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UEFA EURO CUP HISTORY
The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros, stands as one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events in international football. Since its inception in 1960, the tournament has captivated audiences worldwide with its thrilling matches, iconic moments, and the crowning of footballing legends.
Originally contested by just four teams, the Euros have evolved over the years to include more nations, expanding to 24 teams in recent editions. This expansion has not only increased the tournament's global appeal but also intensified the competition, leading to fiercely contested matches and dramatic upsets.
Throughout its history, the Euros have provided a platform for nations to showcase their footballing prowess and national pride. From the legendary performances of players like Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, and Cristiano Ronaldo to the unforgettable triumphs of teams like Germany, Spain, and Italy, the tournament has produced countless memorable moments that have left an indelible mark on footballing history.
With each edition, the Euros continue to captivate fans with their electrifying atmosphere, passionate crowds, and world-class football, cementing their status as one of the most iconic and beloved events in the sporting world.
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UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1960
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SOVIET UNION
YUGOSLAVIA
2-1
The 1960 UEFA European Championship final, held on July 10, 1960, marked a historic moment in European football history as it crowned the first-ever champions of the tournament. The final took place at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France, and saw the Soviet Union facing off against Yugoslavia in a highly anticipated showdown.
The match was a tightly contested affair, with both teams displaying skill, determination, and tactical prowess throughout the game. Yugoslavia took the lead late in the first half, with Milan Galić scoring a goal in the 43rd minute, sending their fans into a frenzy and putting them in a favorable position heading into halftime.
However, the Soviet Union responded swiftly, demonstrating their resilience and attacking prowess. Just four minutes later, in the 49th minute, Slava Metreveli found the back of the net to equalize for the Soviet Union, leveling the score and setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
As the match progressed, both teams fought fiercely for control, creating scoring opportunities and testing each other's defenses. The intensity of the final reached its peak in extra time, with neither side willing to concede defeat.
In the 113th minute of extra time, the Soviet Union finally broke the deadlock, seizing the moment to secure victory. Viktor Ponedelnik rose to the occasion, scoring the decisive goal that would go down in history as the winning goal of the final.
With Ponedelnik's goal, the Soviet Union emerged triumphant with a 2-1 victory over Yugoslavia, clinching the title of the first-ever European champions. The victory was a crowning achievement for Soviet football, solidifying their status as a formidable force in European football and paving the way for future success in international competitions.
The 1960 Euro Cup final remains a cherished memory for football fans around the world, commemorating the beginning of a storied tournament that would become a cornerstone of European football and a source of pride for nations across the continent.
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UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1964
SPAIN
SOVIET UNION
2-1
The 1964 UEFA European Championship final, held on July 21, 1964, marked the second edition of the tournament and featured a highly anticipated matchup between Spain and the Soviet Union. The final took place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, setting the stage for a memorable clash between two footballing powerhouses.
From the outset, the match lived up to its billing as a showdown between two formidable teams, with both Spain and the Soviet Union displaying skill, determination, and attacking flair. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with passionate fans from both nations cheering on their respective teams.
The first half saw both teams trading chances and testing each other's defenses, but neither side managed to break the deadlock. However, in the 84th minute of the match, Spain seized the moment to take the lead, with forward Jesús María Pereda scoring the crucial goal that sent the home crowd into raptures.
Despite the Soviet Union's best efforts to mount a comeback in the dying minutes of the match, Spain held firm to secure a historic 2-1 victory and claim their first-ever European Championship title. The final whistle marked the culmination of a thrilling tournament and sparked scenes of jubilation among Spanish fans, players, and officials alike.
For Spain, the victory in the 1964 Euro Cup final represented a crowning achievement for their national team and a source of immense pride for the country as a whole. It was a momentous occasion that would go down in history as a defining moment in Spanish football and a testament to the talent, determination, and passion of the players who represented their nation on the grand stage of European football.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1968
YUGOSLAVIA
2-1
ITALY
The 1968 UEFA European Championship final, held on June 10, 1968, marked the third edition of the tournament and featured a captivating showdown between Italy and Yugoslavia. The final took place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, setting the stage for a historic clash between two fierce rivals.
