The UEFA European Football Championship, commonly known as EURO has witnessed a captivating history of success and triumph over the years.
A total of nine countries have secured the coveted title since its inception in 1960, with Germany and Spain standing tall as the most successful nations, each boasting three Euro titles.
France and Italy have claimed two victories a piece, while Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and Greece have all tasted the joy of Euros triumph once.
Italy are the reigning champions, having won the title in 2021 at the EURO 2020. The competition was held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Italy beat England 3-2 in the final at Wembley to secure their second title.
The competition’s inaugural final held in France in 1960 saw the defunct Soviet Union edge out Yugoslavia, a country that also no longer exists, in a thrilling encounter at Parc des Princes, with Viktor Ponedelnik’s header securing the win.
Spain would later triumph on home soil in 1964 when it edged defending champions Soviet Union 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.
Italy’s first victory came in 1968, also on home soil. The Azzuri beat 1960 finalists Yugoslavia in the replay leg of the final. The first leg, played at Stadio Olimpico on June 8th had ended 1-1, which forced another final two days later at the same venue, and Italy comfortably won it 2-0.
The 1970s witnessed the dominance of West Germany, who clinched the 1972 and 1980 titles, the latter triumph coming in a dramatic penalty shootout against Czechoslovakia, who had won the 1976 title against West Germany in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
The 1984 edition belonged to the hosts, France, as captain Michel Platini’s heroics in the final against Spain led them to glory. Platini scored the first goal, his 9th in the competition, and displayed a man-of-the-match performance to win it for France.
The Netherlands won the 1988 final against the Soviet Union in a game played in Munich, West Germany. This was the third final lost by the inaugural winners Soviet Union in 24 years.
The 1990s ushered in a new era, with Denmark emerging victorious in 1992 following the expulsion of Yugoslavia. Germany’s third triumph came in 1996 with a golden goal against the Czech Republic. This was the first title won by a united Germany.
The start of the new millennium saw France and Spain emerge as the dominant forces. France’s 2000 victory was sealed by a golden goal scored by David Trezeguet in the 103rd minute. The match against Italy ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and was settled by the golden goal.
Greece shocked Europe when they emerged victorious in 2004, after edging favourites and hosts Portugal to a 1-0 win at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.
This was followed by Spain’s back-to-back triumphs in 2008 and 2012, the latter cementing their status as the first team to defend the European Championship.
The 2016 tournament saw Portugal add their name to the Euros’ illustrious roll of honour. Portugal’s triumph was sealed by Eder’s extra-time goal, in a hotly-contested final against hosts France at the Stade de France stadium in Paris.
