World Cup 1990

Italy were selected as hosts on 19th May 1984 in Zurich, beating off a bid by the Soviet Union with 11 votes to 5.
ITV's commentators in Italy were Brian Moore (his first full World Cup as a commentator, he had always previously presented the programmes from London), Alan Parry, John Helm, Gerry Harrison and Clive Tyldesley. Jock Brown commentated on the Scotland games for STV and Grampian viewers. The co-commentators were Ron Atkinson, Ian St John, Trevor Francis and Billy McNeill. There were two ITV presenters this year - Nick Owen in London and Elton Welsby in Italy. ITV's theme tune was "Tutti Al Mondo" by Rod Argent & Peter Van Hooke.
The BBC commentators were John Motson, Barry Davies, Tony Gubba and Gerald Sinstadt. Archie MacPherson voiced the Scotland games for BBC viewers watching north of the border. The co-commentators were Bobby Charlton, Trevor Brooking, Liam Brady and Ray Wilkins. The presenters were Des Lynam and Bob Wilson. The BBC used Luciano Pavarotti's recording of "Nessun dorma" as its' World Cup theme tune.
See here for England qualifiers and friendlies.

Sat 09/Dec/1989    "World Cup Draw and Results Service"
*ITV had a special programme at 4:00-5:00pm presented by Elton Welsby to show the draw live from Rome (described by Brian Moore and Jimmy Greaves) as well as the day's domestic results. BBC1 also showed it live as part of "Grandstand" described by Barry Davies with Bobby Robson.

First Round
Game 1

Fri 08/Jun/1990    Cameroon 1 Argentina 0
Group B (5:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had coverage of the opening ceremony and first match from 4pm-7pm, kick-off was at 5pm. The programme was introduced by Elton Welsby and Trevor Francis in the stadium, and from the London studio by Nick Owen, Emlyn Hughes and Ian St John. Alan Parry described the opening ceremony but Brian Moore commentated on the match. This was the first time ITV coverage of a World Cup was sponsored "in association with National Power". BBC1 had highlights at 10:20-11:10pm with Barry Davies commentating and introduced by Des Lynam. Referring to the first playing of the Pavarotti theme music, Lynam’s opening words were “You’ll be humming it soon..” Jimmy Hill’s reaction to the match was to point out that there were 30 fouls committed by Cameroon including 12 against Maradona.

Sat 09/Jun/1990    "Saint & Greavise"
*ITV 1:10-1:40pm, there was no lunchtime football round-up on BBC1.

Sat 09/Jun/1990    Romania 2 Soviet Union 0
Group B (4:00pm bst)
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Bobby Charlton
*BBC1 had live coverage during "Granstand" with football from 3:40pm. Gerry Harrison voiced the match for ITV clips.

Sat 09/Jun/1990    Colombia 2 United Arab Emirates 0
Group D (4:00pm bst)
BBC Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*BBC1 showed highlights at HT and full-time in the afternoon and again in their late night round-up. Clive Tyldesley commentated for ITV highlights. This match, and the rest of the 1990 World Cup, was broadcast in Canada by TSN who used ITV's commentary feeds throughout - The commentators sometimes acknowledged their Canadian audience when the matches were not also being shown live in the UK.

Sat 09/Jun/1990    Italy 1 Austria 0
Group A (8:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Trevor Francis
*ITV LIVE from 7:40-10:05pm. BBC1 had highlights of the day's action at 11:20pm-12:00am, Barry Davies called the Italy game. ITV’s coverage was introduced from the stadium by Elton Welsby and Emlyn Hughes, and from the London studio by Nick Owen with Graham Taylor and Jimmy Greaves (wearing the first of a series of t-shirts with 'humorous' slogans on them).

Sun 10/Jun/1990    Czechoslovakia 5 U.S.A. 1
Group A (4:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Trevor Francis
*ITV 3:30-6:00pm introduced by Nick Owen with Rodney Marsh and Ian St John.. Tony Gubba covered this match for BBC highlights.

Sun 10/Jun/1990    Brazil 1 Sweden 0
Group C (8:00pm bst)
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Bobby Charlton
*BBC1 7:45-9:55pm. John Helm & Billy McNeill commentated for ITV who showed clips the next day.

Sun 10/Jun/1990    West Germany 4 Yugoslavia 1
Group D (8:00pm bst)
BBC Highlights
John Motson
*BBC showed highlights during the Brazil match coverage, there was no highlights programme on ITV but Gerry Harrison voiced the game for goal clips shown the following day.

Mon 11/Jun/1990    Costa Rica 1 (Cayasso) Scotland 0
Group C (4:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Billy McNeill
*ITV 3:25-5:55pm introduced by Nick Owen alongside Ian St John and Jimmy Greaves. In light of Costa Rica keeper Conejo’s shaky form in a recent friendly against Wales, Scotland’s sole tactic was to pump crosses into the penalty area for McInally, but Conejo caught and saved everything and Costa Rica were allowed to set the pace of the game - walking pace. The move for the 49th minute goal was almost in slow motion. Barry Davies covered the game for BBC highlights, Archie MacPherson for BBC Scotland.

Mon 11/Jun/1990    England 1 (Lineker) Republic of Ireland 1 (Sheedy)
Group F (8:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV 7:35-10:00pm introduced from the stadium by Elton Welsby with Emlyn Hughes, and from London by Nick Owen alongside Jimmy Greaves and a tight-lipped Graham Taylor. The Italian press described the match along with Scotland’s earlier efforts as “No football please, we’re British”. England had the quality to win, but sat back after their early goal to defend the Republic’s aerial onslaught. Almost inevitably they were punished for a defensive mistake which gave Kevin Sheedy Ireland’s only clear chance of the entire match. BBC1 had a highlights round-up of the day's action at 11:00pm-12:00am, John Motson & Trevor Brooking commentating on the England game. In Ireland, Network 2had live coverage from 7:05-10:00pm with George Hamilton commentating.

Tue 12/Jun/1990    Belgium 2 South Korea 0
Group E (4:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
John Helm & Trevor Francis
*ITV 3:25-5:55pm with Nick Owen, Rodney Marsh and Graham Taylor. Tony Gubba covered this game for BBC highlights.

Tue 12/Jun/1990    Netherlands 1 Egypt 1
Group F (8:00pm bst)
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Liam Brady
*This was shown LIVE over on BBC2 at 7:45-10:00pm. The Dutch were disappointing with Gullit still rusty after a long lay-off with injury, and Van Basten in terrible form. Their team spirit seemed even worse than usual with Gerald Vanenburg looking frozen out of play. Gerry Harrison voiced the ITV clips.

Wed 13/Jun/1990    Spain 0 Uruguay 0
Group E (4:00pm bst)
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Bobby Charlton
*Another LIVE match for BBC2, 3:45-6:00pm. Spain fluffed one early chance, then immediately settled for a goalless draw. Uruguay carried the game to them, very very slowly, until the out-of-form Ruben Sosa skied a second half penalty, they then joined Spain in playing for 0-0. John Helm covered this one for ITV clips.

Game 2

Wed 13/Jun/1990    Argentina 2 Soviet Union 0
Group B (8:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ian St John
*ITV LIVE at 7:45-10:00pm introduced from London by Nick Owen with Ossie Ardiles and Jimmy Greaves, and by Elton Welsby and Rodney Marsh in the stadium. BBC1 had a highlights programme on BBC1 at 11:10-11:55pm, Gerald Sinstadt voicing the Argentina game.

Thu 14/Jun/1990    Cameroon 2 Romania 1
Group B (4:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
John Helm & Ian St John
*LIVE on ITV at 3:25-5:55pm with Nick Owen, Emlyn Hughes, Graham Taylor and Cameroon international Charles Ntamark (the only studio guest to predict a Cameroon victory). Romania came forward half-heartedly and Cameroon were happy to boot the ball into the heavens whenever they got it. In the closing stages manager Nepomniachi sent on 38 year old Roger Milla, who barged a Romanian defender out of the way of one of his colleague’s upfield punts and coolly put the ball in the net – a feat that very few forwards could manage in this tournament. The last ten minutes brought the game to life, and are all that is remembered of the match. Gerald Sinstadt voiced this one for BBC highlights.

Thu 14/Jun/1990    Yugoslavia 1 Colombia 0
Group D (4:00pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison & Billy McNeill
*ITV showed clips during the afternoon live match coverage. Colombia had the opportunity to qualify for the 2nd round and eliminate the shaky Yugoslavs, but played for a goalless draw. Again, all the action was crammed into the closing stages with the Yugoslav winner, a missed Yugoslav penalty, and a crowd pleasing charge out of his box by Colombian keeper Higuita. Barry Davies called the later BBC highlights. This game was originally pencilled in  as ITV's live match for Thursday afternoon as opposed to Cameroon v Romania.

Thu 14/Jun/1990    Italy 1 U.S.A. 0
Group A (8:00pm bst)
BBC Highlights
John Motson
*Strangely no live coverage of the host's night match, not even on BBC2. A brief "World Cup Report" was shown on BBC1 during half-time at 8:45-9:00pm, then a highlights programme at 10:00-10:45pm. Alan Parry voiced the match for ITV clips (Tyldesley commentated  for TSN in Canada).

Fri 15/Jun/1990    Czechoslovakia 1 Austria 0
Group A (4:00pm bst)
BBC LIVE
Tony Gubba & Bobby Charlton
*Only the 2nd half was scheduled to be broadcast LIVE on BBC2 as part of "Tennis and World Cup Grandstand", but the whole match was apparently shown (or at least from 15 minutes in. Eurosport also showed it live via satellite TV as well most other Italia '90 fixtures). It was another poor game, Austria had defensive problems in the first half and weren’t able to get their attack working in the 2nd half. Clive Tyldesley voiced the game for clips on ITV.

Fri 15/Jun/1990    West Germany 5 United Arab Emirates 1
Group D (8:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Trevor Francis
*ITV had LIVE coverage from 7:50-10:00pm with Nick Owen and Emlyn Hughes whilst Elton Welsby and Rodney Marsh were inside the ground. There was a violent thunderstorm and torrential downpour during the game which Brian Moore recalled in his autobiography; "All our commentary positions were open to those spectacular elements. It was like sitting under a shower, and the cascading rain hitting the millions of pounds worth of technical, highly sensitive equipment caused serious and potentially dangerous problems. One station after another was knocked off the air, and soaked sorry-looking and suddenly silenced commentators scurried for sanctuary in the stands. By half-time Trevor Francis and I were about the only ones left broadcasting. Unknown to us our anxious producers were discussing whether or not, in these potentially lethal conditions, we should also bail out. The water was fizzing around high-powered electrical equipment and around cables that led microphones to our headsets and when Trevor and I were asked if we wished to take to the lifeboats, we looked at each other, shrugged and decided to carry on commentating." Barry Davies commentated for BBC highlights included on their late night "World Cup Report" at 11:00-11:45pm.

Sat 16/Jun/1990    "Saint & Greavsie"
*ITV 1:10-1:40pm. No football round-up was scheduled for BBC1's "Grandstand".

Sat 16/Jun/1990    Brazil 1 Costa Rica 0
Group C (4:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
John Helm & Billy McNeill
*ITV showed this match LIVE from 3:45-6:00pm with Nick Owen with Ian St John and Jimmy Greaves. Brazil scored ealy on from a deflection, then both sides appeared content for the score to remain at 1-0. Costa Rica didn’t manage a single shot at goal in the entire match. Gerald Sinstadt commentated for BBC highlights.

