the character and desire to win this team . We will carry the flag of Wales with pride , " adds Bale.

Cristiano looking for the semifinals against Poland

Poland and Portugal will play the first match of the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 , looking for the pass to the semifinals that allows them to be among the top four in Europe.

A priori the Luso set is the favorite, although it is true that those of Fernando Santos failed to win a single tournament match in 90 minutes. The only victory came against Croatia in the second round and with a goal in extra time of Quaresma .

Still, Portugal proved to be a solid and arguments to think they can win the title team. In addition, Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to show his best in the competition and players like him, sooner or later appear.

That same Poles think its star, Robert Lewandowski . The striker of Bayern Munich is providing very little in this European Championship, but like CR7, can appear at any time and end up being decisive.

Poland, meanwhile, reached the quarterfinals after beating Switzerland on penalties and although they were not better than the Swiss in the second round, with a great defensive system, Krychowiak leading the midfield and with 'Lewan' up, are believed capable of giving more than a scare to Portugal.