S5 Ep5: Euro 88 special (semi-finals)

Both Euro 88 semi-finals were intriguing culture clashes. The first match, in Hamburg, was loaded with historical significance. West Germany v Netherlands evoked the 1974 World Cup final and even the second world war. A good (if slightly overrated) match had a savage late twist that went straight into European Championship folklore. USSR v Italy did not have the same mutual enmity, but they were also a study in contrasts. The Soviet Union were experienced and streetwise, Italy young and upbeat. They met on a dank, moody night in Stuttgart. Martyn, Mike and Rob are joined by Jonathan O’Brien – author of the superb Euro Summits, a history of the European Championship – to discuss both games and give some love to a slightly forgotten great: Andreas Brehme. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nessundorma.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices