In 1996, Germany won perhaps its most memorable European Championship and its first major championship since
reunification. Led by captain Jürgen Klinsmann on offense and Matthias Sammer on defense, the Germans easily
defeated the Czech Republic, 2-0, and Russia, 3-0, in the first round. A hard-fought 0-0 draw against Italy
completed the first round and saw Germany through to the quarterfinals, where it defeated Croatia 2-1.This victory
set the stage for a classic battle against England, again in Wembley Stadium, in the tournament semifinals.
After England jumped in front with a goal in the third minute, the Germans - playing without injured captain
Klinsmann - fought back and equalized behind a Stefan Kuntz goal in the 16. minute. Both teams fought through
the remainder of regulation and two sudden-death 15-minute overtime periods without scoring, leading to a dramatic
penalty kick shootout. In the shootout, German keeper Andreas Köpke held England's sixth attempt, allowing
Andreas Möller to stun the Wembley faithful and send Germany through to the final.
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