Bierhoff eyes history, 20 years after Euro '96

Evian (France) (AFP) – Oliver Bierhoff says it is time for Germany to write new history in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals as Thursday marked the 20th anniversary of his goals which won Euro ’96.

It is exactly two decades since Bierhoff, now Germany’s team manager, came off the bench to net twice at Wembley and seal a 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic in the Euro 96 final.

“The golden goal changed my life. It was only after that that I was fully recognised in Germany,” he told German newspaper FAZ.

His left-footed shot from the edge of the area in the 95th minute gave him his second goal in the Euro ’96 final and Germany their third European crown. 

Now the Germans want a fourth in France.

Germany face Italy in Bordeaux on Saturday for a place in the European Championship semi-finals.

Die Mannschaft have never beaten Italy in eight attempts at major tournaments and Bierhoff says it is time to break the streak.

The world champions are more interested in forging fresh success, rather than dwelling on previous failuresst Italy. 

The youngest members of the current Germany squad – defender Jonathan Tah and midfielder Leroy Sane – were born in early 1996. 

“It was an honour to have scored this goal, but after 20 years it’s about time we write a new story,” added Bierhoff, 48, in Evian on Thursday.

“I’d be happy, in future, to sit here to be able to talk about our winning goal from the 2016 final.

“Leroy was born in the January of ’96, so it’s time, with these players, to write a new story.”