The Top Five European Championships of All Time

As we sit on the cusp of the Euro 2024 tournament, we thought we’d take a look back at the top five Euro tournaments of all time.

Do you agree with our selections? Which ones stood out for you?

5: Euro 2000 – Belgium and Netherlands

When and Where: June 10 – July 2, 2000, in Belgium and the Netherlands
Winner: France

Euro 2000, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, is often hailed as one of the greatest European Championships ever staged. The 11th edition of the UEFA European Championship saw 16 teams vying for the prestigious title, culminating in a final that encapsulated the thrilling essence of the competition.

The tournament kicked off with much fanfare, as Belgium and Sweden squared off in the opening match. Belgium’s 2-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Bart Goor and Emile Mpenza, set the tone for an event characterized by competitive spirit and high-scoring encounters. From the group stages, it was clear that Euro 2000 would be anything but predictable.

Italy emerged as a dominant force, topping Group B with a perfect record. Their disciplined defence, orchestrated by the formidable Paolo Maldini, combined with the clinical finishing of Francesco Totti and Filippo Inzaghi, made their early favourites. Meanwhile, the Netherlands dazzled with their attacking prowess, led by the mercurial talents of Patrick Kluivert and Dennis Bergkamp. They annihilated Yugoslavia 6-1 in the quarter-finals, with Kluivert netting a hat-trick, in what was one of the standout performances of the tournament.

England and Germany, traditional powerhouses, endured disappointing campaigns. England’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Portugal in their opening game, despite leading 2-0, highlighted their defensive frailties. Germany, the defending champions, failed to progress beyond the group stage, signalling the end of an era for a team that had dominated the 1990s.

France, the reigning World Cup champions, demonstrated their resilience and depth throughout the tournament. Zinedine Zidane, the maestro of midfield, was instrumental in their campaign. His elegance, vision, and control orchestrated France’s play, while Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet provided the firepower upfront. The French team’s ability to switch between tactical disciplines—solid defending and fluid attacking—proved crucial in their journey to the final.

The semi-finals were a spectacle of high drama and tension. Italy faced off against the Netherlands in a match that would go down in history for its sheer unpredictability. Despite the Netherlands dominating the game, hitting the woodwork multiple times, and being awarded two penalties, they failed to score. Italian goalkeeper Francesco Toldo was the hero, saving a penalty during the match and another in the subsequent shootout, which Italy won 3-1. The Dutch, playing at home in Amsterdam, were left to rue their missed opportunities.

France met Portugal in the other semi-final, a game that epitomized the spirit and controversy of the tournament. The match was decided in extra time when Zidane converted a penalty after Abel Xavier handled the ball in the box. The “golden goal” rule, in effect at the time, meant that France’s 2-1 victory was immediate and dramatic, sending Les Bleus to the final.

The final, held at the Feijenoord Stadion in Rotterdam, pitted two of Europe’s finest teams against each other: France and Italy. Italy took the lead through Marco Delvecchio in the second half, and as the clock ticked down, it seemed the Azzurri would hold on for victory. However, in the dying moments of stoppage time, France’s Sylvain Wiltord struck a dramatic equalizer, sending the match into extra time. The momentum had shifted, and France seized their opportunity. David Trezeguet scored the golden goal with a sublime left-footed volley, securing a 2-1 victory and ensuring France became the first team to hold both the World Cup and European Championship simultaneously since West Germany in 1974.

4: Euro 1984 – France

When and Where: June 12 – June 27, 1984, in France
Winner: France

 

 

The European Championship of 1984, hosted by France, stands as one of the most memorable and pivotal tournaments in the annals of football history. From the exhilarating performances to the emergence of footballing icons, Euro 84 was a showcase of skill, passion, and the beautiful game at its finest. This tournament not only crowned a deserving champion but also set new standards for the sport in Europe.

Held from June 12 to June 27, 1984, Euro 84 was the seventh edition of the UEFA European Championship. Eight teams qualified for the finals: France, West Germany, Portugal, Romania, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, and Yugoslavia. The matches were played across seven venues in France, including the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris and the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. This was a time when the tournament format was still in its infancy, comprising two groups of four teams each, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.

The French national team, led by the enigmatic Michel Platini, was the undisputed star of the tournament. Platini’s form was nothing short of spectacular. He scored an astonishing nine goals in five matches, a record that remains unbeaten in a single European Championship. His hat-tricks against Belgium and Yugoslavia in the group stage were masterclasses in attacking football. Platini’s vision, precise passing, and lethal finishing made him the heartbeat of a French side that played with elegance and efficiency.

