European Football Championship 1968

Qualification and Group Stage

The European Football Championship 1968 was the third edition of the UEFA European Football Championship. The tournament involved 31 national teams, which were divided into 8 groups for the qualification phase.

### Qualification Process

Qualification took place in 1966 and 1967, with a two-point rule applied: 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a defeat. The eight group winners then advanced to the quarterfinals, which were played in back-and-forth games. In case of a tie, goal difference was decisive.

### Group Stage

The qualification groups were formed by dispersing the strongest teams among themselves. One notable group was Group 1, consisting of Spain, Czechoslovakia, Ireland, and Turkey. The competition within this group was intense, with Spain and Czechoslovakia engaging in a closely contested battle. In the end, Spain secured eight points, while Czechoslovakia accumulated six points.

### Quarterfinals

The quarterfinal matches were held in April and May 1968. The winners of each group advanced to the final round, which was played in Italy, the host country chosen after completion of the qualification among the remaining four semi-finalists.

Final Round

The final tournament was contested by the four participants who emerged from the quarterfinals. However, it is not specified which teams qualified for the final round.

Notes

* The West German team participated in the qualification for the first time but failed to advance.
* Group 8 featured the four British associations, as the qualifying round also served as the tournament for the British Home Championship.
* Iceland and Malta did not participate in the qualification phase.