From the opening whistle, the match was a tightly contested affair, with both Italy and Yugoslavia displaying skill, determination, and tactical prowess. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with passionate fans from both nations creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 39th minute of the match when Italy's Luigi Riva found the back of the net with a powerful strike, sending the home crowd into a frenzy of celebration. However, Yugoslavia refused to back down and mounted a spirited comeback in the second half.
In the 74th minute, Yugoslavia equalized with a goal from Dragan Džajić, stunning the Italian supporters and setting the stage for a thrilling finale. With neither team able to find a winning goal in regulation time, the match went into extra time.
The tension reached its peak in the 111th minute when Italy's Angelo Domenghini scored the decisive goal, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Italy and clinching their first-ever European Championship title. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation among Italian fans, players, and officials, as the nation celebrated their triumph on home soil.
For Italy, the victory in the 1968 Euro Cup final represented a historic achievement and a moment of immense pride for the country. It was a memorable occasion that would go down in history as a defining moment in Italian football and a testament to the talent, determination, and spirit of the players who represented their nation with pride and passion.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1972
W. GERMANY
SOVIET UNION
3-0
The 1972 UEFA European Championship final, held on June 18, 1972, marked the fourth edition of the tournament and featured a thrilling showdown between West Germany and the Soviet Union. The final took place at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, setting the stage for a memorable clash between two footballing powerhouses.
From the opening whistle, the match was fiercely contested, with both West Germany and the Soviet Union displaying skill, determination, and tactical prowess. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with passionate fans from both nations creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
West Germany took the lead early in the match, with Gerd Müller scoring a goal in the 27th minute to put his team ahead. The Soviet Union responded with equal vigor, pressing forward in search of an equalizer.
However, West Germany's defense held firm, thwarting the Soviet Union's attacking efforts and maintaining their slender lead. As the match progressed, tensions rose, and both teams battled fiercely for control of the game.
In the end, West Germany's resilience paid off, and they held on to secure a hard-fought 3-0 victory over the Soviet Union. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation among West German fans, players, and officials, as the nation celebrated their second European Championship title.
For West Germany, the victory in the 1972 Euro Cup final represented a crowning achievement and a moment of immense pride for the country. It was a memorable occasion that would go down in history as a defining moment in West German football and a testament to the talent, determination, and spirit of the players who represented their nation with pride and passion.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1976
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
W. GERMANY
2-2
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The 1976 UEFA European Championship final, held on June 20, 1976, marked the fifth edition of the tournament and featured an intense showdown between Czechoslovakia and West Germany. The final took place at the Stadion Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, setting the stage for a memorable clash between two formidable teams.
From the outset, the match was fiercely contested, with both Czechoslovakia and West Germany displaying skill, determination, and tactical prowess. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with passionate fans from both nations creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
West Germany took an early lead in the 28th minute, with Dieter Müller scoring a goal to put his team ahead. However, Czechoslovakia responded swiftly, equalizing just six minutes later with a goal from Karol Dobiaš.
As the match progressed, both teams traded chances and tested each other's defenses, but neither side managed to find a winning goal in regulation time. The tension reached its peak in extra time, with both teams pushing forward in search of a breakthrough.
In the end, it was Czechoslovakia who emerged victorious, with Antonín Panenka scoring the decisive goal in the penalty shootout to secure a 5-3 victory for his team. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation among Czechoslovakian fans, players, and officials, as the nation celebrated their first and only European Championship title.
For Czechoslovakia, the victory in the 1976 Euro Cup final represented a crowning achievement and a moment of immense pride for the country. It was a memorable occasion that would go down in history as a defining moment in Czechoslovakian football and a testament to the talent, determination, and spirit of the players who represented their nation with pride and passion.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1980
W. GERMANY
BELGIUM
2-1
The 1980 UEFA European Championship final, held on June 22, 1980, marked the sixth edition of the tournament and featured an enthralling matchup between West Germany and Belgium. The final took place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, setting the stage for a memorable clash between two determined teams.
From the outset, the match was fiercely contested, with both West Germany and Belgium showcasing their skill, determination, and tactical acumen. The atmosphere in the stadium was charged with anticipation, as fans from both nations filled the stands to cheer on their teams.
West Germany took the lead early in the match, with Horst Hrubesch scoring a goal in the tenth minute to give his team the advantage. However, Belgium responded with resilience and determination, refusing to let their opponents dictate the pace of the game.
In the 74th minute, Belgium's equalizer came through the skillful footwork of René Vandereycken, who converted a penalty to level the score. With the match deadlocked at 1-1, both teams pushed forward in search of a winning goal, creating tension and excitement among the spectators.
Ultimately, it was West Germany who emerged victorious, with Hrubesch once again proving to be the hero as he scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute to secure a 2-1 victory for his team. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation among West German fans, players, and officials, as the nation celebrated their second European Championship title.
For West Germany, the victory in the 1980 Euro Cup final represented a significant achievement and a moment of immense pride for the country. It was a memorable occasion that would go down in history as a testament to the talent, determination, and spirit of the players who represented their nation with pride and passion.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1984
FRANCE
SPAIN
2-0
The 1984 UEFA European Championship final, held on June 27, 1984, marked the seventh edition of the tournament and featured a captivating matchup between France and Spain. The final took place at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France, setting the stage for an electrifying clash between two footballing powerhouses.
From the opening whistle, the match was a closely contested affair, with both France and Spain displaying skill, determination, and tactical acumen. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with passionate fans from both nations creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
France took the lead early in the match, with Michel Platini scoring a goal in the 57th minute to give his team the advantage. However, Spain responded with equal vigor, pressing forward in search of an equalizer.
In the 90th minute, Spain's persistence paid off, as Antonio Maceda scored a dramatic late goal to level the score and send the match into extra time. With tensions running high, both teams pushed forward in search of a winning goal, creating a thrilling spectacle for spectators.
Ultimately, it was France who emerged victorious, with Platini once again proving to be the hero as he scored the decisive goal in extra time to secure a 2-1 victory for his team. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation among French fans, players, and officials, as the nation celebrated their first-ever European Championship title.
For France, the victory in the 1984 Euro Cup final represented a historic achievement and a moment of immense pride for the country. It was a memorable occasion that would go down in history as a defining moment in French football and a testament to the talent, determination, and spirit of the players who represented their nation with pride and passion.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1988
NETHERLANDS
SOVIET UNION
2-0
The 1988 UEFA European Championship final, held on June 25, 1988, marked the eighth edition of the tournament and featured a captivating matchup between the Netherlands and the Soviet Union. The final took place at the Olympiastadion in Munich, Germany, setting the stage for an electrifying clash between two footballing powerhouses.
From the opening whistle, the match was highly anticipated, with both the Netherlands and the Soviet Union displaying skill, determination, and tactical prowess. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with passionate fans from both nations creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
The Netherlands took the lead early in the match, with Ruud Gullit scoring a powerful header in the 32nd minute to give his team the advantage. However, the Soviet Union responded with equal vigor, pressing forward in search of an equalizer.
In the 54th minute, Marco van Basten produced a moment of brilliance, scoring a stunning volley from an acute angle to double the Netherlands' lead and put them firmly in control of the match. Despite the Soviet Union's best efforts to mount a comeback, the Netherlands held firm defensively, denying their opponents any clear-cut chances.
In the end, the Netherlands emerged victorious, securing a 2-0 victory over the Soviet Union and claiming their first-ever European Championship title. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation among Dutch fans, players, and officials, as the nation celebrated their historic achievement.
For the Netherlands, the victory in the 1988 Euro Cup final represented a crowning achievement and a moment of immense pride for the country. It was a memorable occasion that would go down in history as a defining moment in Dutch football and a testament to the talent, determination, and spirit of the players who represented their nation with pride and passion.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1992
DENMARK
GERMANY
2-0
The 1992 UEFA European Championship final, held on June 26, 1992, marked the ninth edition of the tournament and featured an unexpected showdown between Denmark and Germany. The final took place at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden, setting the stage for an unforgettable clash between the underdog Danish side and the reigning champions, Germany.
Denmark had initially failed to qualify for the tournament but was granted a late entry following the withdrawal of Yugoslavia due to the political turmoil in the region. Despite being considered outsiders, Denmark showcased their resilience and determination throughout the tournament, stunning football fans with their impressive performances.
In the final, Denmark faced off against a formidable German team led by the legendary Lothar Matthäus. However, it was Denmark who took the lead in the 18th minute, with John Jensen scoring a goal to give his team the advantage.
Denmark doubled their lead in the 78th minute, as Kim Vilfort found the back of the net to put his team firmly in control of the match. Despite Germany's best efforts to mount a comeback, Denmark's defense held firm, denying their opponents any clear-cut chances.
In the end, Denmark emerged victorious with a stunning 2-0 victory over Germany, securing their first-ever European Championship title in their debut appearance. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation among Danish fans, players, and officials, as the nation celebrated their historic achievement.
For Denmark, the victory in the 1992 Euro Cup final represented a fairy tale ending and a moment of immense pride for the country. It was a remarkable achievement that defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the history of European football.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1996
GERMANY
CZECH REPUBLIC
2-1
The 1996 UEFA European Championship, commonly known as Euro '96, witnessed Germany emerging as the champions after a thrilling tournament held in England. The final, played on June 30, 1996, at Wembley Stadium in London, saw Germany facing off against the Czech Republic in a highly anticipated showdown.
The match began with Germany taking an early lead through a goal from Oliver Bierhoff in the 73rd minute. However, the Czech Republic responded swiftly with an equalizer from Patrik Berger just six minutes later, sending the game into extra time.
With no further goals scored in extra time, the final was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Both teams displayed remarkable resilience and skill, but it was Germany who ultimately prevailed, clinching a dramatic 2-1 victory in the shootout.
The triumph in the 1996 Euro Cup final marked Germany's third European Championship title, cementing their status as one of the continent's footballing powerhouses. The victory was a testament to the team's character, determination, and ability to perform under pressure.
For Germany, winning the 1996 Euro Cup was a moment of immense pride and celebration, as they showcased their dominance on the international stage. The tournament victory remains a cherished memory for German football fans, highlighting the team's legacy of success in European football.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2000
FRANCE
ITALY
2-1
The 2000 UEFA European Championship final, held on July 2, 2000, at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands, was a highly anticipated matchup between France and Italy. The final pitted the defending champions, France, against Italy, seeking their first European Championship title since 1968.
From the opening whistle, both teams displayed skill, determination, and tactical prowess, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation in the stadium. Italy took the lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Marco Delvecchio, sending their fans into a frenzy of celebration.
However, France responded with a remarkable display of resilience, as Sylvain Wiltord scored a dramatic equalizer in injury time, leveling the score at 1-1 and sending the match into extra time. With tensions running high, both teams pushed forward in search of a winning goal.
In the 103rd minute, France seized the opportunity, as David Trezeguet found the back of the net with a powerful strike, giving his team a 2-1 lead. Despite Italy's best efforts to mount a comeback, France's defense held firm, denying their opponents any clear-cut chances.
As the final whistle blew, France emerged victorious, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over Italy and claiming their second European Championship title. The victory was a testament to France's talent, teamwork, and never-say-die attitude, as they overcame adversity to achieve glory on the international stage.
For France, winning the 2000 Euro Cup final was a moment of immense pride and celebration, as they cemented their status as one of the dominant forces in European football. The tournament victory remains a cherished memory for French football fans, highlighting the team's legacy of success in international competitions.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2004
GREECE
PORTUGAL
1-0
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The 2004 UEFA European Championship final, held on July 4, 2004, at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, showcased a memorable clash between Portugal and Greece. The final marked the culmination of a tournament filled with surprises, with Greece emerging as the dark horse of the competition.
From the outset, Portugal, led by star player Cristiano Ronaldo, was considered the favorite, playing on home soil and boasting a talented squad. However, Greece, under the guidance of coach Otto Rehhagel, displayed resilience and tactical discipline throughout the tournament.
