Explore the drama, triumphs, and defeats of the past five UEFA Euro Cup finals, where legends were made and history written
The UEFA Euro Cup has given football fans some of the most memorable moments in the sport's history. As we approach another exciting final, let's take a look back at the last five finals that have shaped the tournament's legacy.
In a gripping showdown on July 11, 2021, at Wembley Stadium, Italy faced England in a final that was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tension was palpable as 67,173 fans watched live, with millions more tuning in globally.
England's Luke Shaw gave the hosts an early lead, scoring the fastest goal in a European Championship final in just the second minute. Italy's response came in the second half through Leonardo Bonucci, who equalised and was later named Man of the Match.
Italian captain Giorgio Chiellini with the ultimate prize // Picture Courtesy – UEFA.com
The match extended into extra time and then to a penalty shootout, where Italy triumphed 3-2, marking their first major title since the 2006 World Cup and their second Euro title. The victory put Italy level with France on two Euro titles, just behind Spain and Germany.
On July 10, 2016, at the Stade de France in Paris, Portugal faced host France in a highly anticipated final. Portugal's hopes seemed dashed when Cristiano Ronaldo was stretchered off in the first half due to injury. However, the team showed incredible resilience. The match remained goalless in regular time, pushing into overtime. It was Eder's stunning strike in the 109th minute that secured Portugal's first major international trophy.
The moment when Eder became hero // Picture Courtesy – UEFA.com
Portugal's win made them the 10th different nation to win the Euro Cup, while France, despite their strong performance throughout the tournament, could not clinch the title on home soil. This final was a testament to Portugal's depth and determination.
The final on July 1, 2012, at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv saw Spain face Italy in a battle of football titans. Spain delivered a masterclass performance, starting with David Silva's early goal. Jordi Alba added another before halftime, and late strikes from Fernando Torres and Juan Mata sealed a 4-0 victory, the largest margin in a Euro final.
David Silva celebrating his early goal in the final // Picture Courtesy – Fox Sports
This victory made Spain the first team to win back-to-back European Championships and three consecutive major tournaments (Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012), cementing their status as one of the greatest teams in football history.
On June 29, 2008, at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna, Spain and Germany clashed in a classic encounter. Spain dominated the match with their possession-based style. Fernando Torres scored the only goal in the 33rd minute, clinching Spain's first major trophy since 1964. Torres' performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade.
The Spanish armada lifting the UEFA Euro Cup 2008 // Picture Courtesy – Eurosport
This victory marked the beginning of Spain's golden era, which saw them win multiple international titles. For Germany, it was a stepping stone that paved the way for their success in the 2014 World Cup.
The final on July 4, 2004, at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon was one of the most surprising in Euro history. Greece, the underdog throughout the tournament, faced hosts Portugal. Angelos Charisteas scored the decisive goal from a corner, leading Greece to a shocking 1-0 victory. This win was considered one of the greatest upsets in football history.
Greece rewrites the football history by lifting the European Championship for the first time // Picture Courtesy – The Gurdian
Greece's triumph was their first major international title, achieved with disciplined defence and strategic play. Portugal, despite the heartbreak, would eventually win their first Euro title in 2016.
