From the inaugural European Nations’ Cup in 1960, proper by way of to the newer Euros, each version of the continental competitors has written its personal particular story.
From spectacular targets and memorable matches to moments of controversy, shock winners and iconic celebrations, the European Championship has had a little bit of every thing.
Usually dramatic or thrilling and infrequently era-defining, here’s a have a look at among the finest moments from the Euros all through the years…
32. Soviet Union win inaugural match
The inaugural European Nations’ Cup came about in 1960 and 4 groups participated within the match correct: France, Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia.
Within the first match, Yugoslavia beat hosts France 5-4 in an epic encounter, with the Soviet Union 3-0 winners in opposition to Czechoslovakia within the different semi-final. And the Soviets, led by the legendary Lev Yashin in purpose, defeated Yugoslavia 2-1 after additional time within the ultimate to win the first-ever European Championship.
31. Italy win after coin toss and replay
Italy triumphed on house soil versus the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia on the 1968 European Championship – however solely after a coin toss and a replay.
The Azzurri met the Soviets within the final 4 in Naples and with the tie nonetheless goalless after 90 minutes plus additional time, it was determined through a coin toss. Italy received it and within the ultimate in opposition to Yugoslavia, the house aspect received a replay 2-0 after the primary match had ended 1-1 in 120 minutes of motion.
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30. Dieter Müller hits hat-trick on debut
With West Germany trailing Yugoslavia 2-1 within the semi-finals of Euro 1976, coach Helmut Schön rolled the cube for the final time, sending on striker Dieter Müller for his worldwide debut rather than Herbert Wimmer after 79 minutes.
Müller scored three minutes later to drive additional time and went on so as to add two extra targets to mark his West Germany debut with the European Championship’s first-ever hat-trick. He additionally scored within the ultimate, however the Germans misplaced to Czechoslovakia on penalties.
29. Latvia frustrate Germany
Taking part in within the European Championship for the primary time, Latvia misplaced their opening two matches to Czech Republic and the Netherlands at Euro 2004.
The Baltic nation have been anticipated to lose once more as they confronted 2002 World Cup finalists of their ultimate group sport, however held Rudi Völler’s aspect to a goalless attract Porto and condemned the two-time European champions to a first-round exit.
28. Turkey comeback vs Czech Republic
Of their ultimate Group A sport at Euro 2008, Turkey have been 2-0 all the way down to the Czech Republic and heading out of the competitors. However every thing modified within the final quarter-hour.
Arda Turan pulled one again with 1 / 4 of an hour left and two targets from Nihat Kahveci within the 87th and 89th minutes sealed a dramatic late comeback as Turkey took their place within the knockout phases on the Czechs’ expense. Fatih Terim’s aspect went on to make the semi-finals, shedding out to a late purpose in a 3-2 defeat to Germany.
27. Whelan’s volley vs Soviet Union
The Republic of Eire have been among the finest tales at Euro 88 and Jack Charlton’s aspect have been unlucky to not make it into the knockout phases.
After beating England of their opening sport, the Boys in Inexperienced drew 1-1 with the Soviet Union and that match produced one other memorable second as Ronnie Whelan scored with a rare left-footed volley from the sting of the world following a protracted throw-in. The Irish missed out on a spot within the quarter-finals after a slim loss to the Netherlands of their ultimate group sport.
26. Poborsky’s scoop vs Portugal
Taking part in of their first main match as a brand new nation, the Czech Republic reached the ultimate of Euro 96 and Karel Pobosky’s winner in opposition to Portugal within the quarter-finals was an actual spotlight.
The winger made his approach by way of a crowd of Portuguese defenders and scooped the ball excessive into the air, over goalkeeper Vitor Baia and into the web to win the match for the Czechs with a particular strike. It was additionally his first worldwide purpose.
25. Dutch hit Yugoslavia for six
The Netherlands placed on a present within the quarter-finals of Euro 2000, thrashing Yugoslavia 6-1 in Rotterdam.