In a tightly contested match, Greece stunned the footballing world by taking the lead in the 57th minute, with Angelos Charisteas heading home a corner to put his team ahead. Despite Portugal's best efforts to mount a comeback, Greece's staunch defense held firm, denying their opponents any clear-cut chances.
As the final whistle blew, Greece emerged victorious with a historic 1-0 victory over Portugal, securing their first-ever European Championship title in a stunning upset. The victory was a testament to Greece's teamwork, determination, and belief in their ability to overcome the odds.
For Greece, winning the 2004 Euro Cup final was a moment of immense pride and celebration, as they defied expectations and etched their names into footballing history. The tournament victory remains a cherished memory for Greek football fans, highlighting the team's remarkable achievement and underlining the unpredictable nature of football.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2008
SPAIN
GERMANY
1-0
The 2008 UEFA European Championship final, held on June 29, 2008, at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna, Austria, featured a highly anticipated matchup between Spain and Germany. The final marked the culmination of a thrilling tournament, with both teams vying for European glory.
Spain, led by coach Luis Aragonés and a talented squad including Xavi Hernández and Fernando Torres, entered the final as favorites after an impressive run in the tournament. Germany, on the other hand, boasted a formidable team with stars like Michael Ballack and Philipp Lahm, aiming to secure their fourth European Championship title.
From the opening whistle, both teams displayed skill, determination, and tactical prowess, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation in the stadium. Spain dominated possession and controlled the tempo of the match, while Germany looked to capitalize on counter-attacks and set-pieces.
In the 33rd minute, Spain took the lead through a powerful header from Torres, giving his team a 1-0 advantage. Despite Germany's best efforts to mount a comeback, Spain's defense held firm, denying their opponents any clear-cut chances.
As the final whistle blew, Spain emerged victorious with a historic 1-0 victory over Germany, securing their second European Championship title and their first since 1964. The victory was a testament to Spain's skill, teamwork, and commitment to playing attractive football.
For Spain, winning the 2008 Euro Cup final was a moment of immense pride and celebration, as they solidified their status as one of the dominant forces in European football. The tournament victory remains a cherished memory for Spanish football fans, highlighting the team's talent and resilience on the international stage.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2012
SPAIN
ITALY
4-0
The 2012 UEFA European Championship final, held on July 1, 2012, at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, featured a captivating matchup between Spain and Italy. The final marked the culmination of a thrilling tournament, with both teams seeking to etch their names into European footballing history.
Spain, the defending champions and favorites, entered the final with a star-studded lineup including Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Ramos. Italy, led by coach Cesare Prandelli, boasted a talented squad featuring Andrea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon, and Mario Balotelli, aiming to upset the reigning champions.
From the outset, Spain asserted their dominance, controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the match with their trademark tiki-taka style of play. Italy, however, defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
In the 14th minute, Spain broke the deadlock with a goal from David Silva, giving his team a 1-0 lead. Italy fought back valiantly, but Spain's defense held firm, denying their opponents any clear-cut chances.
As the match progressed, Spain's superiority became increasingly evident, and they extended their lead with goals from Jordi Alba and Fernando Torres. Italy managed to pull one back through a penalty from Antonio Di Natale, but it proved to be mere consolation.
In the end, Spain emerged victorious with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Italy, securing their third consecutive European Championship title. The victory was a testament to Spain's dominance and their ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.
For Spain, winning the 2012 Euro Cup final was a moment of immense pride and celebration, further cementing their status as one of the greatest international teams in football history. The tournament victory remains a cherished memory for Spanish football fans, highlighting the team's unparalleled success in European football.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2016
PORTUGAL
FRANCE
1-0
The 2016 UEFA European Championship final, held on July 10, 2016, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, showcased an enthralling clash between Portugal and France. The final marked the culmination of a thrilling tournament, with both teams vying for European glory.
France, led by coach Didier Deschamps and boasting a talented squad including Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba, entered the final as favorites, playing on home soil and aiming to secure their third European Championship title. On the other hand, Portugal, led by coach Fernando Santos and star player Cristiano Ronaldo, sought their first-ever European Championship trophy.
