The DFB faced public humiliation with the Littbarski stunt.
Weeks have passed since the UEFA Euro 2024 commenced, and it has truly been a dazzling spectacle thus far. Packed with exceptional performances and peculiar occurrences alike, it's no surprise that the anticipation leading up to the event was justified.
In 1960, Sepp Herberger, coach of the German national team at the time, believed that a tournament exclusive to Europeans would not necessitate anyone else's presence. However, with hindsight, we can see that this was a gross miscalculation. Well over six decades have elapsed, and Europe's football stage has showcased a mesmerizing array of enthralling stories. Take, for instance, the unforgettable 1972 adventure in which Germany attained its European title despite never competing in the tournament before. The beauty of the sport is that it has the ability to pen such yarns.
During the quarter-finals played in England, Germany encountered an intriguing episode. With just five minutes to spare in the 85th minute, a penalty kick was awarded to the Germans. Normal procedure would've seen Gerd Müller, their regular taker, seize the opportunity, but he didn't feel up to the task that night. So, it was Günter Netzer who was tasked with the responsibility. The coach, a man named Helmut Schön recognized for his laid-back demeanor, was strangely nervous as he watched events unfold. His anxiety was so severe that he missed the bench when attempting to sit down. Netzer, unnerved by the unexpected display of tension from Schön, still managed to maintain his composure as he scored the goal that secured victory for his team in England during Euro 1972's quarter-final match. Thus began one of the most glorious moments in the annals of German football.
Fast forward to 1960, and an amusing tale emerged during the extension of the final contested between the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. In a nail-biting clash that had tied at 0:0 after extra time, the game came down to the mercy of a draw. A coin toss or the lot would be employed to determine the outcome in those early European Championship years. Referee Kurt Tschenscher conducted the draw in a private room in the catacombs, revealing to onlookers that the draw had favored the Soviets. The Italian team gathered in excitement, thinking they had secured their place in the final. However, the referee had yet another surprising announcement: "The practice shot was won by the Soviets."
In 1984, the lingering memory of black-and-white televisions still featured in many households posed an unforeseen challenge at the European Championship. Italy and Spain's choice of colors - blue and red, respectively - sparked a series of negotiations. The impasse triggered tension since the Spanish agreed to wear black shorts instead of their typical yellows. In retrospect, it's hard to believe that television screens were predominantly monochrome during those days.
In 1988, during the Euro Championship held in Germany, a somewhat peculiar incident emerged relating to Pierre Littbarski. Though his name appeared on the starting lineup sheet for the semi-final clash with the Netherlands, he was not to play. Instead, he was ordered to feign illness, and he was effectively replaced by Frank Mill. Both players discussed the matter, revealing that Mill had been informed the day before about his sudden participation. Franz Beckenbauer, however, felt that their plan had successfully thrown the Dutch for a loop. He recounted, "We wanted to confuse the Dutch. When they found out about Mill's appearance, their co-trainer ran around frantically." Littbarski's performance in this surreal drama only added to the absurdity: "I only got sick when I found out I wouldn't start from the beginning."
In the colorful world we live in today, it's challenging to imagine that people watched football matches on black-and-white TVs. During the final, a standoff arose between France and Spain over their preferred colors, blue for the former and red for the latter. This led to intense negotiations, but ultimately, the Spanish team donned black shorts instead of their traditional yellows.
In the semi-final match against the Netherlands during the 1988 European Championship held in Germany, Pierre Littbarski's name inexplicably found itself on the lineup sheet. Unbeknownst to the German coach, Stefan Kuntz, Littbarski wouldn't be taking the field. This unexpected turn of events prompted the substitution of Frank Mill, who was made to appear ill before the game. The convoluted circumstances leading up to this situation remain a mystery, but the outcome was that the Dutch were the ones left confused. What transpired next? Littbarski chimed in: "I only got sick when I found out I wouldn't start from the beginning."
This charming anecdote about Littbarski's sudden illness demonstrates how German football has been home to some extraordinary stories surrounding European championships. During the 1996 tournament, the victorious German team was paid a visit by Chancellor Helmut Kohl in the team's cabin. Stefan Kuntz, one of the victorious players, couldn't forget the impression Kohl left on him: "I've never seen anything like that before. It was a gigantic man with an enormous head. And upon wanting to congratulate the team coach, he looked down at himself, turned his head left and right, and then inquired, a tad perplexed, 'Where is Berti?' We all laughed, as the tiny Vogts stood right next to him, completely bewildered." Mehmet Scholl, another player, later added his take on the encounter: "Tight."
A German journalist faced some difficulty during the beginning of the 2008 European Championship. He realized that he was running late for his flight to Vienna and made a call to the police, reporting a bomb on the plane. The whole airport was shut down as a result. On his arrival at the airport, the journalist made light of the situation by chatting up the lady at the counter, claiming he was fortunate as he'd have missed that particular flight anyway due to his tardiness. However, suspicion arose in the woman's mind and she tipped off the police. The cops ultimately discovered the journalist's number in his phone, as he had neglected to delete it amidst the frenzy.
In the same year, another unforgettable incident took place at the 2016 European Championship in France. This event involved a footballer in the Northern Irish team, Will Grigg, who ironically did not play even a single minute in the tournament. Grigg, once associated with Wigan Athletic, had his name etched into the memories of football fans worldwide as a result of a popular song about him. "Will Grigg's on fire, your defence is terrified" infused a bit of life into a not-so-exciting football event in Wallungen. Nananana...
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Despite the DFB's past setbacks, such as the Littbarski stunt during the European Championships, the anticipation for the European Football Championship 2024 remains high. The German Football Association (DFB) is eager to restore its reputation and aim for another successful run in the European Championships.
With the DFB focusing on rebuilding its image, the German fans are looking forward to supporting their team in the European Football Championship 2024, hoping to create more memorable moments in European Championships history.
