As Antonin Panenka’s lofted penalty glided through the air, the European Championship was about to be transformed forever. With that one outrageous piece of skill, the Czech midfielder secured his nation the 1976 Euro title and lifted the competition to a new level in the public consciousness.

It was the perfect end to what had been an outstanding tournament, served up by four excellent teams whose tussles have predictably been overshadowed by that iconic concluding kick. Hosts Yugoslavia welcomed Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands and the holders Germany.

Yugoslavia, Czechs, the Netherlands and West Germany ultimately advanced to the semi-finals. Germany rallied from 2-0 down to beat Yugoslavia 4-2 after extra time while Czechoslovakia defeated the Netherlands 3-1 in the semis.

Czechoslovakia two goals lead in final but Germans drew level. After the extra-time failed to break the deadlock, the match went into penalty shoot-out. Uli Hoeness skied the ball after successful seven conversions and allowed Panenka to achieve immortality by waiting for Sepp Maier to dive before chipping his spot-kick audaciously down the middle.