Sat 16/Jun/1990    England 0 Netherlands 0
Group F (8:00pm bst)
BBC LIVE / BBC SCOTLAND Highlights
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*Sadly for British fans, both England and Scotland's 2nd matches kicked-off at the same time. BBC1 had live coverage of England's game from 7:30-10:45pm introduced by Des Lynam in Italy alongside Trevor Brooking and Bobby Charlton whilst Bob Wilson anchored from London with Kenny Dalglish and Jimmy Hill. Most of the 2nd half of Scotland v Sweden was shown after England's match had finished (presumably BBC1 in Scotland had the reverse). Holland were not as bad as in their opening match but still poor. England adopted a sweeper system and played well. They would have had a deserved victory if a Dutch player had made contact with a Stuart Pearce free-kick which went straight into the net through a forest of legs, but was disallowed as it was indirect. ITV had a highlights show tonight at 10:50-11:50pm with Alan Parry & Ron Atkinson commentating on the England match.

Sat 16/Jun/1990    Scotland 2 (McCall, Johnston(pen)) Sweden 1 (Strömberg)
Group C (8:00pm bst)
BBC Highlights / BBC SCOTLAND LIVE
Barry Davies / Archie MacPherson
*Gerry Harrison & Trevor Francis were at this one for ITV's late highlights programme. Stuart McCall put Scotland ahead on 10 minutes and Mo Johnston's penalty made it 2-0 on 80, Glenn Strömberg pulled one back for Sweden on 86. This was Archie MacPherson’s final live commentary for the BBC having fallen out with bosses over the tone of his commentary on the Costa Rica disaster.

Sun 17/Jun/1990    Republic of Ireland 0 Egypt 0
Group F (4:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV LIVE at 3:30-6:00pm with Nick Owen in the London studio with Ian St John, and Elton Welsby and Graham Taylor inside the stadium. A contender for the worst game of the tournament, Egypt time-wasted from the start and achieved the goalless draw with some ease. Presumably Tony Gubba & Liam Brady covered this game for BBC highlights, whilst in Ireland Network 2 had live coverage from 3:00-6:00pm with George Hamilton commentating

Sun 17/Jun/1990    Belgium 3 Uruguay 1
Group E (8:00pm bst)
BBC Highlights
Barry Davies
*No live coverage on either channel of the night matches. Gerry Harrison described the action for ITV clips.

Sun 17/Jun/1990    Spain 3 South Korea 1
Group E (8:00pm bst)
BBC Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*BBC1 had a round up of today's action at 10:15-10:55pm. Clive Tyldesley voiced the match for ITV clips. Australian TV showed the full match using Gerald Sinstadt’s BBC commentary.

Game 3

Mon 18/Jun/1990    Argentina 1 Romania 1
Group B (8:00pm bst)
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Bobby Charlton
*BBC2 had LIVE action from 7:45-10:00pm. John Helm voiced the game for ITV to show goal clips if needed later on.

Mon 18/Jun/1990    Soviet Union 4 Cameroon 0
Group B (8:00pm bst)
BBC Highlights
Tony Gubba
*Highlights at half-time and full-time of the live game. Clive Tyldesley covered this one for ITV.

Group B Final Table
1. Cameroon       -2  4
2. Romania        +1  3
3. Argentina      +1  3
4. Soviet Union    0  2

Tue 19/Jun/1990    West Germany 1 Colombia 1
Group D (4:00pm bst)
BBC 2nd Half LIVE
Barry Davies
*Only the 2nd half was shown LIVE over on BBC2 from 4:35-6:00pm though Barry Davies was heard for the full 90 minutes in Australia. Colombia were brilliant for a twenty minute period in the first half, but didn’t test Illgner in the German goal even once. They switched to playing for 0-0 and duly rescued themselves late in the game with a very rare penetrative move and finish. John Helm voiced the game for ITV clips later in the evening.

Tue 19/Jun/1990    Yugoslavia 4 United Arab Emirates 1
Group D (4:00pm bst)
BBC Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*Highlights shown during BBC2's coverage of the live game. Clive Tyldesley called the game for ITV clips.

Group D Final Table
1. West Germany   +7  5
2. Yugoslavia     +1  4
3. Colombia       +1  3
4. Utd Arab Em.   -9  0

Tue 19/Jun/1990    Italy 2 Czechoslovakia 0
Group A (8:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had LIVE coverage from 7:45-10:00pm with Nick Owen and Rodney Marsh. Both teams had already qualified for the 2nd round, so in effect this match only decided who would stay in Rome for their next match. Unsurprisingly the Czechs rested players and were content with damage limitation. Keeper Jan Stejskal put in an excellent performance which earned him a move to QPR after the tournament. John Motson for BBC highlights.

Tue 19/Jun/1990    Austria 2 U.S.A. 1
Group A (8:00pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*Highlights on ITV during the live match coverage, pundit Rodney Marsh described the match at half-time as “a very, very bad-tempered game. The worst so far.” Tony Gubba was at this match for BBC highlights shown as part of "World Cup Report" at 11:00-11:45pm.

Group A Final Table
1. Italy          +4  6
2. Czechoslovakia +3  4
3. Austria        -1  2
4. United States  -6  0

Wed 20/Jun/1990    Brazil 1 (Müller) Scotland 0
Group C (8:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & ?Ian St John or Billy McNeill?
*ITV had this LIVE from 7:40-10:00pm introduced from the rain and wind swept stadium by Elton Welsby alongside Ian St John, and anchored in London by Nick Owen with Jimmy Greaves in his “Better Leighton Never” t-shirt. Sadly Scotland played for 0-0 and were undone in the 82nd minute when Leighton fumbled a long shot into the path of Müller. John Motson covered the game for BBC1.

Wed 20/Jun/1990    Costa Rica 2 Sweden 1
Group C (8:00pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*Highlights were shown during ITV's live coverage, BBC1 had a "World Cup Report" at 11:10-11:55pm with Tony Gubba commentating on the Costa Rica match.

Group C Final Table
1. Brazil         +3  6
2. Costa Rica     +1  4
3. Scotland       -1  2
4. Sweden         -3  0

Thu 21/Jun/1990    Spain 2 Belgium 1
Group E (4:00pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ian St John
*ITV LIVE at 3:25-5:55pm with Nick Owen, Rodney Marsh and Emlyn Hughes. Tony Gubba covered this one for highlights on BBC1.

Thu 21/Jun/1990    Uruguay 1 South Korea 0
Group E (4:00pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Clive Tyldesley
*Highlights shown during ITV's live coverage. Another stinker of a match - South Korea played for 0-0 but only to concede deep in injury time thanks to a header by substitute Fonseca. An obviously despairing Gerald Sintadt informed BBC viewers that Fonseca had done virtually nothing right until that moment.

Group E Final Table
1. Spain          +3  5
2. Belgium        +3  4
3. Uruguay        -1  3
4. South Korea    -5  0

Thu 21/Jun/1990    England 1 (Wright) Egypt 0
Group F (8:00pm bst)
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1's "World Cup Grandstand" showed the match LIVE from 7:30-10:00pm. Brian Moore & Trevor Francis covered the game for late highlights on ITV.

Thu 21/Jun/1990    Republic of Ireland 1 (Quinn) Netherlands 1 (Gullit)
Group F (8:00pm bst)
BBC Highlights / BBC N.IRELAND LIVE
John Motson & Liam Brady
*ITV had a "World Cup '90" highlights show at 11:05pm-12:05am, John Helm & Ron Atkinson commentating on the Ireland match. BBC1 in Northern Ireland showed this match live with John Motson’s commentary introduced from the studio by Mark Robson, whilst in Ireland Network 2's live broadcast ran from 7:05-10:30pm with George Hamilton commentating. Ruud Gullit put the Dutch ahead after only 10 minutes but Niall Quinn equalised on 71.

Group F Final Table
1. England        +1  4
2. Rep of Ireland  0  3
3. Netherlands     0  3
4. Egypt          -1  2

Fri 22/Jun/1990    "World Cup Report"
*BBC1 had a Friday morning slot to show highlights of yesterday's games at 9:00-10:00am, they also had a preview of the next round at 10:25-10:55pm.

Last 16

Sat 23/Jun/1990    "Saint & Greavsie"
*ITV 1:10-1:50pm.

Sat 23/Jun/1990    Cameroon 2 (Milla 2) Colombia 1 (Redín) AET
Naples, 4:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
John Helm & Billy McNeil
*ITV from 3:45pm with Nick Owen, Ian St John and Charles Ntamark. All three goals came in extra-time, Milla putting Cameroon 2-0 up with goals on on 106 and 109, Redín pulling one back for Colombia on 115. Gerald Sinstadt covered this game for the BBC.

Sat 23/Jun/1990    Czechoslovakia 4 (Skuhravý 3, Kubík) Costa Rica 1 (González)
Bari, 8:00pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 7:45-10:00pm. Skuhravý gave the Czechs an early lead on 12, González equalised for Costa Rica on 54 but Czechoslovakia then took control with another goal by Skuhravý on 63, Kubík making it 3-1 on 75 and Skuhravý completing his hat-trick on 82. Gerry Harrison covered this one for ITV clips.

Sun 24/Jun/1990    Argentina 1 (Caniggia) Brazil 0
Turin, 4:00pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Liam Brady
*BBC1 3:45-6:00pm. Caniggia scored the only goal of the game on 80 minutes. Alan Parry voiced the action for ITV highlights.

Sun 24/Jun/1990    West Germany 2 (Klinsmann, Brehme) Netherlands 1 (R.Koeman(pen))
Milan, 8:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Trevor Francis
*ITV 7:45-10:15pm introduced by Elton Welsby alongside Graham Taylor, and anchored in London by Nick Owen with Jimmy Greaves. BBC1 had a highlights programme at 11:05-11:35pm with Tony Gubba & Bobby Charlton commentating on West Germany v Netherlands.

Mon 25/Jun/1990    Republic of Ireland 0 Romania 0 [Ireland win on pens AET]
Genoa, 4:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ron Atkinson
*ITV from 3:25pm. Gerald Sinstadt & Liam Brady described the action for BBC highlights. The Network 2 channel in Ireland had live coverage from 3:30pm with George Hamilton commentating.

Mon 25/Jun/1990    Italy 2 (Schillaci, Serena) Uruguay 0
Rome, 8:00pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Bobby Charlton
*BBC1 7:30-10:00pm. Uruguay held out until the 65th minute when Schillaci put Italy ahead, Serena then sealed a place in the Quarter-finals for the hosts with the 2nd goal on 85. ITV had a highlights show of the day's action at 11:20pm-12:20am with Gerry Harrison & Travor Francis commentating on the Italy match.

Tue 26/Jun/1990    Yugoslavia 2 (Stojkovic 2) Spain 1 (Salinas) AET
Verona, 4:00pm bst
BBC LIVE
Tony Gubba & Ray Wilkins
*BBC1 from 3:45pm. Stojkovic put Yugoslavia ahead on 78, Salinas equalised for Spain on 83 to force extra-time. Stojkovic restored Yugoslavia's lead on 92 and that proved to be the winning goal. John Helm voiced this game for ITV clips.

Tue 26/Jun/1990    England 1 (Platt) Belgium 0 AET
Bologna, 8:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV from 7:40pm, BBC1 also showed this match live from 7:30pm with John Motson & Trevor Brooking commentating. With viewers preparing themselves for a penalty shoot out, David Platt netted a last gasp winner on 119 minutes to send England through to the Quarter-finals.

Wed 27/Jun/1990
*No football programmes today

Thu 28/Jun/1990
*No football programmes today

Fri 29/Jun/1990 "World Cup Report"
*BBC1 had a preview of the QF's at 11:20pm-11:50pm, ITV also devoted some time to football during their coverage of "International Athletics" at 8:00-9:00pm.

