Euro cup winners by year

 

The Euro Cup Winners: A Journey Through the Years

The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euro Cup, is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world. Held every four years, it brings together the best national teams in Europe to compete for the coveted title. Since its inception in 1960, the Euro Cup has seen numerous memorable moments and has crowned various champions. Let's take a journey through the history of Euro Cup winners, highlighting key tournaments and the triumphs of different nations.

1960 - The Birth of a Champion

Winner: Soviet Union

The inaugural tournament, held in France, saw the Soviet Union emerge victorious. In the final, they defeated Yugoslavia 2-1 after extra time. The Soviet Union's triumph laid the foundation for what would become a storied competition.

1964 - Spain Takes the Stage

Winner: Spain

Spain hosted the tournament and made the most of home advantage, defeating the Soviet Union 2-1 in the final. This victory marked Spain's first major international title.

1968 - Italy's Golden Moment

Winner: Italy

Italy won their first Euro Cup in a tournament remembered for its unique final. After a 1-1 draw with Yugoslavia, a replay was held two days later, where Italy triumphed 2-0.

1972 - West Germany Dominates

Winner: West Germany

West Germany showcased their football prowess by defeating the Soviet Union 3-0 in the final held in Belgium. This victory marked the beginning of Germany's rich history in the tournament.

1976 - Czechoslovakia's Historic Win

Winner: Czechoslovakia

Czechoslovakia won their first and only Euro Cup in a dramatic final against West Germany. The match ended 2-2, and Czechoslovakia won 5-3 in the penalty shootout, famous for Antonín Panenka's iconic chipped penalty.

1980 - West Germany Again

Winner: West Germany

Held in Italy, the 1980 tournament saw West Germany claim their second Euro Cup title by defeating Belgium 2-1 in the final, with Horst Hrubesch scoring both goals.

1984 - France's First Triumph

Winner: France

France, led by the legendary Michel Platini, won their first Euro Cup on home soil. Platini scored an incredible nine goals in the tournament, including the opener in the 2-0 final victory over Spain.

1988 - The Netherlands' Moment of Glory

Winner: Netherlands

The Netherlands, powered by the likes of Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, won their first major tournament. Van Basten's stunning volley in the 2-0 final win against the Soviet Union remains one of the greatest goals in football history.

1992 - Denmark's Fairytale

Winner: Denmark

Denmark's unexpected victory in Sweden is one of the most remarkable stories in Euro Cup history. Having been invited to the tournament only after Yugoslavia was disqualified, Denmark defeated reigning champions Netherlands in the semi-final and overcame Germany 2-0 in the final.

1996 - Germany's Third Title

Winner: Germany

The first Euro Cup to feature 16 teams saw Germany emerge victorious in England. They defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in the final with Oliver Bierhoff scoring the first-ever golden goal in Euro history.

2000 - France Does the Double

Winner: France

France followed up their 1998 World Cup win with a Euro Cup triumph in Belgium and the Netherlands. They defeated Italy 2-1 in the final with a golden goal by David Trezeguet.

2004 - Greece's Stunning Upset

Winner: Greece

In one of the biggest shocks in football history, Greece won their first major title by defeating hosts Portugal 1-0 in the final. Angelos Charisteas scored the decisive goal, capping a remarkable underdog story.

2008 - Spain's Renaissance

Winner: Spain

Spain ended their 44-year wait for a major title by winning the Euro Cup in Austria and Switzerland. They defeated Germany 1-0 in the final with Fernando Torres scoring the winner.

2012 - Spain Again

Winner: Spain

Spain became the first team to win back-to-back Euro Cups and the first to win three consecutive major tournaments (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012). They thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final in Kyiv.

2016 - Portugal's Historic Win

Winner: Portugal

Portugal won their first major tournament in France, defeating the hosts 1-0 in the final after extra time. Despite losing their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to injury in the first half, a goal by Eder in the 109th minute secured their triumph.

2020 (Held in 2021) - Italy's Resurgence

Winner: Italy

Postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament saw Italy claim their second Euro Cup title. In a dramatic final at Wembley Stadium, Italy defeated England 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

2024 - The Awaited Showdown

Host: Germany

As we look forward to the 2024 Euro Cup in Germany, anticipation is high. Will there be a new champion, or will we witness another historic moment from a previous winner? Only time will tell.