Patrick Kluivert hit a hat-trick and will have been the primary participant within the match’s historical past to attain 4 as Dejan Govedarica’s personal purpose was initially credited to the striker. The Dutch went on to lose to Italy on penalties within the semi-finals.
24. Ballack’s bullet free-kick
After a shock defeat to Croatia of their second match, Germany wanted a win in opposition to Austria to ensure passage to the knockout phases of Euro 2008.
Michael Ballack offered the second of inspiration in a decent contest, blasting an unstoppable free-kick into the highest nook from over 25 yards out to e book Germany’s place within the second spherical. Joachim Löw’s aspect went on to achieve the ultimate.
23. Followers present assist for Eriksen
Soccer followers internationally have been left in shock and unhappiness after Denmark’s Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest in a sport in opposition to Finland at Euro 2020.
Crew-mate Simon Kjaer reacted shortly by putting the midfielder within the restoration place and he was given pressing medical help. Eriksen was taken to hospital and discharged a couple of days later, following an operation. He obtained an outpouring of assist and affection from followers and Denmark went on to make the semi-finals. Fortunately, he was later capable of resume his profession.
22. Rooney makes a splash
Wayne Rooney made his England debut as a 17-year-old in 2003 and confirmed his standing as one of many sport’s most fun skills in his first main match with the Three Lions.
Rooney scored twice in opposition to Switzerland in an electrical efficiency on his Euro 2004 debut which noticed Sven Goran Eriksson’s aspect described as potential champions. The striker, who joined Manchester United that summer time, went on to attain two extra in opposition to Croatia, however was injured as England misplaced to Portugal on penalties within the final eight.
21. Ibra’s flick vs Italy
Zlatan Ibrahimovic spent lots of his finest years in Italy, with Juventus, Inter and AC Milan, and the Swedish striker scored one in all his best targets in opposition to the Azzurri at Euro 2004.
Along with his again to purpose and seemingly few choices, Ibrahimovic improvised with an outrageous flick which earned Sweden a 1-1 draw and was named as Purpose of the Match. The Scandinavians went on to achieve the quarter-finals, with Ibra lacking his penalty in a shootout loss to the Netherlands.
20. Šuker’s chip vs Denmark
Davor Šuker scored some particular targets in his profession and one of many absolute best got here in a 3-0 win for Croatia in opposition to Denmark at Euro 96.
With Croatia already 2-0 up and Denmark committing males, Šuker broke clear on the left however nonetheless had the formidable determine of Peter Schmeichel to beat. No drawback: the previous Actual Madrid striker swung his left foot to chip the ball nonchalantly over the world’s finest goalkeeper and wrap up a 3-0 win over the defending champions. Artwork.
19. Ricardo ditches gloves to beat Englnd
Ricardo was Portugal’s hero of their penalty shootout win over England within the quarter-finals of Euro 2004.
The goalkeeper took off his gloves to avoid wasting Darius Vassell’s spot-kick along with his naked arms after which stepped as much as hearth the profitable penalty himself because the hosts received 6-5 after the 2 groups had drawn 1-1 within the 90 minutes (and 2-2 after additional time).
18. Shaqiri’s stunner vs Poland
Xherdan Shaqiri lit up Switzerland’s last-16 tie in opposition to Poland at Euro 2016 with an unbelievable overhead kick from the sting of the world to stage the scores at 1-1.
Extremely, Shaqiri’s strike solely got here third within the vote for the purpose of the match, behind Hungary’s Zoltan Gera and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. However it is likely one of the finest targets in European Championship historical past. Poland went on to win on penalties, although.
17. Wales make semi-finals on Euros debut
Taking part in of their first-ever European Championship, Wales went all the way in which to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
The Welsh beat Slovakia and Russia to high Group B, earlier than edging out Northern Eire within the final 16 after which defeating much-fancied Belgium within the quarter-finals as Hal Robson-Kanu conjured up a Cruyff flip earlier than hitting the winner in Lille. Chris Coleman’s aspect misplaced to eventual winners Portugal within the semi-finals.
