The quarterfinals for the European Championship were in the spring of 1972. Only two of the 8 teams did not play in the World Cup 1970 – Hungary and Yugoslavia. The draw played a cruel joke: England paired with West Germany and the weaker Hungarian and Romanian teams were to play against each other. Yugoslavia and USSR were considered equal and difficult to predict, and finally – Italy had the easiest lot against Belgium. The only ‘predictable’ ¼ final proved how unpredictable football is: Belgium eliminated Italy, after scoreless 0-0 at Milan, and 2-1 win at Brussels
In front of Van den Daele (5), Piot wins the ball against Riva. Belgium won 2-1 and qualified.