European football has given us some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. From incredible goals to surprising upsets, these legendary events have captivated fans and inspired generations.
With Euro 2024 recently adding its own chapter of drama and brilliance, it's the perfect time to delve into the magic of these epic moments. Read on to discover the top European Championship moments in history, what made them special and how you can relive them in Football at AlphaVerse.
The Soviet Union Win the First Euro
The inaugural European Championship in 1960 was a landmark event, and the Soviet Union made history as the first team to lift the trophy. In a tournament held in France, the Soviets faced off against Yugoslavia in the final. Despite the intense competition, it was the Soviet Union that emerged victorious with a decisive 2-1 win.
The standout moment came from their star player, Ponedelnik, whose winning goal in extra time secured their place in the record books. This victory was a significant achievement for Soviet football and set the stage for the European Championship’s future glory.
Marco van Basten’s Stunning Volley
Marco van Basten of the Netherlands started the 1988 Championship on the bench, but by the end of the tournament, he was celebrated as the world’s top striker. In Holland’s second match, van Basten scored a hat-trick against England, making his spot in the starting XI unmissable. He followed this up with the decisive goal against West Germany in the semi-finals, propelling his team to their first-ever European Championship final.
The stage was set for an unforgettable climax: after Rood Hallet put Holland ahead, van Basten delivered a legendary moment. From a sharp angle, he unleashed a breathtaking volley that nearly tore through the net, sealing his country’s victory with one of the greatest goals ever scored.
⚽️ Best EURO final goal?
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) October 31, 2020
🇳🇱 Happy birthday, Marco Van Basten 🎈#HBD | @OnsOranje | @MarcoVanBasten pic.twitter.com/qoiK17YqGT
Platini’s Phenomenal Performance
When it comes to the best individual performance in Euros history, France legend Michel Platini stands out by holding the record for the most goals scored in a single edition of the Euros.
With France hosting the tournament in 1984, the pressure was on to win their first Euros. Platini rose to the occasion spectacularly. He scored two hat-tricks in the group stage, leading France to a strong start. In the semi-final against Portugal, he netted a dramatic late winner in extra time, and then opened the scoring in the final against Spain.
Nine goals in just five Euros matches – a record that nobody has even come close to.
Panenka’s Penalty
You’ve probably heard of a Panenka penalty, but do you know how it got its name? It all goes back to the Euro 1976 final. Czechoslovakia faced off against West Germany, and after a 2-2 draw, the match went to penalties. With Germany missing its fourth spot-kick, the stage was set for Antonín Panenka to seal the victory for Czechoslovakia.
Under immense pressure, Panenka calmly stepped up and chipped his penalty right down the middle, catching everyone off guard. Thanks to this audacious move, Panenka joined the ranks of football legends like Johan Cruyff and Jean-Marc Bosman, with a signature move named after him.
While the Panenka has garnered much acclaim, it remains a risky choice due to its difficulty and the potential for easy saves if the goalkeeper reads it right. It’s a bold tactic that’s rarely seen in high-stakes tournaments but remains a memorable part of football history.
Italy’s Lucky Coin Toss in 1968
Penalty shootouts are often compared to a lottery, but they still involve skill and focus under pressure. For a real lottery, let’s go back to Euro 1968. In those days, penalty shootouts weren’t introduced yet, so UEFA had to find an alternative way to resolve a deadlock.
After Italy and the Soviet Union ended their semi-final match in a 0-0 draw, the solution was a simple coin toss. Italy’s captain, Giacinto Facchetti, stepped up and called tails. He guessed correctly. Italy advanced to the final thanks to pure luck and their good fortune continued.
The final, held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, saw Yugoslavia take the lead before Italy equalized with a late free-kick. With the match ending 1-1 after extra time, a replay was needed. Two days later, Italy triumphed 2-0 with goals from Gigi Riva and Pietro Anastasi, securing their first European Championship title. This quirky and dramatic path to victory highlighted the unpredictability of football in that era.
Greece Defy the Odds
Greece entered Euro 2004 as 150:1 underdogs. Few expected them to stand a chance, everyone thought they would be easily beaten by host nation Portugal in the opener. Instead, Greece stunned everyone with a 2-1 victory. They drew with Spain and made it to the knockout stage despite a loss to Russia.
