Czechoslovakia, Socialist Republic. An Order Of The Republic Awarded To The Czechoslovak Football Team For Winning The Uefa Final European Championship 1976

(Řád republiky, Československé fotbalové družstvo - mistr evropy 1976). This Order of the Republic was awarded to the Czechoslovak Football Team for Winning the UEFA Final European Championship 1976. Instituted in 1976. Type I. In frosted silver with bright red, white, blue and deep red enamels, the enamels with a clear lacquer finish, maker marked "ZUKOV" (Zukov of Prague) and marked "925" (silver) on the reverse of the medal, number impressed "681" (matching that on the bottom of the case), marked "900" (silver), maker marked "ZUKOV" and marked "P" (Praha = Prague) on the reverse of the linden leaves wreath suspension, obverse illustrating the flag of Czechoslovakia in the foreground, with another flag partially visible behind it, the flags above a large hammer and sickle insignia fronting a brick wall, all of which is framed by a wreath composed of two branches of linden leaves, reverse inscribed "CSSR" (Československá socialistická republika = Czechoslovak Socialist Republic) flanked by branches of laurel leaves above and below, measuring 39.5 mm (w) x 60 mm (h) inclusive of its linden leaves wreath suspension, traces of frosting remains, original ribbon with pinback, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, maroon patterned exterior, lid bearing the Socialist Republic (CSSR) coat-of-arms and inscribed in Czech "ŘÁD REPUBLIKY" (Order of the Republic) in gold-coloured ink, label in handwritten blue ink affixed to the bottom inscribed "681" (matching that on reverse of the wreath of linden leaves suspension), inside lid lined in white rayon, base with a recessed medal bed in maroon felt, measuring 90 mm (w) x 145 mm (h) x 25.5 mm (d), case also extremely fine.

Footnote:

1. The Order of the Republic was instituted in 1951 and amended in 1977. It was awarded for extraordinary merit in building of the Czechoslovak Republic, especially in production, cultural or scientific activities; or for strengthening the defensive capabilities of the country.

2. The UEFA Euro 1976 Final was the final match of Euro 1976, the fifth edition of the European Championship, UEFA's top football competition for national teams. Contested by Czechoslovakia and West Germany, the match was played at Stadion Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Stadium), Belgrade, Yugoslavia, on June 20, 1976. En route to the final, Czechoslovakia finished top of their qualifying group, which included England, Cyprus and Portugal. After beating the Soviet Union 4-2 on aggregate over a two-legged tie in the quarter-finals, they progressed to the final after defeating the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time in the semi-final. West Germany won their qualifying group, which included Greece, Malta and Bulgaria, before beating Spain 3-1 on aggregate in the two-legged quarter-final and tournament hosts Yugoslavia 4-2 after extra time in the single-match semi-final. The final took place in front of 30,790 supporters and was refereed by Sergio Gonella from Italy. Czechoslovakia took the lead in the eighth minute through Ján Švehlík. Midway through the first half, Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck fouled Koloman Gögh and Marián Masný took the resulting free kick, which was cleared by Franz Beckenbauer as far as Karol Dobiaš, who struck a half-volley past Sepp Maier, the West Germany goalkeeper, to make it 2-0. Within four minutes, West Germany had halved the deficit as Dieter Müller volleyed Rainer Bonhof's cross into the Czechoslovak goal. In the final minute of regular time, West Germany won a corner, which was headed past Ivo Viktor by Bernd Hölzenbein at the near post, and the game went into extra time. With no change to the score in the additional period, the first penalty shoot-out in a European Championships final ensued. The first seven kicks were converted, until West Germany's fourth penalty taker, Uli Hoeneß, struck his shot over the bar. With the score 4-3, Antonín Panenka stepped up to take the fifth Czechoslovak penalty. Maier dived while Panenka gently lobbed the ball straight in the middle of the net to win the match 5-3 and secure Czechoslovakia's first European Championship. Panenka's name is now synonymous with that particular style of penalty kick.