Quarter-finals

Sat 30/Jun/1990    "Saint & Greavsie"
*ITV 1:10-1:50pm. BBC1 had a brief look ahead to the QF's on "Grandstand" from around 12:35pm.

Sat 30/Jun/1990    Argentina 0 Yugoslavia 0 [Argentina win on pens AET]
Florence, 4:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
John Helm & Ron Atkinson
*ITV 3:45-6:00pm with Nick Owen, Jimmy Greaves and Ian St John.. Gerald Sinstadt voiced the BBC highlights.

Sat 30/Jun/1990    Italy 1 (Schillaci) Republic of Ireland 0
Rome, 8:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Trevor Francis
*ITV had live coverage from 7:30-10:05pm, BBC1 also showed it live at 7:30-10:00pm with John Motson & Liam Brady commentating. Schillaci scored the winner on 38. In Ireland Network 2 had live coverage from 7:00-10:05pm, the Irish Times bills Jimmy Magee as commentator (George Hamilton had been billed to voice all earlier Ireland matches).

Sun 01/Jul/1990    West Germany 1 (Matthäus(pen)) Czechoslovakia 0
Milan, 4:00pm bst
BBC LIVE
Tony Gubba & Ray Wilkins
*BBC1 3:45-6:10pm. Matthäus netted the only goal from the penalty spot on 25. ITV's highlights were voiced by Gerry Harrison.

Sun 01/Jul/1990    England 3 (Platt, Lineker 2(2 pens)) Cameroon 2 (Kundé(pen), Ekéké) AET
Naples, 8:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV from 7:00pm, BBC1 also showed this game live from 7:30pm with Barry Davies, Trevor Brooking & Bobby Charlton commentating. Platt put England ahead on 25, Kundé equalised with a penalty on 61, Ekéké then put Cameroon in front on 65, a penalty for England was converted by Lineker on 83 to take the game into extra-time and another penalty on 105 saw Lineker score to take England through to their first semi-final since Euro '68.

Semi-finals

Mon 02/Jul/1990 "World Cup Report"
*BBC1 had a preview of the Semi-finals at 11:30pm-12:20am

Tue 03/Jul/1990    Argentina 1 (Caniggia) Italy 1 (Schillaci) [Argentina win on pens AET]
Naples, 7:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Trevor Francis
*ITV from 6:30pm, BBC1 also showed it live from 6:35pm with Barry Davies & Bobby Charlton commentating (joined by Liam Brady for the penalty shoot out). Schillaci gave Italy the lead on 17, Caniggia equalised on 67 and with no further scoring the tie went to a penalty shoot out, Donadoni and Serena both failed for the hosts and Argentina went through to the final.

Wed 04/Jul/1990   West Germany 1 (Brehme) England 1 (Lineker) [West Germany win on pens AET]
Turin, 7:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV from 6:30pm introduced from the stadium by Elton Welsby alongside Graham Taylor and Bobby Moore. Nick Owen hosted from London joined by Jimmy Greaves, Geoff Hurst and Gordon Banks. BBC1 also showed it live from 6:35pm with John Motson & Trevor Brooking commentating. Brehme put the Germans ahead on 60, Lineker equalised on 80 to force extra-time. The game went to a penalty shoot out and both Pearce and Waddle missed to send West Germany through to the final.

3rd/4th place play off

Sat 07/Jul/1990    "Saint & Greavsie"
*ITV 1:10-1:40pm.

Sat 07/Jul/1990    Italy 2 (Baggio, Schillaci(pen)) England 1 (Platt)
Bari, 7:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Trevor Francis
*ITV 6:30-9:05pm. Also live on BBC1 from 6:30-9:00pm with Barry Davies and Trevor Brooking commentating. Baggio gave Italy the lead on 71, Platt equalised on 81, Schillaci grabbed 3rd place for Italy by converting a penalty on 86.

The Final

Sun 08/Jul/1990    West Germany 1 (Brehme(pen)) Argentina 0
Rome, 7:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV 6:20-9:00pm. Nick Owen presented from London alongside Ian St John and Jimmy Greaves whilst Elton Welsby was in Rome with Graham Taylor. BBC1 had coverage from 6:30-9:00pm, with John Motson & Trevor Brooking commentating. Argentina had two players sent off, Pedro Monzón on 65 and Gustavo Dezotti on 87. Andreas Brehme scored the only goal from the penalty spot on 85.

Sweden was confirmed as the venue for Euro 92 on 16th December 1988 in preference to Spain. ITV's commentators in Sweden were Brian Moore and Alan Parry, The Presenter was Elton Welsby. STV & Grampian had Gerry McNee commentatiting on the Scotland games (hosted by Jim White, with Jim Delahunt over in Sweden for interviews and reports).  ITV's theme tune for the tournament was "You Are the Number 1" by Union. The BBC had John Motson and Barry Davies commentating, the presenter was Des Lynam with studio analysis from Jimmy Hill and Terry Venables. Jock Brown commentated for BBC Scotland on their games. The BBC theme tune for Euro 92 was a version of "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven 9th symphony.
See here for England qualifiers and friendlies.

Fri 17/Jan/1992 "European Championship Draw"
*ITV had LIVE coverage of the draw from Stockholm at 3:55-4:05pm. BBC2 also showed it live on "Sport on Friday" with Helen Rollason chatting with Trevor Brooking afterwards. England were scheduled to play Yugoslavia in their opening match but they were forced to withdraw before the tournament began due to a civil war and they were replaced by the runners-up in Yugoslavia's qualifying group, Denmark.

Sat 06/Jun/1992    "Saint & Greavsie"
*Ian St John and Jimmy Greaves previewed Euro '92 on ITV from 2:25pm ahead of live coverage of the schoolboy international between England and Italy at Wembley.

Tue 09/Jun/1992 "European Football Championship"
*ITV had a preview show the day before the tournament began at 11:40pm-12:30am. Elton Welsby hosted the programme which included a very awkward interview with Graham Taylor via a link-up - Welsby asked cheerfully "What's the team going to be on Thursday?", Taylor snapped back aggressively "That's none of your business.". Welsby shot back, "Well it may be none of my business but I'm sure the England fans watching back home will be interested to know." Ron Atkinson, who was sat alongside Welsby in the studio, was clearly taken aback by Taylor's attitude and commented after the interview that Graham needed to calm down and relax as his agitation would get through to the players. Clearly all was not well and this would be the first of three notably hostile exchanges between the England party and British TV personal over the course of the tournament.

First Round
Game 1

Wed 10/Jun/1992    Sweden 1 (Jan Eriksson) France 1 (Papin)
Group A (7:15pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV 7:00-9:15pm. BBC1 had highlights at 10:20-11:10pm with Barry Davies commentating.

Thu 11/Jun/1992    England 0 Denmark 0
Group A (7:15pm bst)
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 7:00-9:10pm. ITV highlights 10:40-11:30pm with Alan Parry & Ron Atkinson commentating. An awful match in which Denmark sat back for an hour and waited for England to score, but once the Danes realised that England were incapable they finally ventured forward and came closest to scoring when they hit the woodwork.

Fri 12/Jun/1992    Netherlands 1 (Bergkamp) Scotland 0
Group B (4:15pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ian St John
*ITV 3:55-6:15pm. One of the better games in a largely tedious group stage. John Motson commentated for highlights on BBC1 shown during the night match coverage.

Fri 12/Jun/1992    Germany 1 (Häßler) CIS 1 (Dobrovolski (pen))
Group B (7:15pm bst)
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Bobby Charlton
*BBC1 7:00-9:10pm. No late highlights programme on either channel. Germany equalised at the death in a poor match. Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson voiced ITV clips (probably shown on S&G the next day).

Sat 13/Jun/1992    "Saint & Greavsie"
*ITV 1:10-2:00pm. Presented live from Stockholm. BBC1 had a review of the tournament so far at the start of "Grandstand" at 12:15pm with Rugby following at 12:45pm.

Game 2

Sun 14/Jun/1992    England 0 France 0
Group A (4:15pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV 3:45-6:30pm. Another shocking display by England in yet another dire match. The BBC showed highlights during coverage of the night match with Barry Davies commentating. Following his altercation with Elton Welsby ahead of the tournament, Graham Taylor now turned on the BBC's Des Lynam, accusing him of asking Gary Lineker awkward questions - A quite unreasonable accusation. This was followed by an extraordinary attack on Jimmy Hill by defender Carlton Palmer who added "We're not here to be pretty or to entertain, we're here to do a job." They certainly achieved two of those three aims.

Sun 14/Jun/1992    Sweden 1 (Brolin) Denmark 0
Group A (7:15pm bst)
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 7:00-9:10pm. Alan Parry commentated for ITV clips.

Mon 15/Jun/1992    Germany 2 (Riedle, Effenberg) Scotland 0
Group B (4:15pm bst)
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 4:00-6:10pm. With better luck Scotland would have at least drawn this match, probably the best game of the group stage. Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson commentated for ITV who showed highlights during their live coverage of the night game.

Mon 15/Jun/1992    Netherlands 0 CIS 0
Group B (7:15pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ian St John
*ITV 7:00-10:00pm. John Motson covered this one for the BBC who had a highlights show on BBC1 at 11:00-11:40pm.

Game 3

Wed 17/Jun/1992    Sweden 2 (Jan Eriksson, Brolin) England 1 (Platt)
Group A (7:15pm bst)
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*Sweden completely outplayed and outclassed England in the 2nd half to deservedly go through whilst England's final position of last place in the group flattered them, they hadn't even turned up. Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson called the match for ITV highlights.

Wed 17/Jun/1992    Denmark 2 (Larsen, Elstrup) France 1 (Papin)
Group A (7:15pm bst)
BBC Highlights
John Motson
*Highlights shown during coverage of the England game. ITV had a highlights programme at 11:20pm-12:30am with Alan Parry & Ian St John commentating on Denmark v France. .

Group A Final Table
1. Sweden         +2  5
2. Denmark         0  3
3. France         -1  2
4. England        -1  2

Thu 18/Jun/1992    Netherlands 3 (Rijkaard, Witschge, Bergkamp) Germany 1 (Klinsmann)
Group B (7:15pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV 6:50-9:30pm. Germany were well beaten but progressed thanks to the Scots. Barry Davies voiced the match for BBC highlights.

Thu 18/Jun/1992    Scotland 3 (McStay, McClair, McAllister (pen)) CIS 0
Group B (7:15pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Alan Parry & Ian St John
*Scotland did the whole tournament (as well as Germany) a huge favour in knocking out the hideously negative CIS. The new back pass rule couldn't come in soon enough (This being the last tournament before it did). Scotland deservedly finished higher in this group than England did in theirs. BBC1 had a late night round-up at 11:25pm-12:15am with John Motson calling the Scotland highlights.

Group B Final Table
1. Netherlands    +3  5
2. Germany         0  3
3. Scotland        0  2
4. CIS            -3  2

Sat 20/Jun/1992    "Saint & Greavsie"
*ITV at 1:10-1:55pm. Over on BBC1 "Grandstand" had a football review at 1:05-1:30pm.

Semi-finals

Sun 21/Jun/1992    Germany 3 (Häßler, Riedle 2) Sweden 2 (Brolin (pen), K. Andersson)
Solna, 7:15pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV 6:45-9:40pm presented by Elton Welsby in the stadium with Ian St John and Jack Charlton. John Motson & Trevor Brooking commentated for the BBC who showed highlights at 11:10-11:50pm.

Mon 22/Jun/1992    Denmark 2 (Larsen 2) Netherlands 2 (Bergkamp, Rijkaard) [Denmark won on pens AET]
Gothenburg, 7:15pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage from 7:00-9:10pm presented by Des Lynam in the studio with Jimmy Hill, Gary Lineker and Terry Venables. Bobby Charlton also offered his thoughts from the stadium. The Dutch had been the best side in the tournament, they were below par in this game but still deserved to go through but couldn't find a winning goal. ITV had highlights at 11:30pm-12:30am with Alan Parry & Jack Charlton commentating.