Known for their strong defense and set-piece reliance, Greece weren’t the most entertaining team, but they were highly effective. They defeated France in the quarters, the Czech Republic in the semis, and overcame Portugal again in the final. Angelos Charisteas’ header completed their incredible fairy-tale triumph, cementing Greece's place in football history.
The goal that made Greece EURO 2004 champions 🇬🇷🏆#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/fy7jTNiseX
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) February 9, 2024
Iceland’s Epic Thunderclap
In Euro 2016, Iceland made history as the smallest country ever to qualify for the tournament, with just 330,000 citizens at the time. But they didn’t just show up to be part of the spectacle. Iceland finished second in a tough group alongside Hungary, Portugal, and Austria, and even held Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal to a 1-1 draw.
The real jaw-dropper came in the Round of 16 when Iceland pulled off a stunning win against England, even after conceding an early goal just four minutes in. The celebration that followed was unforgettable: the players did the Icelandic thunderclap in front of their fans, a moment that still gives us goosebumps.
Shaqiri’s Bicycle Kick
A jaw-dropping moment from Euro 2016 is Xherdan Shaqiri’s stunning bicycle kick. In a match between Switzerland and Poland, with the score tied and the game heading into extra time, Shaqiri pulled off an incredible acrobatic goal. From a tight angle, he launched himself into the air and executed a perfect bicycle kick that left everyone in awe.
It was a moment of pure brilliance that showcased Shaqiri’s exceptional skill and creativity. Even though Switzerland eventually lost the match, Shaqiri’s goal was the stuff of legends, a true showcase of the unexpected magic football can deliver.
🚲 Outrageous Xherdan Shaqiri goal from EURO 2016! 💥
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) October 10, 2018
👕 76 ⚽️ 22 🅰️ 19
🇨🇭 Wish him a happy birthday! 🎉#NationsLeague @XS_11official @SFV_ASF pic.twitter.com/bEB2nhpi6J
Portugal’s Historic Euro 2016 Triumph
Portugal’s journey to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016 was legendary. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, they started modestly, finishing third in their group, but their knockout stage performances were gritty and determined.
The magic culminated in the final against France. Despite Ronaldo’s early injury, Portugal held strong. In extra time, Eder emerged as an unlikely hero, scoring a stunning goal from outside the box to secure a 1-0 victory. The emotional scenes of Ronaldo leading from the sidelines and the team’s collective spirit made this a defining moment in European Championship history.
Spain’s Tiki-Taka (Is the Classic Style Dead After Euro 2024?)
Spain made history in Euro 2012 with their mesmerizing Tiki-Taka style of play. Dominating possession with short, precise passes, Spain dismantled their opponents with ease. Their journey to the final was a masterclass in ball control and teamwork.
In the final, they faced Italy and delivered a stunning 4-0 victory, the largest margin ever in a European Championship final. Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres, and Juan Mata showcased their attacking prowess. Spain’s relentless passing and movement left Italy chasing shadows, and the world marveled at the beauty of their game.
Fast forward to Euro 2024, and Spain demonstrated their ability to evolve. After La Roja’s 3-0 victory over Croatia, it was revealed that Spain had only 46% possession - a rarity, marking the first time in 136 competitive matches that they had less of the ball than their opponent. This shift, last seen in the Euro 2008 final against Germany, proved Spain’s adaptability. Once Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams helped Spain go beyond their ‘Tiki-Taka’ approach, they were unstoppable. And so, Spain clinched Euro 2024, proving that their tactical evolution was as effective as their traditional dominance.
🔝 performance
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 14, 2024
🔝 tournament
Nico Williams is the real deal 👏@Vivo_GLOBAL | #EUROPOTM pic.twitter.com/lPu38RWoX0
Experience and Celebrate Legendary Moments in Football at AlphaVerse
The magic of football’s greatest moments isn’t just a part of history - it’s a driving force behind Football at AlphaVerse (FAV). Inspired by football’s most iconic events, FAV brings these legendary moments to life as immersive experiences.
In FAV, you can visit Museums and Walks of Fame, where the drama of unforgettable goals and historic victories is vividly recreated. These interactive environments let you explore the artistry of football legends and feel the intensity of those game-changing moments as if you were right there on the pitch.
Though these features are still in development, they promise to become the go-to destinations for reliving the most celebrated moments in football history all in one place. Join us in celebrating the legends, experience the magic, and leave your mark on football’s history.
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