Oliver Bierhoff, whose golden goal handed Germany the Euro 1996 title and made him an overnight hero, believes his compatriots can be crowned European champions again on July 10
Evian (France): Oliver Bierhoff says it is time for Germany to write new history in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of his goals which won Euro '96.
Oliver Bierhoff
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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
Germans eye fourth cup
Now the Germans want a fourth in France. Germany face Italy in Bordeaux on Saturday for a place in the European Championship semi-finals.
June 30, 1996: Members of the German team pose with the trophy after the Euro 1996 final against Czech Republic at Wembley in London. Germany won 2-1. Pic/Getty Images
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 failures against 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 yesterday.
"I'd be happy, in future, to sit here to be able to talk about our winning goal from the 2016 final. Leroy Sane was born in the January of '96, so it's time, with these players, to write a new story."
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