The Final

Fri 26/Jun/1992    Denmark 2 (Jensen, Vilfort) Germany 0
Gothenburg, 7:15pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had live coverage at 7:00-9:30pm. BBC1 also showed it live at 7:00-9:10pm, Des Lynam presenting from the studio alongside Jimmy Hill and Terry Venables whilst Bobby Charlton took part via a link up with the stadium. John Motson & Trevor Brooking were the commentators.

Sat 27/Jun/1992    "Saint & Greavsie"
*The last ever edition of "Saint & Greavsie" on ITV at 1:10-1:50pm. "Grandstand" showed a montage of action from the tournament from 11:05-11:35am.

The United States were selected as hosts on 4th July 1988 in Zurich with 10 votes to Morocco's 7 and just 2 for Brazil. Despite the questionable decision to stage the tournament in a non-football nation, the finals did prove to be far more enjoyable than either of the most recent World Cup and Euro competitions with - surprisingly - record average attendance's, though sadly the final itself was something of an anticlimax as it became the first ever World Cup final to end in a goalless draw as well as the first to be decided on a penalty shoot-out.

Although no British nations were involved, there was considerable British interest in the Republic of Ireland - who included numerous English/Scottish born players managed by 1966 England World Cup winner Jack Charlton - and most matches were broadcast live by either ITV or the BBC (aside from a handful of group matches plus those kicking off simultaneously with another televised game). ITV's coverage was, however, notably underwhelming with all presentation being handled by Matthew Lorenzo and Tony Francis, virtually no highlights programmes and no preview or round-up shows. ITV also opted for first picks in the group stage and then ceded second choice to the BBC in all the subsequent rounds, so they were left with the less interesting matches in the knockout stages and were lumbered with the post-midnight semi-final. Brian Moore wrote in his autobiography; “ITV made a dog’s breakfast of it by doing neither one thing nor the other. The programmes came from a dungeon-like studio in Dallas that had neither the visual, vibrant excitement of the stadium nor the comforts of home. The panel were far removed from the action and looked, and probably were, bored. These truly were ITV’s darkest sporting days.” Their commentators in the USA were Brian Moore, John Helm, Peter Brackley, Alan Parry and Rob Palmer with co-commentators Ron Atkinson, Trevor Francis, Denis Law, Don Howe and Kevin Keegan. Brian Moore didn’t do a 2nd round (last 16) match because he didn’t want to spend an entire month away from home and returned to the UK for a break, Alan Parry departed after the 2nd round to concentrate on athletics which left John Helm to cover a semi-final as well as the 3rd place play off. ITV broadcasts used the official 1994 World Cup theme tune "Gloryland" sung by Daryl Hall and Sounds of Blackness.
The BBC commentators were Barry Davies (who described the final for the first and only time), John Motson, Clive Tyldesley, Tony Gubba and Gerald Sinstadt with co-commentators Trevor Brooking, Liam Brady, Chris Waddle, John Fashanu and Terry Venables. The presenters were Des Lynam and Bob Wilson (Wilson presented all but three of the BBC's live group stage matches as Lynam was presenting the Tennis from Wimbledon). Comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel made the odd guest appearance. The BBC used Leonard Bernstein's "America" as its' World Cup theme tune.
 

Sun 19/Dec/1993     World Cup Draw
*No live British TV coverage, though the Eurosport channel showed it live at 9:00-10:00pm. In Ireland, Network 2 had a two hour special from 7:55-10:00pm introduced by Bill O'Herhily from the U.S embassy in Dublin.

Wed 15/Jun/1994   "Standing Room Only" *BBC2 6:45-7:30pm, this edition of the football fanzine style series looked at how soccer had developed in the USA
 
 

First Round
Game 1
Note that this was the first World Cup finals to award 3 points for a win (rather than 2).

Fri 17/Jun/1994    Germany 1 Bolivia 0 *BBC1 LIVE 7-9pm including opening ceremony, BBC2 2nd half LIVE 9-10pm, Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
Fri 17/Jun/1994    Spain 2 South Korea 2 *ITV LIVE 11:10pm-2:30am, Alan Parry & Trevor Francis

Sat 18/Jun/1994    United States 1 Switzerland 1 *BBC1 LIVE as part of "Grandstand" from 4:20-6:20pm, John Motson & Chris Waddle

Sat 18/Jun/1994    Republic of Ireland 1 (Houghton) Italy 0
Group E, 9pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had live coverage from 8:50-11:05pm. BBC1 had highlights during coverage of the late night match with Barry Davies & Liam Brady commentating. In Ireland, Network 2 had live coverage from 8:10-10:50pm (commentator George Hamilton) followed by "World Cup Forum" until 11:30pm

Sat 18/Jun/1994    Romania 3 Colombia 1 *BBC1 LIVE 11:45pm-2:30am, Clive Tyldesley & John Fashanu

Sun 19/Jun/1994    Belgium 1 Morocco 0 *No live coverage in the UK (I watched this live on Eurosport)
Sun 19/Jun/1994    Norway 1 Mexico 0 *No live coverage in the UK (I watched this live on the German channel ARD1)
Sun 19/Jun/1994    Cameroon 2 Sweden 2 *BBC1 LIVE 11:40pm-2:30am, Clive Tyldesley & John Fashanu

Mon  20/Jun/1994  Brazil 2 Russia 0 *BBC2 LIVE 8:30-11:00pm, John Motson & Trevor Brooking
Mon 20/Jun/1994   Netherlands 2 Saudi Arabia 1 *ITV LIVE 11:40pm-2:30am, Brian Moore & Trevor Francis

Tue 21/Jun/1994    Argentina 4 Greece 0 *No live coverage in the UK (I watched this live on Eurosport)
Tue 21/Jun/1994    Nigeria 3 Bulgaria 0 *BBC1 LIVE 11:25pm-2:30am, Barry Davies & John Fashanu (note that this was played after the the first 'Game 2' match in Group C)

Game 2

Tue 21/Jun/1994    Germany 1 Spain 1 *ITV LIVE 8:30-11:15pm, Alan Parry & Ron Atkinson

Wed 22/Jun/1994   Switzerland 4 Romania 1 *No live coverage in the UK (I watched this live on Eurosport)
Wed 22/Jun/1994   United States 2 Colombia 1 *ITV LIVE 10:40pm-3:30am, John Helm & Denis Law (programme incl Boxing first)

Thu 23/Jun/1994    Italy 1 Norway 0 *BBC2 LIVE 9:00-11:00pm, John Motson & Liam Brady
Thu 23/Jun/1994    South Korea 0 Bolivia 0 *ITV LIVE 11:55pm-2:30am, Peter Brackley & Trevor Francis

Fri 24/Jun/1994    Mexico 2 (Garcia 2) Republic of Ireland 1 (Aldridge)
Group E, 5:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had live coverage from 5:15-7:30pm. BBC2 showed highlights during their live coverage of the 9pm match voiced by Clive Tyldesley & Liam Brady. The Network 2 channel in Ireland had live coverage from 5:00-7:40pm with George Hamilton commentating.

Fri 24/Jun/1994    Brazil 3 Cameroon 0 *BBC2 LIVE 8:30-11:00pm, Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
Fri 24/Jun/1994    Sweden 3 Russia 1 *ITV LIVE 11:40pm-2:30am, Peter Brackley & Trevor Francis

Sat 25/Jun/1994    Belgium 1 Netherlands 0 *ITV LIVE 5:15-7:45pm, Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
Sat 25/Jun/1994    Saudi Arabia 2 Morocco 1 *This KO'd at the same time as the Belgium/Netherlands match, so no live UK coverage
Sat 25/Jun/1994    Argentina 2 Nigeria 1 *BBC LIVE 8:40-11:00pm, John Motson & John Fashanu

Sun 26/Jun/1994    Bulgaria 4 Greece 0 *No live coverage in the UK (I watched this live on Eurosport)

Game 3

Sun 26/Jun/1994   Romania 1 United States 0 *ITV 2nd half LIVE, 10-11pm (originally scheduled to show highlights only from 10:45pm), John Helm & Don Howe (Eurosport showed the full match live)
Sun 26/Jun/1994   Colombia 2 Switzerland 0 *KO'd at the same time as Romania, so no live coverage in the UK

Group A Final Table
1. Romania         0  6
2. Switzerland    +1  4
3. United States   0  4
4. Colombia       -1  3

Mon 27/Jun/1994   Germany 3 South Korea 2 *BBC2 LIVE,  scheduled for 8:30-11:00pm but didn't join match until 30 mins or so in due to Tennis, Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
Mon 27/Jun/1994   Spain 3 Bolivia 1 *No live coverage on UK TV.

Group C Final Table
1. Germany        +2  7
2. Spain          +2  5
3. South Korea    -1  2
4. Bolivia        -3  1

Tue 28/Jun/1994    Republic of Ireland 0 Norway 0
Group E, 5:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Liam Brady
*BBC1 showed Ireland's final group game live from 5:25-7:35pm. ITV showed highlights during their live coverage of the 9pm match with John Helm commentating. In Ireland Network 2 had live coverage from 4:45-7:30pm, immediately followed by "World Cup Forum" which ran through until 7:55pm. In the final reckoning, all four teams in Group E were tied up on equal points and equal goal difference, so had to be separated by goals scored and, in the case of Ireland and Italy, the head to head rule.

Tue 28/Jun/1994    Italy 1 Mexico 1 *No live coverage on UK TV.

Group E Final Table GS GD Pts
1. Mexico            3  0  4
2. Rep of Ireland    2  0  4
3. Italy             2  0  4
4. Norway            1  0  4

Tue 28/Jun/1994   Brazil 1 Sweden 1 *ITV LIVE 8:30-11:15pm, Brian Moore & Trevor Francis
Tue 28/Jun/1994   Russia 6 Cameroon 1 *No live coverage in the UK but BBC1 did have a highlights programme for once tonight  at 11:30pm-12:10am.

Group B Final Table
1. Brazil         +5  7
2. Sweden         +2  5
3. Russia         +1  3
4. Cameroon       -8  1

Wed 29/Jun/1994    Netherlands 2 Morocco 1 *Surprisingly no live coverage of today's games, I had to watch this match live on the German channel ZDF, Peter Brackley for ITV highlights show
Wed 29/Jun/1994    Saudi Arabia 1 Belgium 0 *ITV's highlights programme went out at 11:10pm-12:00am, John Helm

Group F Final Table
1. Netherlands    +1  6
2. Saudi Arabia   +1  6
3. Belgium        +1  6
4. Morocco        -3  0

Thu 30/Jun/1994    Bulgaria 2 Argentina 0 *BBC1 LIVE 12:00-2:30am, John Motson & John Fashanu (preceded by 30 mins of coverage & comment on Diego Maradona’s failed drug test)
Thu 30/Jun/1994    Nigeria 2 Greece 0 *No live coverage in the UK,

Group D Final Table
1. Nigeria        +4  6
2. Bulgaria       +3  6
3. Argentina      +3  6
4. Greece        -10  0

Last 16

Sat 02/Jul/1994    Germany 3 (Völler 2, Klinsmann) Belgium 2 (Grün, Albert)
Chicago, 6pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Chris Waddle
*BBC1 had live coverage from 5:55-8:00pm. Peter Brackley commentated for ITV highlights shown during their live night match.

Sat 02/Jul/1994    Spain 3 (Hierro, Luis Enrique, Begiristain(pen)) Switzerland 0
Washington, 9:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
John Helm & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had live coverage from 9:00-11:30pm. Clive Tyldesley called highlights for the BBC.