16. Switzerland stun France
After reaching the ultimate in 2016 and profitable the World Cup in 2018, France went into Euro 2020 as huge favourites. However Switzerland hadn’t learn the script.
The Swiss equalised within the ninetieth minute of an exhilarating tie in Copenhagen and with the groups nonetheless stage after additional time, penalties have been wanted to determine the end result. Within the shootout, Yann Sommer saved from Kylian Mbappé to present Switzerland a 5-4 win and produce an enormous upset. The Swiss misplaced to Spain on penalties within the final eight.
15. Pirlo’s Panenka penalty
England have been forward of Italy within the groups’ penalty shootout within the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 when Andrea Pirlo stepped as much as take his kick.
However the midfielder’s second of genius modified every thing. Pirlo chipped an beautiful Panenka over Joe Hart to swing the momentum again in Italy’s favour. “I made my determination proper on the final second, once I noticed Joe Hart, the England goalie, doing all kinds on his line,” Pirlo wrote in his autobiography. It labored. England missed their subsequent two penalties as Italy went on to win 4-2.
14. Platini fires Les Bleus to the title
France scored 14 targets and Euro 1984 and Michel Platini netted 9 of them, together with hat-tricks in opposition to Belgium and Yugoslavia.
Within the semi-finals, Platini struck proper on the finish of additional time to present France a 3-2 win over Portugal and the previous Juventus ahead opened the scoring in opposition to Spain within the ultimate as Les Bleus received a first-ever main honour.
13. England lose on penalties to Germany once more
In the summertime of 1996, England followers began to imagine that issues may be completely different this time, however Germany have been standing of their approach as soon as once more within the semi-finals.
The Three Lions’ loss to West Germany within the 1990 World Cup semi-finals was nonetheless recent within the minds of many followers and historical past repeated itself. The primary 10 takers all scored. Then Gareth Southgate missed. “Thirty years of damage” would go on and Southgate would expertise penalty heartache 25 years later as coach as England misplaced a shootout to Italy within the ultimate of Euro 2020.
12. Balotelli’s present vs Germany
Mario Balotelli produced maybe his finest efficiency for Italy as he hit each targets to assist the Azzurri to a 2-1 win over Germany within the semi-finals of Euro 2012.
Balotelli opened the scoring with a header after 20 minutes and made it 2-0 later within the half as he latched onto a protracted ball from Riccardo Montolivo and composed himself earlier than blasting house a fierce effort from the sting of the world. The previous Manchester Metropolis striker took off his shirt and flexed his muscle mass in an iconic celebration. Italy went on to lose the ultimate to Spain.
11. Iceland beat England
Iceland got here by way of Group F at Euro 2016 in second place after a win and two attracts and the match’s least-populated nation would face England within the second spherical.
Wayne Rooney’s penalty gave Roy Hodgson’s aspect an early lead in Good, however Iceland scored twice inside 19 minutes to show the sport on its head and held on for a historic win. The Icelanders misplaced 5-2 to hosts France within the quarter-finals.
10. Italy win on penalties at Wembley
England and Italy couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes at Wembley within the Euro 2020 ultimate and the match winner could be determined in a penalty shootout.
Italy missed two of their spot-kicks, however Roberto Mancini’s males secured victory after England did not convert three of theirs, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma the hero with saves from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after Marcus Rashford’s effort had hit the put up. Italy had additionally overwhelmed Spain on penalties within the semi-finals.
9. Injured Ronaldo cheers Portugal to victory
Portugal suffered an enormous blow within the Euro 2016 ultimate in opposition to France as their captain and star participant Cristiano Ronaldo was stretchered off with an harm early within the sport.
