Russia 3-3 Czech Republic, 1996 group stage
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In this last game of the group stage, Russia and the Czech Republic had everything to play for as the second spot to qualify for the knockout stages was up for grabs, with already qualified Germany taking on Italy in the simultaneous fixture of the group.
The Czechs were all set to advance to the knockouts having taken a commanding 2-0 lead at half time, but the Russian comeback started soon after the break. Russia levelled the scoreline with two goals in quick succession within ten minutes into the second half, and seemed to have completed the overhaul as Vladimir Beschastnykh put them in front with just five minutes of play remaining.
With Italy drawing their match against Germany, the Azzurri were set to go through alongside the Germans, but the tables had time to turn around once more.
Vladimir Smicer proved to be the super sub of the year, coming on in the 69th minute to take the Czech Republic through to the quarters with his first international goal, that too, an 88th-minute equaliser! This thriller sparked a run that ended with the Czechs losing to Germany in the final through a golden goal winner.
