The Soviet Union reached a third showpiece in four editions of the UEFA European Championship courtesy of a 1-0 win against Hungary in Brussels.

In the latter stages for a fourth time in succession, the USSR went one better than they did in Italy four years earlier. Hungary played all the football on this occasion but the USSR's tactical approach – one centred around retreating into a solid defensive unit – reaped reward.

They were aided by an unusually subdued performance from Ferenc Bene as well as half-chances being spurned by the likes of Lajos Kü, Antal Dunai and Miklós Páncsics. However, behind to Anatoliy Konkov's effort, a deflected shot which somehow made its way through a crowded goalmouth following a corner, Hungary looked to have earned a late reprieve.

Five minutes remained when Revaz Dzodzuashvili's infringement was adjudged to be a penalty. Sándor Zámbö took the spot kick but Evgeni Rudakov guessed correctly, diving to his left to preserve his team's advantage.