The host nation began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Denmark, with Platini scoring the solitary goal. This was followed by a 5-0 demolition of Belgium, where Platini’s hat-trick was complemented by goals from Alain Giresse and Luis Fernandez. France’s final group game saw them defeat Yugoslavia 3-2, with Platini once again at the center of the action.

The semi-finals were a testament to the unpredictable nature of football. France faced Portugal in a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire. The match ended 2-2 after regular time, with goals from Jean-François Domergue and Rui Jordão. In extra time, Domergue scored again before Platini netted the winner in the 119th minute, securing a 3-2 victory and sending the French fans into euphoria.

The other semi-final saw Spain take on Denmark. The match was evenly poised, ending 1-1 after extra time. Spain triumphed 5-4 in the penalty shootout, with Danish hearts broken as Preben Elkjær missed the decisive spot-kick.

The final, held at the Parc des Princes on June 27, 1984, was a showcase of French dominance. Facing Spain, France were favorites, and they lived up to the expectations. The match was tightly contested, with both sides creating chances. However, it was the talismanic Platini who broke the deadlock. His free-kick in the 57th minute, which slipped through the hands of Spanish goalkeeper Luis Arconada, gave France the lead. Bruno Bellone added a second in stoppage time, sealing a 2-0 victory for the hosts.

Euro 84 marked the beginning of a golden era for French football. Michel Platini’s extraordinary performances earned him the Ballon d’Or, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation. The tournament also highlighted the tactical evolution of the game, with France’s fluid attacking play becoming a template for future teams.

The success of Euro 84 also had a profound impact on the European Championship’s stature. The tournament showcased the potential for high-quality football and entertainment, leading to increased popularity and commercial success in subsequent editions. The format and organization were lauded, setting a benchmark for future tournaments.

3: Euro 1992 – Sweden

When and Where: June 10 – June 26, 1992, in Sweden
Winner: Denmark

Euro 92, held in Sweden from June 10 to June 26, remains one of the most remarkable and surprising chapters in the history of the UEFA European Championship. The tournament, marking the ninth edition of the competition, is best remembered for its stunning upsets, the emergence of Denmark as an unlikely champion, and the poignant backdrop of geopolitical changes in Europe.

As the tournament approached, the landscape of European football was rapidly changing. The dissolution of the Soviet Union and the breakup of Yugoslavia led to new teams and new faces on the continental stage. Denmark’s presence in the finals was itself a product of these changes, as they replaced Yugoslavia, who were disqualified due to the ongoing civil war. The Danes, called up just days before the tournament, were considered rank outsiders, with little preparation time and modest expectations.

The group stage saw eight teams divided into two groups. Group 1 featured hosts Sweden, England, France, and Denmark, while Group 2 consisted of reigning champions the Netherlands, Germany, Scotland, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a team composed of players from the former Soviet Union.

Sweden’s performance in the group stage was impressive. The hosts, buoyed by their passionate fans, played with a blend of discipline and flair. They started with a draw against France, followed by a crucial win over Denmark, before securing their place in the semi-finals with a victory over England. Thomas Brolin, the Swedish forward, was particularly influential, and his goal against England was a highlight of the group stages.

In Group 2, the Netherlands showcased the talents that had made them European champions in 1988. Led by the likes of Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard, they displayed their attacking prowess with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Germany. Meanwhile, despite being the newly unified national team, Germany struggled initially but managed to secure a place in the semi-finals alongside the Dutch.

The semi-finals provided some of the most dramatic moments of the tournament. Denmark faced the Netherlands in a match that would defy expectations. The Danes, with their resolute defending and swift counter-attacks, managed to hold the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw, thanks to goals from Henrik Larsen. The match went to penalties, where Peter Schmeichel’s heroics in goal helped Denmark prevail 5-4, knocking out the defending champions.

The other semi-final saw Germany take on Sweden in a thrilling encounter. Germany’s experience and tactical nous shone through as they secured a 3-2 victory, with goals from Thomas Häßler, Karl-Heinz Riedle, and Stefan Reuter. Despite a spirited performance from Sweden, which included a late rally, it was Germany who advanced to the final.

