The 1972 UEFA European Under-23 Championship, which spanned two years (1970–72) had 23 entrants. Czechoslovakia U-23s won the competition. The 23 national teams were divided into eight groups. The group winners played off against each other on a two-legged home-and-away basis until the winner was decided. There was no finals tournament or 3rd-place playoff. Qualifying stage Draw The allocation of teams into qualifying groups was based on that of UEFA Euro 1972 qualifying tournament with several changes, reflecting the absence of some nations: Group 2 and 8 had the same competing nations Group 1 did not include Wales Group 3 did not include England and Malta Group 4 did not include Northern Ireland and Cyprus Group 5 did not include Belgium and Scotland Group 6 did not include Republic of Ireland Group 7 did not include Luxembourg Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6 Group 7 Group 8 Knockout stages See also UEFA European Under-21 Championship External links RSSSF Results Archive at rsssf.com UEFA European Under-21 Championship 1970–71 in European football 1971–72 in European football 1972 in youth association football