Déjà vu all over again
Sunday 1 January 2006
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Before 1990 no team had won two UEFA European Under-18 Championships. But not only did the Soviet Union retain their crown - but for the second tournament running they won the final against Portugal, who then promptly went and won the FIFA World Youth Championship.
East German farewell
After two strong performances, 1986 winners and 1988 semi-finalists East Germany's last U18 appearance before reunification with the West ended with a qualifying elimination. Other than the USSR, the only former champions to qualify were Hungary, and they were selected to host the finals.
Hosts fall again
As in both the previous knockout competitions, though, the home nation fell at the first. József Szabados gave Hungary a half-time lead against Portugal, but Paulo Torres equalised and his side won 3-1 on penalties. England also went through on spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw, defeating Belgium 5-4, while the Soviet Union and Spain gained 3-0 wins against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland respectively.
Iberian repeat
Two days later came the play-offs for World Championship places. Niklas Gudmundsson's hat-trick helped Sweden see off Belgium 6-0, but hosts Hungary lost 1-0 to Ireland. The USSR came from behind to defeat England 3-1 in the semi-finals, where for the second tournament running Portugal met Spain, and the 1988 runners-up won again, their 2-1 victory thanks to first-half goals from João Pinto and Luís Figo either side of Alfonso Pérez's effort.
Soviets win again
Ángel Cuellar's goal ensured Spain beat England to third place, but 120 minutes could not separate the USSR and Portugal in Bekescsaba. So for the second time the final went to penalties, but unlike in 1984 when the Soviets lost to Hungary, they held their nerve to defeat Portugal 4-2.
Golden defence
Portugal were hosts and holders of the World Championship next year, and the 'golden generation' of Figo, Jorge Costa, Rui Costa and co emerged with the trophy again with wins against Ireland, Argentina, the Korean Republic, Mexico, Australia and, in the final, Brazil - following a penalty shoot-out. Ireland, Sweden and England missed out in the group stage, Spain stormed through without conceding a goal but lost 3-1 to the USSR in the last eight and the Soviets fell 3-0 against Brazil in the semi-finals but did pip Australia to third place on penalties.
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