The final on June 26 at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg was a David versus Goliath affair. Few gave Denmark, the underdogs who had barely made it to the tournament, a chance against the formidable Germans. However, the Danes, inspired and undaunted, delivered one of the greatest shocks in football history. John Jensen opened the scoring with a powerful strike, and Kim Vilfort added a second goal in the second half. Schmeichel, in goal, was impregnable, making a series of crucial saves. Denmark’s 2-0 victory was not just an upset but a fairy-tale ending, marking one of the most extraordinary triumphs in European Championship history.

Denmark’s victory was a testament to the unpredictability of football and the triumph of spirit and determination over adversity. Their success was built on solid teamwork, tactical discipline, and the brilliance of key individuals like Schmeichel and Jensen. It was a victory that resonated far beyond the confines of the football field, symbolizing hope and resilience in a time of significant political and social upheaval in Europe.

Euro 92 also marked the end of an era in several ways. It was the last tournament to feature just eight teams, as the competition expanded to 16 teams in 1996. It was also the final appearance of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia in any form as new nations emerged from their dissolutions.

2: Euro 2008 – Austria and Switzerland

When and Where: June 7 – June 29, 2008, in Austria and Switzerland
Winner: Spain

Euro 2008, hosted jointly by Austria and Switzerland from June 7 to June 29, is widely regarded as one of the finest European Championships. It crowned Spain as a dominant force in world football and laid the foundation for their golden era.

The tournament began with 16 teams divided into four groups, each brimming with talent and ambition. In Group A, Portugal, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, showcased their attacking flair, advancing to the knockout stages alongside Turkey. Group B saw Germany and Croatia emerge, with Croatia impressing by defeating Germany 2-1 in a high-quality encounter. Group C, the “Group of Death,” featured the Netherlands, Italy, and France, alongside Romania. Under Marco van Basten, the Dutch played scintillating football, topping the group with emphatic victories, including a 3-0 thrashing of Italy and a 4-1 demolition of France. Italy squeezed through, while France, the 2006 World Cup finalists, were surprisingly eliminated. Group D was dominated by Spain, whose “tiki-taka” style of play, orchestrated by Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, mesmerized opponents. They advanced along with Russia, who showed glimpses of brilliance, particularly through Andrei Arshavin.

The quarter-finals were a spectacle of tension and high drama. Germany faced Portugal in a thrilling encounter, emerging 3-2 winners thanks to decisive goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, and Michael Ballack. Turkey’s fairy-tale run continued as they defeated Croatia in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, with Semih Şentürk scoring a last-gasp equalizer. The Netherlands, favourites after their group stage heroics, were stunned by Russia, who triumphed 3-1 in extra time, with Arshavin putting in a man-of-the-match performance. Spain, overcoming their quarter-final hoodoo, defeated Italy 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw, with Cesc Fàbregas scoring the decisive spot-kick.

The semi-finals provided further evidence of the tournament’s quality. Germany faced Turkey in a rollercoaster match that ended 3-2 in favour of the Germans. Philipp Lahm’s late winner sealed their place in the final, although Turkey had won hearts with their spirited performances throughout the tournament. In the other semi-final, Spain faced Russia again, having beaten them 4-1 in the group stage. This time, Spain were equally dominant, winning 3-0 with goals from Xavi, Dani Güiza, and David Silva, showcasing the full potency of their midfield maestros.

The final, held at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna on June 29, saw Spain take on Germany in a clash of styles. Germany, with their direct and powerful play, were up against the fluid, possession-based game of Spain. The match was a testament to tactical discipline and technical superiority. Spain dominated possession from the start, their intricate passing patterns frustrating the Germans. The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Fernando Torres, showing his trademark pace and precision, latched onto a through ball from Xavi, outpaced Philipp Lahm, and chipped the ball over Jens Lehmann to score the decisive goal. Spain continued to control the game, their defence resolute and their midfield maestros dictating the tempo. Despite Germany’s efforts to mount a comeback, Spain held firm to secure a 1-0 victory.

Spain’s triumph at Euro 2008 was not just a victory but a revolution. Their “tiki-taka” style, characterized by quick, short passes and relentless movement, set a new benchmark in football. The tournament heralded the rise of players like Xavi, Iniesta, Torres, and Iker Casillas, who would go on to become legends of the game. Coach Luis Aragonés, the mastermind behind Spain’s transformation, instilled a belief and philosophy that would dominate international football for years to come.

