A Coin to Commemorate a Famous Evening

In 2026, Slovakia will commemorate 50 years since the greatest success of Czechoslovak football by issuing a commemorative 2 euro coin "Victory of Czechoslovak Footballers at the European Championship." The coin features a footballer in motion, surrounded by laurel branches – a symbol of victory.

It's not just a coin.

It's a memory of the evening when a small football nation managed to defeat the world's biggest stars and created a story that is still talked about today.

And when someone kicks a "Panenka" today, it still reminds us of that unforgettable June evening in Belgrade in 1976. ⚽🏆

Belgrade 1976: The Evening Czechoslovakia Shocked the Football World

There are football matches that are forgotten after a few years. And then there are those that are talked about even after half a century.

The 1976 European Championship final belongs precisely to the latter category.

On June 20, 1976, Czechoslovakia took to the field at the Crvena Zvezda stadium in Belgrade against the reigning world and European champions – West Germany. The Germans had legends like Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier, and Uli Hoeneß in their team. Most experts expected their victory.

But the Czechoslovak footballers had a different plan.

A Quick Shock for the Favorites

Our representatives entered the match fantastically. In the first half, Ján Švehlík and Karol Dobiaš scored, and Czechoslovakia led 2:0. The Germans were stunned, and it seemed that a sensation was within reach.

But football can be cruel.

The Germans reduced the lead, and as the end of the match approached, Bernd Hölzenbein equalized to 2:2. The dream of the title suddenly began to fade.

The Final that Rewrote the Rules

Few people know that this final brought a major innovation.

It was the first European Championship final decided by penalties. Until then, in case of a draw, a replay was often considered. However, in Belgrade, a historic moment occurred – the first penalty shootout in a Euro final.

And that's where the legend was born.

The Kick Named After Its Author

After successful penalties on both sides, came a moment that every football fan knows.

German player Uli Hoeneß shot over the goal. Czechoslovakia had a chance to decide.

Antonín Panenka stepped up to the ball.

Everyone expected a powerful shot. Goalkeeper Sepp Maier dived to the side.

But Panenka gently chipped the ball into the center of the goal.

Goal.

Title.

Immortality.

Since then, this type of penalty is simply called "Panenka," and it is still imitated by the world's greatest football stars.

The Slovak Contribution Was Enormous

Although the Czechoslovak team is often talked about, a lesser-known fact is that the core of the team was made up of Slovak footballers.

Nine Slovaks played in the final, and there were fifteen in the entire squad. The complete defense was made up of players from Slovan Bratislava, and Slovak footballers had a decisive share in winning the title.

Interesting Facts You May Not Know

⚽ Czechoslovakia Eliminated Both 1974 World Cup Finalists

On their way to the title, they defeated the Netherlands in the semi-finals and West Germany in the final – the two teams that played in the World Cup final two years earlier.

⚽ Only Four Teams Were in the Final Tournament

Today, 24 countries play in the Euro. In 1976, only the four best European teams made it to the final tournament.

⚽ All Four Matches of the Tournament Went to Extra Time

This has never happened again in the history of European championships.

⚽ Panenka Practiced His Penalty Secretly

He later admitted that he had been practicing this type of kick for months during training and bet with the goalkeeper that he would use it in a big match. And he used it at the biggest possible moment.