Sun 03/Jul/1994    Sweden 3 (Dahlin, K.Andersson 2) Saudi Arabia 1 (Al-Ghesheyan)
Dallas, 6pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Kevin Keegan
*ITV had live coverage from 5:30-8:00pm. Tony Gubba voiced this one for the BBC.

Sun 03/Jul/1994    Romania 3 (Dumitrescu 2, Hagi) Argentina 2 (Batistuta(pen),  Balbo)
Los Angeles, 9:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage from 9:20-11:30pm. Peter Brackley commentated for ITV clips.

Mon 04/Jul/1994    Netherlands 2 (Bergkamp, Jonk) Republic of Ireland 0
Orlando, 5pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Liam Brady
*BBC1 had live coverage from 4:50-7:00pm. In Ireland Network 2 had build-up from 4:00pm and, aside from a 5 minute news bulletin, it was World Cup action and discussion right through until 10:20pm. John Helm covered this game for ITV.

Mon 04/Jul/1994    Brazil 1 (Bebeto) United States of America 0
San Francisco, 8:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Kevin Keegan
*ITV had live coverage from 8:00-10:30pm. Clive Tyldesley & Chris Waddle commentated for BBC highlights.

Tue 05/Jul/1994    Italy 2 (R.Baggio 2(1pen)) Nigeria 1 (Amuneke) AET
Boston, 6pm bst
ITV LIVE
Peter Brackley & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had live coverage from 5:50-8:00pm. Tony Gubba was the BBC highlights commentator.

Tue 05/Jul/1994    Bulgaria 1 (Stoichkov) Mexico 1 (García Aspe(pen)) [Bulgaria win on pens AET]
New York, 9:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage from 9:25-11:35pm. John Helm commentated for ITV clips.

Quarter-finals

Sat 09/Jul/1994    Italy 2 (D.Baggio, R.Baggio) Spain 1 (Caminero)
Boston, 5pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had live coverage from 4:45-7:00pm. Dino Baggio put the Italians ahead on 25, José Luis Caminero equalised for Spain on 58, Roberto Baggio netted a late winner for Italy on 88. Tony Gubba voiced this one for BBC highlights.

Sat 09/Jul/1994    Brazil 3 (Romário, Bebeto, Branco) Netherlands 2 (Bergkamp, Winter)
Dallas, 8:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage from 8:25-10:35pm. 0-0 at half-time, Romário then put Brazil ahead on 53, Bebeto made it 2-0 on 63, Dennis Bergkamp pulled one back for the Dutch on 64 and Aron Winter equalised to make it 2-2 on 76, but Branco netted a winner for Brazil on 81. Peter Brackley commentated for ITV clips.

Sun 10/Jul/1994    Bulgaria 2 (Stoichkov, Letchkov) Germany 1 (Matthäus(pen))
New York, 5pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Liam Brady
*BBC1 had live coverage from 4:50-7:00pm. Lothar Matthäus put the Germans ahead on 47 from the penalty spot, but they were stunned by two quick-fire goals by Hristo Stoichkov on 75 and Yordan Letchkov on 78 to put Bulgaria through to the semi-finals. Peter Brackley commentated for ITV highlights shown during the later live match.

Sun 10/Jul/1994    Sweden 2 (Brolin, K.Andersson) Romania (Raducioiu 2) 2 [Sweden win on pens AET]
San Francisco, 8:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore
*ITV had live coverage from 8:00-10:30pm. Tomas Brolin put the Swedes ahead on 78, but Raducioiu forced extra-time with an equaliser on 88, Romania then went ahead with Raducioiu netting his 2nd goal on 101, Kennet Andersson equalised for Sweden on 115 and the tie went to a penalty shoot-out. Sweden missed their first spot kick but Romania, having scored their first three, then missed their 4th and it was the Swedes who went through 5-4 in sudden death. Clive Tyldesley voiced the game for BBC highlights.

Semi-finals

Wed 13/Jul/1994    Italy 2 (R.Baggio 2) Bulgaria 1 (Stoichkov(pen))
New York, 9pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage from 8:50-11:05pm. Roberto Baggio scored twice in the space of 5 minutes on 21 and 25 to give Italy a 2-0 lead, Hristo Stoichkov pulled one back from the penalty spot just before half-time on 44 but there was no further scoring in the 2nd half and Italy were through to the final. John Helm called the game for ITV highlights.

Wed 13/Jul/1994    Brazil 1 (Romário) Sweden 0
Los Angeles, 12:30am bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had live coverage from 11:40pm-2:30am. Romário scored the only goal of the game for Brazil on 80 minutes to set up a repeat of the 1970 final. Barry Davies was at the game for BBC highlights shown the following morning as "World Cup Report" at 9:05-9:30am (unbilled in the Radio Times).

3rd place play off

Sat 16/Jul/1994    Sweden 4 (Brolin, Mild, Larsson, K.Andersson) Bulgaria 0
Los Angeles, 8:30pm bst
ITV Highlights
John Helm
*ITV had highlights at 11:25pm-12:30am (there was no coverage on the BBC although Clive Tyldesley voiced the game for clips presumably shown the following day), Eurosport broadcast the match live free-to-air via satellite with commentary by Archie Macpherson . ITV also had a preview of the the 3rd place match and the final earlier in the day at 1:10-1:40pm (BBC1 had a preview as part of "Grandstand" at 12:35-1:00pm). All four of Sweden's goals came in the first half through Tomas Brolin on 8, Hakan Mild  on 30, Henrik Larsson on 37 and Kennet Andersson on 40.

The Final

Sun 17/Jul/1994    Brazil 0 Italy 0 [Brazil win on pens AET]
Los Angeles, 8:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had live coverage from 8:00pm with Jack Charlton the star pundit, BBC1 also had live coverage from the later time of 8:15pm, presented by Des Lynam at the stadium alongside Alan Hansen, Jimmy Hill and Terry Venables with commentators Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking (Venables was heard during the match too). For the first time in history the World Cup final had to be decided on a penalty shoot-out. Both sides missed their opening spot kick, Italy then failed with their final two and so Brazil won 3-2 on pens.
 
 

England beat off the challenge of Austria, Greece, the Netherlands and Portugal to host Euro '96, the selection being made by the UEFA Executive Committee at a meeting in Lisbon on 5th May 1992. Nations bidding to host the tournament originally did so under the assumption that only eight teams would be taking part as usual, but by early 1992 there was talk of increasing the number of participants to 16 with two host nations. The English FA were reported to be considering a joint bid with Wales so that Cardiff Arms Park could join Wembley, Old Trafford and Villa Park on the list of grounds already confirmed to be ready to stage the competition. The idea to increase to 16 for Euro '96 was dropped in March 1992 and at the time the hosts were chosen in May, the European Championships in England were expected to be the last of the eight nation finals era, but on 30th November 1992 it was announced that UEFA had changed their minds - The break up of both the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, as well as the English FA's apparent eagerness to host an expanded finals, convinced the committee that the finals should be doubled in size to four groups rather than two with the addition of a Quarter-finals stage (this being the same format as the 1966 World Cup when England had last staged an international tournament).

ITV's commentators for the finals were Brian Moore, Alan Parry, Peter Brackley and John Helm. Gerry McNee voiced the Scotland games for STV and Grampian. The presenters were Bob Wilson and Jim Rosenthal. ITV's theme tune for the tournament was a modern interpretation of "Jerusalem" by Charlie Skarbek and Andy Davis featuring Miriam Stockley and the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, it was released as a CD single of four versions*.

*ITV's theme was later used for their coverage of the FA Cup and England internationals from 1998 to 2001.

The BBC's commentators were John Motson, Barry Davies, Clive Tyldesley and Tony Gubba, the presenters were Des Lynam and Gary Lineker. The BBC stuck with "Ode to Joy" as their Euro's theme tune, although this time around they used a vocal version as opposed to the instrumental version heard throughout Euro '92. BBC2 also showed three editions of "European Fantasy Football League" with comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel who wrote and recorded a song with the Lightning Seeds for the tournament, "Three Lions", which reached no.1 on the singles chart.

Sun 17/Dec/1995    "Euro '96: The Draw - Live"
*ITV had live coverage of the draw for the finals at 2:00-2:45pm with Bob Wilson and Sue Barker co-hosting for those at the venue as well as viewers across Europe. BBC1 also showed it live from the earlier time of 1:45-2:45pm introduced by Des Lynam with Gary Lineker and Ally McCoist whilst Barry Davies described the proceedings.

Wed 05/Jun/1996    "Euro 96 Countdown"
*ITV's preview of the tournament went out in most regions at 10:40-11:40pm  presented by Bob Wilson with a panel of John Barnes, Jack Charlton and Kevin Keegan and a live interview with England manager Terry Venables. This was technically the final edition of a series of four Wednesday night programmes - starting on 15th May, though the first three had a different format as they were broadcast live in front of a studio audience from a different city each week (Leeds on the 29th). The Granada region aired the first edition a day later than everyone else.

*The Granada region broadcast a series called "Euro 96 Snapshot" on Friday afternoons during the course of the tournament, the first going out on 7th June and the last on the weekend of the final, it was presented by John Leslie and the programmes reviewed the tournament from a regional perspective, meeting the fans of the teams playing in Liverpool and Manchester and profiling the players of North West clubs.

Fri 07/Jun/1996    "Euro 96 - The Preview"
*BBC1 broadcast their Euro 96 preview show on the Friday night at 8:00-9:00pm, presenter Des Lynam was joined by Ruud Gullit, Alan Hansen and Gary Lineker with live interviews with Terry Venables and the Scotland manager Craig Brown. BBC1 had a look ahead to England's opening game the following afternoon as part of "Grandstand" at 1:10-1:35pm.

First Round
Game 1

Sat 08/Jun/1996    England 1 (Shearer) Switzerland 1 (Türkyilmaz(pen))
Group A, 3pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Kevin Keegan
*ITV had exclusive live coverage of the opening ceremony and 1st game of the tournament from Wembley at 1:10-5:10pm, presenter Bob Wilson was joined by John Barnes, Jack Charlton and Alex Ferguson. The opening ceremony was hosted by John Inverdale. Numerous pre-match interviews included Pele, Roy Hodgson and Sir Stanley Matthews (as well as Kevin Keegan and Alex Ferguson interviewed together and apparently friends again just weeks after Keegan's infamous "I would love it if we beat them" rant). BBC highlights went out at 10:45-11:45pm and were called by Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking. ITV had a middle-of-the-night "Euro 96 Replayed" programme at 1:10-3:45am.

Sun 09/Jun/1996    Spain 1 Bulgaria 1
Group B, 2:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ian St John
*The first of three live games today, ITV had live coverage of the first from Elland Road at 2:00-4:30pm introduced by Bob Wilson with Jack Charlton and Graeme Le Saux. Tony Gubba voiced the game for BBC highlights.

Sun 09/Jun/1996    Germany 2 Czech Republic 0
Group C, 5pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*Des Lynam introduced the first BBC live game of the tournament alongside Ruud Gullit and Alan Hansen at Old Trafford from 4:45-7:00pm, followed by the news and then back to football at 7:20-9:30pm for the next match. ITV highlights of this one were called by Peter Brackley & Ron Atkinson.

Sun 09/Jun/1996    Denmark 1 Portugal 1
Group D, 7:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & David Pleat
*Presentation continued from Old Trafford (With Lynam, Gullit and Hansen) for this match played at Hillsborough. ITV's commentator was John Helm for their late night highlights show of the day's action presented by Jim Rosenthal (who would host most or all ITV highlights programmes) alongside John Barnes and Ray Wilkins, the show went out at 11:00pm-12:00am.