Euro 2008 also had a profound impact beyond Spain’s success. It was a celebration of attacking football, with an average of 2.48 goals per game, and showcased the unpredictability and drama that makes the sport so captivating. The performances of underdogs like Turkey and Russia captured the imagination, reminding fans that football’s magic often lies in its surprises.

The legacy of Euro 2008 is enduring. It was a tournament that not only crowned a champion but also redefined how the game could be played. Spain’s victory was the dawn of an era, a triumph of style and substance that resonated around the world. It remains a high point in European Championship history, a testament to the beautiful game in its purest form.

1: Euro 96 – England

When and Where: June 8 – June 30, 1996, in England
Winner: Germany

Euro 96 in England was nothing short of spectacular, forever etched in the memories of football fans. It wasn’t just the games but the atmosphere, drama, and heroes that made this tournament unforgettable. With a new expanded format featuring 16 teams, Euro 96 brought drama and excitement, culminating in a fairy-tale ending for Germany and heartbreak for the host nation.

The slogan “Football Comes Home” perfectly captured the essence of Euro 96, as England, the home of football, welcomed the continent’s elite. The tournament kicked off at the iconic Wembley Stadium with a ceremonial match between England and Switzerland. Alan Shearer, ending a 21-month international goal drought, gave England the lead, but Switzerland equalized through a late penalty, setting the stage for a competition full of surprises and tight contests.

England, managed by Terry Venables, progressed through Group A alongside the Netherlands. A thrilling 2-0 victory over Scotland, highlighted by Paul Gascoigne’s mesmerizing solo goal, and a 4-1 demolition of the Netherlands showcased England’s potential. Shearer and Teddy Sheringham formed a lethal partnership upfront, while Gascoigne’s creativity and David Seaman’s goalkeeping provided solidity and flair.

Group B witnessed France and Spain advance, while Group C saw the Czech Republic and Germany make their mark. The Czechs, led by Karel Poborský and Pavel Nedvěd, played an exciting brand of football. Poborský’s stunning lob against Portugal was one of the tournament’s standout goals. Germany, a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, navigated their group with typical efficiency.

Group D featured a dramatic narrative as Croatia, in their first major tournament since gaining independence, impressed with the prowess of Davor Šuker. They progressed alongside Portugal, whose “Golden Generation” led by Rui Costa and Luís Figo displayed flair and promise.

The quarter-finals delivered intense encounters. England faced Spain at Wembley, a match marred by controversy as two Spanish goals were disallowed for offside. After a goalless draw, England triumphed in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Germany edged past Croatia 2-1 in a bruising contest, while France and the Netherlands also progressed, the latter eliminating Portugal in another shootout.

The semi-finals epitomized the tournament’s drama and passion. England versus Germany at Wembley rekindled memories of historic clashes. Shearer gave England an early lead, but Stefan Kuntz quickly equalized for Germany. The match ebbed and flowed, culminating in a tense extra time where Darren Anderton hit the post, and Gascoigne narrowly missed a golden goal. The ensuing penalty shootout saw both teams display nerve and precision until Gareth Southgate’s miss handed Germany victory, ending England’s dreams.

In the other semi-final, France and the Czech Republic played out a tactical stalemate. The Czechs, continuing their impressive run, held firm and won 6-5 in the penalty shootout, thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Petr Kouba and a decisive kick from Miroslav Kadlec.

The final at Wembley brought Germany and the Czech Republic face-to-face. The Czechs, underdog heroes, took the lead through Patrik Berger’s penalty. However, Germany, displaying resilience and tactical nous, equalized with substitute Oliver Bierhoff’s header. The match went into extra time, and Bierhoff’s speculative shot in the 95th minute created history as the first golden goal in a major tournament, sealing a 2-1 victory for Germany and their third European Championship title.

Euro 96 was more than just a football tournament; it was a celebration of the sport’s heritage and future. It marked the introduction of the golden goal rule and was the first European Championship to be held in England. The tournament also saw the birth of the “Three Lions” anthem, which captured the imagination of the public and became synonymous with the event.

For Germany, the victory cemented their status as one of football’s powerhouses. Their triumph, built on a blend of tactical discipline and individual brilliance, was a testament to their enduring footballing pedigree. The Czech Republic’s run to the final was a fairy tale, showcasing the emergence of a new footballing force in Europe.

 


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