Ronaldo had tried to play on after a collision with Dimitri Payet. Unable to proceed, he appeared on the sidelines with a strapped leg alongside coach Fernando Santos and shouted directions to his team-mates. After Eder’s extra-time purpose gave Portugal their first-ever main title, he lifted the trophy and led the celebrations on the pitch.
8. Gazza’s purpose and celebration vs Scotland
Forward of Euro 96, a few of England’s gamers have been pictured pouring alcohol down one another’s throats in a apply generally known as the “dentist’s chair” and the photographs brought about controversy on the eve of the match.
Naturally, Paul Gascoigne was one of many gamers concerned and after scoring an unbelievable purpose within the group sport in opposition to Scotland – as he lifted the ball over the top of Colin Hendry after which volleyed house – at Wembley, the midfielder lay again as his team-mates grabbed water bottles and poured liquid down his throat in a comical re-enactment of the “dentist’s chair”. Good purpose, iconic celebration.
7. Bierhoff’s golden purpose
Oliver Bierhoff began the Euro 96 ultimate on the bench, however the striker quickly made his mark as he changed Mehmet Scholl after 69 minutes at Wembley.
Bierhoff levelled for Germany on 73 minutes after Patrik Berger had given the Czech Republic the lead simply in need of the hour mark and the Udinese ahead hit the winner with a golden purpose in additional time to seal the title for Berti Vogts’ aspect.
6. France break Italian hearts
With time ticking away in Rotterdam, Marco Delvecchio’s second-half strike regarded to have sealed a primary European Championship title for Italy since 1968.
However France substitute Sylvain Wiltord levelled within the 94th minute to take the sport into additional time and in it, fellow sub David Trezeguet blasted house a golden purpose to seal victory for the world champions and break Italian hearts in a dramatic finale.
5. Spain’s superb period
Spain received the European Nations’ Cup on house soil in 1964, however La Roja turned recognized for his or her failure to stay as much as expectations at main tournaments within the subsequent few many years.
All of that modified in 2008 as Luis Aragones’ aspect deservedly claimed the title. Two years later, Spain received the World Cup with Vicente del Bosque in cost and in 2012, La Roja turned the primary workforce in Euros historical past to win consecutive continental crowns.
4. Panenka’s penalty
Antonin Panenka’s penalty approach has been imitated by the nice and the nice lately, however it began on the European Championship again in 1976.
In a penalty shootout to determine the ultimate of Euro 1972 after a 2-2 draw between Czechoslovakia and West Germany, Panenka dinked the decisive kick to win the title for the Czechs and create a second of soccer historical past in Belgrade.
3. Van Basten’s volley
Marco van Basten hit an outrageous volley for the Netherlands in opposition to the Soviet Union within the ultimate of Euro 88.
The Dutch striker plucked the ball out of the air on the far put up and dipped an ideal shot over Rinat Dasayev – one of many world’s finest goalkeepers on the time – from a seemingly not possible angle. On the sidelines, coach Rinus Michels held his head in disbelief. To provide a purpose like that in any sport could be particular. To do it in a significant ultimate and seal a first-ever main trophy to your nation? Priceless.
2. Denmark win Euro 92 – with out qualifying
Denmark didn’t qualify for Euro 92 however got here into the match as a late substitute for Yugoslavia, disqualified because of the ongoing battle and break-up of the nation.
The Danes have been with out their finest participant, Michael Laudrup, after he opted to remain at house. However the Scandinavians beat France within the group to qualify for the semi-finals, went on to knock out the Netherlands on penalties after which defeated defending world champions Germany 2-0 within the ultimate.
1. Greece triumph at Euro 2004
Heading into Euro 2004, Greece have been thirty fifth within the FIFA world rankings and of the 24 groups within the match, solely Latvia have been thought of much less more likely to win the title.
However the Greeks got here by way of a troublesome group on the expense of Spain and went on to beat France, Czech Republic and Portugal – all 1-0 wins, all with headers – to say the title in maybe the most important upset within the match’s historical past.