Mon 10/Jun/1996    Scotland 0 Netherlands 0
Group A, 4:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ron Atkinson / Gerry McNee
*ITV had Scotland's opening game live from Villa Park at 4:05-6:30pm, Bob Wilson was joined in the studio by Alex Ferguson, Glenn Hoddle and Ian St John. STV and Grampian had their own commentator (and possibly their own presentation too). John Motson & David Pleat commentated for BBC highlights.

Mon 10/Jun/1996    France 1 Romania 0
Group B, 7:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage from Newcastle at 7:15-9:30pm with the regular trio of Lynam, Hansen and Gullit. ITV's commentators were John Helm & Kevin Keegan for their highlights programme at 10:40-11:40pm, there was also a "Euro 96 replayed" at 2:25-4:40am.

Tue 11/Jun/1996    Italy 2 Russia 1
Group C, 4:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & David Pleat
*Live from Anfield at 4:00-6:30pm with Lynam, Gullit and Hansen. Peter Brackley voiced this one for ITV clips.

Tue 11/Jun/1996    Croatia 1 Turkey 0
Group D, 7:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*Bob Wilson was joined by John Barnes and Alex Ferguson for live coverage from Nottingham at 7:20-9:30pm. BBC highlights were called by Clive Tyldesley & Trevor Brooking and included in their late show at 10:30-11:30pm introduced by Gary Lineker with Jimmy Hill and Chris Waddle.

Game 2

Thu 13/Jun/1996    Bulgaria 1 Romania 0
Group B, 4:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Kevin Keegan
*Bob Wilson, Jack Charlton and Graeme Le Saux were in the studio for ITV's live coverage from Newcastle at 4:15-6:30pm. Tony Gubba voiced the highlights for the BBC.

Thu 13/Jun/1996    Netherlands 2 Switzerland 0
Group A, 7:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*Lynam, Gullit & Hansen in the BBC studio from 7:15-9:30pm for live coverage from Villa Park. Brian Moore & Ian St John commentated for ITV who had a highlights show at 10:40-11:40pm.

Fri 14/Jun/1996    Portugal 1 Turkey 0
Group D, 4:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
Clive Tyldesley & David Pleat
*BBC1 4:15-6:30pm, Des Lynam and Alan Hansen were eventually joined in the studio by Jimmy Hill, who was stuck in traffic.

Fri 14/Jun/1996    Czech Republic 2 Italy 1
Group C, 7:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*Bob Wilson introduced from the studio at 7:15-9:30pm alongside Alex Ferguson and Gelnn Hoddle. BBC highlights of the Anfield match were voiced by Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking and shown in their late programme at 10:20-11:50pm which also included athletics.

Fri 21/Jun/1996    "European Fantasy Football League"
*The first of three special Friday night Euro editions of "Fantasy Football League" with comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel went out on BBC2 at 9:30-10:00pm with guests Lorraine Kelly and Michael Robinson.

Sat 15/Jun/1996    "Euro 96 Special"
*Jim Rosenthal presented this ITV programme of reports and features at 1:10-2:00pm.

Sat 15/Jun/1996    England 2 (Shearer, Gascoigne) Scotland 0
Group A, 3pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage as part of "Grandstand" introduced by Des Lynam from Wembley at 12:20pm with a lunchtime football preview at 12:25-12:40pm and build-up to the match from 2pm, Ruud Gullit, Alan Hansen and Jimmy Hill were on the panel. BBC Scotland presumably had Jock Brown commentating. Brian Moore and Ron Atkinson commentated for ITV highlights.

Sat 15/Jun/1996    Spain 1 France 1
Group B, 6pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ian St John
*ITV had live coverage from Elland Road at 5:45pm introduced by Bob Wilson with Jack Charlton, Alex Ferguson and Kevin Keggan. The Granada region only joined the coverage right at the kick-off as they were committed to extended news coverage of the Manchester bombing. BBC highlights were called by Tony Gubba which were included on their late programme at 10:45pm-12:00am with Gary Lineker and Chris Waddle. ITV had a "Euro 96 Replayed" at 12:55am-3:15am which showed the England v Scotland clash.

Sun 16/Jun/1996    Germany 3 Russia 0
Group C, 3pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ron Atkinson
*Bob Wilson, Glenn Hoddle and Ray Wilkins were in the ITV studio from 2:30-5:00pm. Clive Tyldesley was at Old Trafford to commentate for BBC highlights.

Sun 16/Jun/1996    Croatia 3 Denmark 0
Group D, 6pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*Des Lynam introduced the programme from 5:45-8:00pm alongside Jimmy Hill and Chris Waddle. ITV highlights of this Hillsborough fixture were called by Peter Brackley & Ian St John and shown as part of their late show at 11:00pm-12:05am.

Game 3

Tue 18/Jun/1996    France 3 Bulgaria 1
Group B, 4:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage of the match at Newcastle from 4:10-6:40pm with Lynam, Gullit and Hansen. Peter Brackley commentated for ITV highlights

Tue 18/Jun/1996    Spain 2 Romania 1
Group B, 4:30pm bst
BBC Highlights
Tony Gubba
*This match at Leeds kicked off at the same time as the fixture above and no live coverage was available to UK viewers. John Helm covered this game for ITV clips

Group B Final Table
1. France         +3  7
2. Spain          +1  5
3. Bulgaria       -1  4
4. Romania        -3  0

Tue 18/Jun/1996    England 4 (Shearer 2(1pen), Sheringham 2) Netherlands 1 (Kluivert)
Group A, 7:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Kevin Keegan
*ITV had live coverage from Wembley at 7:10-10:00pm and also included highlights of Scotland v Switzerland, which was being played at Villa Park at the same time. Bob Wilson hosted alongside John Barnes and Jack Charlton. BBC highlights were voiced by Barry Davies & David Pleat and shown at 10:30-11:50pm including a review of the tournament so far by Nick Hancock.

Tue 18/Jun/1996    Scotland 1 (McCoist) Switzerland 0
Group A, 7:30pm bst
STV & GRAMPIAN LIVE
Gerry McNee & Gordon McQueen
*STV and Grampian showed Scotland's game live north of the border at 7:10-10:00pm hosted by Jim White alongside Alex McCleish and Charlie Nicholas. Alan Parry & Ian St John voiced the game for ITV highlights (the final minute or so was shown live after the England game had finished as Scotland could have qualified had they scored another goal). BBC highlights were called by Clive Tyldesley. Border TV showed delayed coverage at 10:40pm and "Euro 96 Replayed" at 1:00-3:50am in the English regions appears to have been the full STV presentation (it certainly was in the Granada region).

Group A Final Table
1. England        +5  7
2. Netherlands    -1  4
3. Scotland       -1  4
4. Switzerland    -3  1

Wed 19/Jun/1996    Portugal 3 Croatia 0
Group D, 4:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry  & Ron Atkinson
*Bob Wilson, Jack Charlton and Graeme Le Saux were in the ITV studio from 4:15pm.

Wed 19/Jun/1996    Denmark 3 Turkey 0
Group D, 4:30pm bst
ITV Highlights
John Helm
*Just brief highlights of this one shown at half-time and full-time of the other Group D match.

Group D Final Table
1. Portugal       +4  7
2. Croatia        +1  6
3. Denmark         0  4
4. Turkey         -5  0

Wed 19/Jun/1996    Germany 0 Italy 0
Group C, 7:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & David Pleat
*Des Lynam introduced live coverage of the last match of the group stage alongside Gullit and Hansen at 7:00-9:40pm. ITV highlights were voiced by Brian Moore & Ian St John.

Wed 19/Jun/1996    Czech Republic 3 Russia 3
Group C, 7:30pm bst
BBC Highlights
Clive Tyldesley
*The Czech Republic qualified ahead of Italy on the head to head rule. ITV had a highlights programme at 10:40-11:40pm with Jim Rosenthal - The Czech Republic match was voiced by Peter Brackley.

Group C Final Table
1. Germany        +5  7
2. Czech Republic -1  4
3. Italy           0  4
4. Russia         -4  1

Fri 21/Jun/1996    "European Fantasy Football League"
*BBC2 at 9:30-10:00pm with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel. The guests were Rene and Willy van de Kerkhof along with Uri Geller who claimed to have moved the ball slightly with his will power during the England v Scotland match as Gary McAllister took the  penalty kick which he sent sailing over the bar.

Sat 22/Jun/1996    "Euro 96 Special"
*Jim Rosenthal presented another Saturday lunchtime ITV round-up of reports and features at 1:10-2:00pm. BBC1 had a shorter Euro 96 round-up as part of "Grandstand" at 1:10-1:35pm.

Quarter-finals

Sat 22/Jun/1996    England 0 Spain 0 [England win on pens AET]
Wembley, 3pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 showed the England QF LIVE as part of "Grandstand", Des Lynam was joined by Ruud Gullit, Alan Hansen and Jimmy Hill. ITV highlights were voiced by Brian Moore.

Sat 22/Jun/1996    France 0 Netherlands 0 [France win on pens AET]
Anfield, 6:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Kevin Keegan
*ITV had LIVE coverage from 5:45pm with Bob Wilson joined by John Barnes and Alex Ferguson. BBC1 had a highlights programme at 10:25-11:25pm - Clive Tyldesley and David Pleat commentating, ITV showed a re-run of a match (probably of the England game) from 1:15am.

Sun 23/Jun/1996    Germany 2 (Klinsmann(pen), Sammer) Croatia 1 (Suker)
Old Trafford, 3pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had LIVE coverage from 2:30-5:00pm introduced by Bob Wilson with Alex Ferguson and Glenn Hoddle. Tony Gubba & Trevor Brooking called this one for BBC highlights.

Sun 23/Jun/1996    Czech Republic 1 (Poborsky) Portugal 0
Villa Park, 6:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & David Pleat
*BBC1 had LIVE coverage from 6:00-8:30pm with Des Lynam joined by Ruud Gullit and Alan Hansen. ITV had highlights of the days' action at 10:45-11:45pm, Alan Parry & Ian St John commentated on the Czech Republic match.
 

Semi-finals

Tue 25/Jun/1996    "England v Germany Special"
*BBC1 made a late change to the schedules to preview the following day's semi-final at 8:00-8:30pm.

Wed 26/Jun/1996    Czech Republic 0 France 0 [Czech Republic win on pens AET]
Old Trafford, 4:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Alan Parry & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had LIVE coverage from 3:30pm, it was Alan Parry's last match for ITV before he left for Sky. BBC1 also showed it live with John Motson & David Pleat commentating, the programme starting at the same time with Des Lynam introducing alongside Gullit and Hansen from an executive box at Wembley (ready to watch the England game).

Wed 26/Jun/1996    Germany 1 (Kuntz) England 1 (Shearer) [Germany win on pens AET]
Wembley, 7:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Kevin Keegan
*ITV had LIVE coverage from 7:20pm. Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking commentated for BBC1 who also showed it live from the earlier time of 7:10pm with Lynam, Hansen and Gullit now joined in the executive box by Jimmy Hill (wearing an England bow-tie). ITV replayed the action during the night from 2:05am.

Fri 28/Jun/1996    "European Fantasy Football League"
*The final edition of three Friday night programmes hosted by Frank Skinner and David Baddiel (both wearing Czech Republic shirts ready for Sunday's final) was shown on BBC2 at 9:30-10:00pm with guests James Richardson (of C4's "Football Italia") and Sky TV's Andy Gray.

Sat 29/Jun/1996    "Euro 96 Special: The Final Preview"
*Jim Rosenthal presented the final Saturday lunchtime ITV Euro 96 show at 1:10-2:00pm. There was no football preview slot scheduled for "Grandstand" on BBC1.