The match began with both teams displaying skill, determination, and tactical prowess, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation in the stadium. France dominated possession and had several scoring opportunities, but Portugal's defense held firm, denying their opponents any clear-cut chances.
The turning point came in the 25th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's talismanic captain, was forced to leave the field due to injury. Despite the setback, Portugal remained resilient and managed to keep the score level at 0-0 through the end of regulation time and extra time.
As the match headed into a tense penalty shootout, Portugal emerged victorious, clinching a dramatic 1-0 victory over France and securing their first-ever European Championship title. The victory was a testament to Portugal's teamwork, determination, and belief in their ability to overcome adversity.
For Portugal, winning the 2016 Euro Cup final was a moment of immense pride and celebration, as they etched their names into footballing history and fulfilled their long-awaited dream of European glory. The tournament victory remains a cherished memory for Portuguese football fans, highlighting the team's resilience and spirit on the road to success.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2020
ITALY
ENGLAND
1-1
The 2020 UEFA European Championship final, held on July 11, 2021, at Wembley Stadium in London, England, was a highly anticipated clash between Italy and England. The final marked the culmination of a thrilling tournament, which was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with both teams aiming to secure European glory.
England, led by coach Gareth Southgate and buoyed by home support, entered the final with high hopes of winning their first major international trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Italy, under the guidance of coach Roberto Mancini, had impressed throughout the tournament with their attacking flair and defensive solidity.
The match began with both teams displaying skill, determination, and tactical prowess, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation in the stadium. England took the lead early in the match, with Luke Shaw scoring a stunning goal in the second minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy of celebration.
However, Italy fought back valiantly, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. In the 67th minute, their persistence paid off as Leonardo Bonucci scored the equalizer, setting the stage for a tense finale.
With the score tied at 1-1 after regulation time and extra time failing to break the deadlock, the final was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Italy emerged victorious, clinching a dramatic 3-2 victory on penalties and securing their second European Championship title.
The victory was a testament to Italy's resilience, determination, and belief in their ability to overcome adversity. For England, despite the disappointment of defeat, reaching the final was a remarkable achievement and a source of immense pride for the nation. The 2020 Euro Cup final will be remembered as a thrilling and unforgettable spectacle, showcasing the drama, passion, and unpredictability of football at the highest level.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2024
SPAIN
ENGLAND
2-1
Spain is the king of European soccer for a record fourth time. For England, it’s another agonizing near-miss in the team’s decades-long tale of underachievement.
Completing a tournament the team dominated from start to finish, Spain beat England 2-1 in the European Championship final on Sunday with Mikel Oyarzabal the unlikely match-winner in the 86th minute.
Oyarzabal, a backup striker who came on as a substitute for captain Alvaro Morata, slid in to poke home a left-wing cross by Marc Cucurella, just when the game at Berlin’s Olympiastadion seemed destined for extra time.
England, the birthplace of soccer, is still without a major title in the men’s game since winning the 1966 World Cup and its players watched on forlornly as Morata raised aloft the silver trophy to backdrop of confetti and fireworks inside the stadium built for the 1936 Olympics.
Add 2024 to the titles won by Spain in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
“Here we are, champions of Europe,” said Nico Williams, whose opening goal for Spain in the 47th minute was canceled out by England substitute Cole Palmer in the 73rd. “We are thrilled and hope this can keep going and we can go for the (2026) World Cup.”
Lamine Yamal, the prodigy who turned 17 on Saturday and is the youngest player to have appeared at a European Championship, set up Williams’ goal with an inside run before passing across the face of the area. The two wingers have become the poster boys of an exciting, multicultural team that reflects Spain’s changing demographics.
Yamal’s mother is from Equatorial Guinea and his father is from Morocco, while the 22-year-old Williams has Ghanaian parents who made the long journey to Europe looking for a better life. To make it to Spain, they had to ride on the back of a crowded truck and walk barefoot through the Sahara desert.
“I believe there is a historical change, we are really grateful,” said Williams, the player of the match with his darting runs and his second goal of Euro 2024.