S.L. Benfica in European football Benfica fell in the second round against Scottish team and eventual finalists Celtic in a coin toss decision. After a mildly successful period in the 1960s, where they stood among the top contenders, Southern European teams started to lose influence in the European stage during the 1970s, as Dutch and German teams appeared stronger. In the 1971–72 European Cup, Benfica lost in the semi-finals to a Johan Cruyff-led Ajax on their way to a second consecutive win. Benfica reached the quarter-finals of the 1974–75 European Cup Winners' Cup, before being eliminated by another Dutch team, PSV Eindhoven. Over the course
Germany at the UEFA European Championship qualifying process. Germany have participated in twelve UEFA European Football Championships, five of which were as West Germany and seven of which were as (unified) Germany. They are holders of three European titles, won at Belgium 1972, Italy 1980 and England 1996. The team finished out of top eight only in two occasions, the tournaments of 2000 and 2004. In all other editions Germany had participated in the finals but one they reached at least semi-finals, doing so nine times, an unparalleled record in Europe. Germany at the UEFA European Championship The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football