The Final

Sun 30/Jun/1996    Germany 2 (Bierhoff 2) Czech Republic 1 (Berger) [AET]
Wembley, 7:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*Bob Wilson introduced ITV's LIVE coverage from 5:45pm alongside Alex Ferguson, Kevin Keegan and Terry Venables. John Motson & Trevor Brooking commentated for BBC1 who also showed it live from 6:00pm with Des Lynam joined by Ruud Gullit, Alan Hansen and Gary Lineker. ITV replayed the action at 1:00-3:35am.
 
 

France won the vote to stage the 16th World Cup finals at a meeting of FIFA's executive committee in Zürich on 2nd July 1992, they were chosen ahead of Switzerland and Morocco. The 1998 tournament saw the number of nations participating in the finals increased from 24 to 32 which meant teams finishing 3rd in the group stage could no longer sneak into the last 16.
ITV's commentary team in France comprised Brian Moore (his final games before retirement), Clive Tyldesley, Peter Brackley and Peter Drury. Gerry McNee did the Scotland games for STV and Grampian. The presenters were Bob Wilson and Jim Rosenthal, ITV's World Cup theme tune was "Rendez-Vous 98" by Jean-Michel Jarre and Apollo 440. The BBC commentators were John Motson, Barry Davies, Jon Champion, Tony Gubba, Ron Jones and John Murray. Rob MacLean did the Scotland games for viewers watching north of the border. The presenters were Des Lynam and Gary Lineker, the BBC's theme tune was "Pavane by Faur" by The Wimbledon Choir Society. ITV had first pick of the last 16 and semi-final matches whilst the BBC had first choice of the quarter-finals, this granted ITV exclusive live coverage of England's match against Argentina with a record 27 million viewers watching England's then youngest player and youngest goalscorer Michael Owen (18) scoring a sensational individual goal to put England ahead, though they ultimately lost the game on a penalty shoot-out.
Comedians Baddiel & Skinner and their "Fantasy Football" show had now transferred to ITV and the programme was broadcast live every other night throughout most of the tournament, the very first edition included an excruciatingly embarrassing guest appearance by the apparently inebriated Danish model/actress Briggitte Nielsen.

Thu 04/Dec/1997     World Cup Draw
*BBC2 showed the draw live from Marseilles (inside the football stadium in front of 38,000) at 6:00-7:00pm, ITV only had a ten minute slot at 6:50-7:00pm. Eurosport also showed it live from 5:30-7:00pm.

Tue 09/Jun/1998    "Fantasty World Cup Live" / "World Cup Preview"
*The infamous opening edition of David Baddiel and Frank Skinner's comedy series for World Cup '98 with guests Brigitte Nielsen and Jean Michel Jarre went out at 10:40-11:10pm, immediately followed by ITV's World Cup preview programme which ran until 12:15am. BBC1 had their preview of the tournament at 10:30-11:35pm and Channel 4 had an off-the-wall soccer trivia show "Euroballs '98" at 10:00-10:55pm presented by Antoine de Caunes including a pop group made up entirely of Ronaldo's ex-girlfriends.

First Round
Game 1

Wed 10/Jun/1998    Brazil 2 (César Sampaio, Boyd(og)) Scotland 1 (Collins(pen))
Group A, 4:30pm bst
BBC LIVE / STV, GRAMPIAN & BORDER LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*This was the opening game of the tournament. BBC1 had live coverage from 3:30-6:30pm, including the opening ceremony. ITV had highlights during their coverage of the night match, then showed the full game at 1:15-3:00am (Clive Tyldsley and Ian St John commentating). The 2nd edition of "Fantasy World Cup Live" went out at 10:40-11:10pm with guests Kirty Young and Clive Anderson. In Scotland, STV, Grampian and Border showed it LIVE (presumably with Gerry McNee commentating) as well as BBC Scotland, the Scottish ITV regions had a preview at 1pm before they went off at 1.15 for "Home and Away", then there was "Pele’s Dream Team" at 1.45pm and "Boys Against Brazil" at 2.15, coverage proper began at 3.15pm and ended at 6.30pm. Meanwhile BBC Scotland started their coverage as early as 11am!!! (moving the One O’Clock News and Neighbours to BBC2), the build-up included the 1970 final (seemingly all of it) and a good chunk of Scotland vs Holland from 1978. BBC Scotland's commentator was probably Rob Maclean.

Wed 10/Jun/1998   Morocco 2 Norway 2 *ITV LIVE 7:30-10:00pm, Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson (Guardian)

Thu 11/Jun/1998    Italy 2 Chile 2 *ITV LIVE 4:15-6:30pm, Clive Tyldesley & Kevin Keegan (RT)
Thu 11/Jun/1998    Cameroon 1 Austria 1 *BBC1 LIVE 7:30-10:00pm, John Motson & David Pleat (RT)

Fri 12/Jun/1998     Paraguay 0 Bulgaria 0 *ITV LIVE 1:15-3:35pm, Peter Drury & Ian St John (Express)
Fri 12/Jun/1998     Denmark 1 Saudi Arabia 0 *BBC1 LIVE 4:10-6:30pm, Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking (RT)
Fri 12/Jun/1998     France 3 South Africa 0 *ITV LIVE 7:50-10:00pm, Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson (RT), "Fantasy World Cup Live" guests Sacha Distel & Leslie Ash at 10:40-11:15pm

Sat 13/Jun/1998    Nigeria 3 Spain 2 *BBC1 LIVE, 1:10-3:45pm, Barry Davies & Chris Waddle (RT)
Sat 13/Jun/1998    Mexico 3 South Korea 1 *ITV LIVE 4:15-6:30, Clive Tyldesley & Kevin Keegan (Times)
Sat 13/Jun/1998    Netherlands 0 Belgium 0 *BBC1 LIVE 7:30-10:00pm, John Motson & Trevor Brooking (RT)

Sun 14/Jun/1998    Argentina 1 Japan 0 *ITV LIVE 1:10-3:30pm, Peter Brackley & Ian St John (RT)
Sun 14/Jun/1998    FR Yugoslavia 1 Iran 0 *BBC1 LIVE 4:15-6:25pm, Jon Champion & David Pleat (Times)
Sun 14/Jun/1998    Croatia 3 Jamaica 1 *ITV LIVE 7:50-10:00pm, Clive Tyldesley & Ron Atkinson (Times), "Fantasy World Cup Live" guests Richard Wilson & Anne-Marie Foss at 10:15-10:45pm

Mon 15/Jun/1998    England 2 (Shearer, Scholes) Tunisia 0
Group G, 1:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage of England's opening game from 1:00-3:35pm. ITV had highlights during their live coverage of the tea-time game and again on "World Cup 98 - Encore!" at 10:40-11:40pm, then the full 90 minutes from 1:35-3:20am, Brian Moore and Kevin Keegan commentated.

Mon 15/Jun/1998   Romania 1 Colombia 0 *ITV LIVE 3:50-6:30pm, Peter Drury & Ron Atkinson (Express)
Mon 15/Jun/1998   Germany 2 United States 0 *BBC1 LIVE 7:30-10:00pm, John Motson & David Pleat (RT)

Game 2

Tue 16/Jun/1998    Scotland 1 (Burley) Norway 1 (H.Flo)
Group A, 4:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ian St John
*ITV had live coverage from 3:50-6:30pm, Gerry McNee presumably commentating for STV/Grampian. "Fantasy World Cup Live" went out at 10:40-11:10pm with guests John Parrott and Stephen Tompkinson. BBC1 had highlights of the day's action at 11:20pm-12:20am (John Motson calling the Scotland match), ITV then repeated the full 90 minutes of the Scotland game at 1:25-3:10am.

Tue 16/Jun/1998      Brazil 3 Morocco 0 *ITV LIVE 7:50-10:00pm, Clive Tyldesley and Kevin Keegan (RT)

Wed 17/Jun/1998    Chile 1 Austria 1 *BBC1 LIVE 4:00-6:30pm, Jon Champion & Trevor Brooking (Express)
Wed 17/Jun/1998    Italy 3 Cameroon 0 *ITV LIVE 7:50-10:00pm, Clive Tyldesley & Ron Atkinson (RT)

Thu 18/Jun/1998     Denmark 1 South Africa 1 *ITV LIVE 4:15-6:30pm, Brian Moore & Kevin Keegan (Express), "Fantasy World Cup Live" guests Hugo Speer & Tracey Ullman at 10:40-11:15pm
Thu 18/Jun/1998     France 4 Saudi Arabia 0 *BBC1 LIVE 7:30-10:00pm, John Motson & Chris Waddle (Express)

Fri 19/Jun/1998      Nigeria 1 Bulgaria 0 *ITV LIVE 4:15-6:30pm, Clive Tyldesley & Ron Atkinson (Express)
Fri 19/Jun/1998      Spain 0 Paraguay 0 *BBC1 LIVE 7:30-10:00pm, Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking (Express)

Sat 20/Jun/1998     Croatia 1 Japan 0 *ITV LIVE 1:10-3:30pm, Peter Brackley & Ian St John (Times)
Sat 20/Jun/1998     Belgium 2 Mexico 2 *BBC1 LIVE 4:15-6:30pm, John Motson & Chris Waddle (RT)
Sat 20/Jun/1998     Netherlands 5 South Korea 0 *ITV LIVE 7:45-10:00pm, Brian Moore & Kevin Keegan (Times), "Fantasy World Cup Live" guests John Lydon & Sylvia Kristel at 10:15-10:50pm

Sun 21/Jun/1998    Germany 2 FR Yugoslavia 2 *BBC1 LIVE 1:15-3:30pm, Jon Champion & Trevor Brooking (Times)
Sun 21/Jun/1998    Argentina 5 Jamaica 0 *ITV LIVE 4:00-6:30pm, Clive Tyldesley & Ron Atkinson (RT)
Sun 21/Jun/1998    Iran 2 United States 1 *BBC1 LIVE 7:30-10:00pm, Barry Davies & David Pleat (RT)

Mon 22/Jun/1998    Colombia 1 Tunisia 0 *BBC1 LIVE 4:15-6:30pm, John Motson & Chris Waddle (Express)

Mon 22/Jun/1998    Romania 2 (Moldovan, Petrescu) England 1 (Owen)
Group G, 8pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Kevin Keegan
*ITV had live coverage from 7:30-10:00pm, then - following the news - "Fantasy World Cup Live" at 10:40-11:15pm with guests Noel Gallagher and Ian Broudie. A repeat of the full 90 minutes was shown at 1:30-3:10am. BBC1 had highlights at 11:15pm-12:15am with Barry Davies & David Pleat commentating on the England match.

Game 3

Tue 23/Jun/1998    Italy 2 Austria 1 *ITV LIVE 2:45-5:10pm, ?Clive Tyldesley? & Ron Atkinson (RT)
Tue 23/Jun/1998    Chile 1 Cameroon 1 *ITV highlights, ?Peter Brackley? (RT)

Group B Final Table
1. Italy          +4  7
2. Chile           0  3
3. Austria        -1  2
4. Cameroon       -3  2

Tue 23/Jun/1998    Morocco 3 (Bassir 2, Hadda) Scotland 0
Group A, 8pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & David Pleat
*BBC1 showed Scotland's final group match live from 7:30-10:15pm, Rob Maclean presumably commentated for BBC Scotland. ITV had a "World Cup 98 - Encore!" at 10:40-11:40pm and showed the full 90 minutes at 2:15-4:05am.

