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Our look back at Euro 88 continues with the first round of group games. On Friday 10 June 1988, the tournament kicked off with a tense 1-1 draw between West Germany, the hosts and favourites, and a vibrant young Italian side.

The other Group A game took place the following afternoon, a thrilling if slightly shambolic contest between Denmark and Spain. There were five goals and a fair bit of controversy, but the highlight for English audiences was a brief, comic loss of temper from the usually immaculate Barry Davies.

In Group B, two of the pre-tournament favourites – England and the Netherlands – were left fighting for their lives after one game. England suffered an FA Cup shock in an international tournament. with Ray Houghton scoring the only goal for Ireland and Gary Lineker missing enough chances to win a golden boot.

In the evening, the much-hyped Netherlands played impressive, seductive football against the USSR – and then walked straight onto a sucker punch from Vasily Rats.

* Euro 88: YouTube playlist

Group A

West Germany 1-1 ItalyBrehme 55Mancini 52

Denmark 2-3 SpainLaudrup 24, Povlsen 82Michel 5, Butragueno 53, Gordillo 66

Group B

England 0-1 Republic of IrelandHoughton 6

Netherlands 0-1 USSRRats 52

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