Tue 23/Jun/1998    Norway 2 Brazil 1 *BBC1 highlights

Group A Final Table
1. Brazil         +3  6
2. Norway         +1  5
3. Morocco         0  4
4. Scotland       -4  1

Wed 24/Jun/1998   France 2 Denmark 1 *BBC1 LIVE from 3:30ish-5:00pm (joined match late - about 30 mins in - due to Tim Henman playing Tennis at Wimbledon), John Motson and Trevor Brooking (RT)
Wed 24/Jun/1998   Saudi Arabia 2 South Africa 2 *BBC1 highlights

Group C Final Table
1. France         +8  9
2. Denmark         0  4
3. South Africa   -3  2
4. Saudi Arabia   -5  1

Wed 24/Jun/1998   Spain 6 Bulgaria 1 *ITV LIVE (for first hour & last few mins) 7:50-10:00pm, Brian Moore & Kevin Keegan (RT)
Wed 24/Jun/1998   Paraguay 3 Nigeria 1 *ITV highlights, LIVE for last 30 mins, "Fantasy World Cup Live" guests Justin Currie & Carol Vorderman at 10:40-11:15pm

Group D Final Table
1. Nigeria         0  6
2. Paraguay       +2  5
3. Spain          +4  4
4. Bulgaria       -6  1

Thu 25/Jun/1998     Netherlands 2 Mexico 2 *BBC1 LIVE 2:45-5:00pm, Barry Davies & David Pleat (Express)
Thu 25/Jun/1998     Belgium 1 South Korea 1 *BBC1 highlights

Group E Final Table
1. Netherlands    +5  5
2. Mexico         +2  5
3. Belgium         0  3
4. South Korea    -7  1

Thu 25/Jun/1998     Germany 2 Iran 0 *ITV LIVE 7:50-10:00pm, Clive Tyldesley & Ron Atkinson (Express)
Thu 25/Jun/1998     FR Yugoslavia 1 United States 0 *ITV highlights

Group F Final Table
1. Germany        +4  7
2. FR Yugoslavia  +2  7
3. Iran          -2  3
4. United States  -4  0

Fri 26/Jun/1998    Argentina 1 Croatia 0 *ITV LIVE 2:45-5:10pm, Peter Drury & Ian St John (RT)
Fri 26/Jun/1998    Jamaica 2 Japan 1 *ITV highlights

Group H Final Table
1. Argentina      +7  9
2. Croatia        +2  6
3. Jamaica        -6  3
4. Japan          -3  0

Fri 26/Jun/1998    England 2 (Anderton, Beckham) Colombia 0
Group G, 8pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage of the final group stage match at 7:30-10:00pm. ITV had "Fantasy World Cup Live" at 10:40-11:!5pm (guests Bob Mortimer and Kathy Burke) and then "World Cup 98 - Encore!" at 11:15pm-12:15am. The full 90 minutes of England's match was shown on ITV at 2:50-4:30am, Clive Tyldesley & Ron Atkinson commentated.

Fri 26/Jun/1998    Romania 1 Tunisia 1 *BBC1 highlights, Tony Gubba

Group G Final Table
1. Romania        +2  7
2. England        +3  6
3. Colombia       -2  3
4. Tunisia        -3  1
 

Last 16

Sat 27/Jun/1998    Italy 1 (Vieri) Norway 0
Marseille, 3:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
?Peter Brackley? & ?
*ITV's Saturday coverage began with "World Cup 98 Special" highlights with Tony Francis at 2:15-2:45pm, then live coverage of Italy v Norway at 3:15-5:35pm. Highlights of today's action went out as "World Cup 98 - Encore!" at 10:15-11:20pm, then a replay of one of the games at 1:35-3:20am. Tony Gubba & Chris Waddle commentated for BBC highlights.

Sat 27/Jun/1998    Brazil 4 (César Sampaio 2, Ronaldo 2(1pen)) Chile 1 (Salas)
Paris, 8:00pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & David Pleat
*BBC1 had a "World Cup Focus" earlier in the day at 11:00-11:27am. The Guardian and the Times schedules are printed with the assumption that BBC1 would show the afternoon game live, but they showed the night match instead.

Sun 28/Jun/1998    France 1 (Blanc) Paraguay 0 [ET]
Lens, 3:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & David Pleat
*BBC1 had live coverage from 3:15pm. A golden goal decided this tie, Blanc scoring in the 113th minute

Sun 28/Jun/1998    Denmark 4 (Møller, B.Laudrup, Sand, Helveg) Nigeria 1 (Babangida)
St Denis, 8:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
? & ?
*ITV had live coverage from 7:45pm followed by the news and then "Fantasy World Cup Live" with Baddiel & Skinner joined by Michael Palin and Caroline Aherne. BBC1 had highlights of the day's action at 11:05pm-12:05am, Tony Gubba & Trevor Brooking voicing the Denmark tie.

Mon 29/Jun/1998    Germany 2 (Klinsmann, Bierhoff) Mexico 1 (Hernández)
Montpellier, 3:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Clive Tyldsley & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had live coverage of the afternoon match from 3:15-5:30pm.

Mon 29/Jun/1998    Netherlands 2 (Bergkamp, Davids) Yugoslavia 1 (Komljenovic)
Toulouse, 8:00pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage from 7:30-10:00pm, ITV had highlights of the day's action at 10:40-11:40pm, Peter Drury & Ian St John did the Netherlands match.

Tue 30/Jun/1998    Croatia 1 (Šuker) Romania 0
Bordeaux, 3:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & David Pleat
*BBC1 had the afternoon match live at 3:15-5:35pm. Peter Brackley voiced a report for ITV.

Tue 30/Jun/1998    Argentina 2 (Batistuta(pen), Zanetti) England 2 (Shearer(pen), Owen) [Argentina win on pens AET]
Saint-Étienne, 8:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Kevin Keegan
*ITV had exclusive live coverage of this memorable match from 7:30pm, followed by the news and then another edition of "Fantasy World Cup Live" with Baddiel and Skinner and guests Ilie Nastase and Bradley Walsh. BBC1 had highlights at 11:20pm with Jon Champion & Trevor Brooking commentating, ITV repeated the England match at 1:10am.
 

Quarter-finals

Fri 03/Jul/1998    France 0 Italy 0 [France win on pens AET]
St Denis, 3:30pm bst
ITV LIVE
Clive Tyldesley & Kevin Keegan
*ITV had live coverage from 3:15pm, There were no goals in open play and both sides then missed their 2nd kick in the shoot-out, Di Biagio missed the vital 5th spot-kick for Italy and it was France who went through 4-3. Tony Gubba & Trevor Brooking commentated for BBC highlights.

Fri 03/Jul/1998    Brazil 3 (Bebeto, Rivaldo 2) Denmark 2 (Jørgensen, B.Laudrup)
Nantes, 8:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had both of today's QF's live, covergae of the night match ran from 7:45pm. Two early goals were scored in this one with Jørgensen netting for Denmark in the 2nd minute and Bebeto equalising for Brazil on 11, Rivaldo then put Brazil ahead on 27 only for Brian Laudrup to pull it back to 2-2 on 50 before Rivaldo netted the winner for Brazil on 60. Following the news there was another edition of "Fantasy World Cup" at 10:40pm with guests Ant & Dec, there was also a repeat screening of World Cup action at 2am. BBC1 showed highlights of today's games at 11:30pm-12:30am introduced by Gary Lineker, commentators on the Brazil match Jon Champion & Chris Waddle.

Sat 04/Jul/1998    Netherlands 2 (Kluivert, Bergkamp) Argentina 1 (López)
Marseille, 3:30pm bst
BBC LIVE
Barry Davies & David Pleat
*BBC1 had a preview during "Grandstand" at 1:10-1:35pm then live coverage of the afternoon match from 3:15pm. Kluivert put the Dutch ahead on 12, López equalised for Argentina on 18, then with extra-time looming Bergkamp netted a winner for the Dutch on 89. ITV had earlier shown a "World Cup 98 Special" round-up with Jim Rosenthal at 12:30-1:00pm

Sat 04/Jul/1998    Croatia 3 (Jarni, Vlaovic, Šuker) Germany 0
St Denis, 8:00pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had both of today's QF's live, coverage of the night match ran from 7:30pm. Jarni put Croatia ahead in added time of the first half, Vlaovic made it 2-0 on 80 and Šuker completed the shock win with the third Croatia goal on 85. No highlights show was scheduled in the newspapers for ITV but they did put one out at around 10:15pm. An edition of "Fantasy World Cup " shown the following night (Sunday) at 10:15-10:50pm included guests Alan Davies and Helen Chamberlain.

Semi-finals

Tue 07/Jul/1998    Brazil 1 (Ronaldo) Netherlands 1 (Kluivert) [Brazil win on pens AET]
Marseille, 8:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Ron Atkinson
*ITV had live coverage from 7:45pm. Brazil went ahead at the start of the 2nd half through Ronaldo on 46, Patrick Kluivert took the game into extra-time with a late equaliser on 87. With no further goals, the tie had to be settled on penalties, Cocu and de Boer both failed for the Dutch and Brazil went through 4-2 on pens. BBC1 had highlights at 11:00pm-12:00am with Barry Davies & David Pleat commentating.

Wed 08/Jul/1998    France 2 (Thuram 2) Croatia 1 (Šuker)
St Denis, 8:00pm bst
BBC LIVE
John Motson & Trevor Brooking
*BBC1 had live coverage from 7:30-10:00pm. Davor Šuker gave Croatia the lead on 46 but France came back immediately with an equaliser on 47 through Lilina Thuram who also netted the winner for the hosts on 69. ITV had a "Fantasy World Cup" show at 10:40pm with guests Denis Leary and Richard Keys, immediately followed by highlights of the France semi-final at 11:15pm-12:20am, the whole game was then shown at 2:10am, Clive Tyldesley & Ron Atkinson commentated.
 

3rd place play off

Sat 11/Jul/1998    Croatia 2 (Prosinecki, Šuker) Netherlands 1 (Zenden)
Paris, 8:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Clive Tyldesley & Ron Atkinson
*BBC1 had a "Football Focus" preview of the final during "Grandstand" at 12:30-1:00pm, ITV had a "World Cup Special" at 2:20-3:20pm and live coverage of the play-off match from 7:45pm. Croatia went ahead through Prosinecki on 13, Zenden soon equalised for the Dutch on 21 but Croatia were back in front again on 35 with a goal by Šuker. The final edition of "Fantasy World Cup Live" with guests Stephen Tompkinson and Greg Rusedski went out at 10:15pm followed by "World Cup 98 - Encore!" which had highlights plus a look ahead to the final at 10:50-11:50pm .
 

The Final

Sun 12/Jul/1998    France 3 (Zidane 2, Petit) Brazil 0
St Denis, 8:00pm bst
ITV LIVE
Brian Moore & Kevin Keegan
*Brian Moore's last ever commentary after 30 years working on television. ITV's coverage began only 15 minutes before kick-off at 7:45pm though Bob Wilson had been on-air since 12 noon - firstly presenting a special programme (in the open-air where it was blowing a gale) previewing both the final and the British Grand Prix as "The Glorious 12th", then Bob introduced all the other ITV programmes that afternoon including a World Cup "Rock and Goal Years" (4:30-5:30pm), "What Am I Saying" (5:55-6:55pm) described as a wry collection of sporting commentary, and "Coronation Street World Cup Special" in which "a silent killer strikes on the street as the Rovers regulars gather to watch the big game".  BBC1 also showed the final live with coverage beginning at the much earlier time of 7pm - so they got to break the news of and talk about the Ronaldo fiasco (the Brazilian star man initially missing from the team sheet). The BBC commentators were John Motson & Trevor Brooking. Zinedine Zidane opened the scoring for France on 27 and netted a 2nd in added time at the end of the 1st half,  Emmanuel Petit made it 3-0 shortly before the final whistle in the 3rd minute of injury time. There was no highlights programme or a middle-of-the-night re-run.