The last five Euro finals have been full of surprises and impressive records. The Euro 2024 final between England and Spain, taking place at 2am on July 15, also promises to be exciting and dramatic.
Results of the last 5 Euro finals - Graphics: AN BINH
At Euro 2024 in 2004, the Greek team caused a stir when they defeated Portugal and won the championship. Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 helped Spain set a record of winning the European Championship twice in a row. In 2016, Eder unexpectedly became the hero who brought Portugal to the throne. At Euro 2020, two records were set in the final match. Of the teams that reached the finals in the last 5 Euros, Greece was the team that caused the most surprises. In 2004, coach Otto Rehhagel and his team defeated defending champions France, defeated the Czech Republic... and finally the host Portugal to win the championship.
Angelos Charisteas (left) scores to bring Greece to the Euro 2004 championship - Photo: GETTY
In the 2008 and 2012 Euros, the Spanish team with their tiki-taka style of play won the championship twice in a row. At Euro 2008, Spain was led by coach Vicente del Bosque. They won the championship after defeating the powerful German team with a minimum score of 1-0 in the final thanks to a goal by Fernando Torres in the 33rd minute.
Fernando Torres (red shirt) shines in the Euro 2008 final - Photo: GETTY
In 2012, coach Del Bosque introduced the strikerless 4-6-0 formation for the Spanish national team. Despite having no real striker, La Roja still had the best attack in the tournament, scoring 12 goals. Of which, 4 goals were scored in the final. Their opponents were the impressive Italy team that eliminated both England and Germany in the knockout round. But the “Azzurri” could not create a surprise against a superior Spain.
Italy appeared to be inferior to Spain in the Euro 2012 final - Photo: GETTY
In the last two Euro finals, the teams that played at home both lost. That was France in 2016 and England in 2021 (Euro 2020). At Euro 2016, the host team France lost 0-1 to Portugal in the final and sadly watched Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates win the championship.
Hero Eder (number 9) scored to help Portugal defeat France at Euro 2016 - Photo: GETTY
Euro 2020, the tournament was held across Europe due to the impact of Covid 19. But the final between England and Italy was held at Wembley, the home ground of the "Three Lions". The two teams drew 1-1 in 120 minutes, both goals setting records in the history of Euro finals. Luke Shaw's opening goal was scored less than 2 minutes after the ball started, becoming the fastest goal in the history of Euro finals. In the second half, Leonardo Bonucci scored the equalizer for Italy in the 67th minute. He became the oldest player to ever score in a Euro final. In the penalty shootout, England lost 2-3 to Italy and continued to miss out on the Euro championship.
Donnaruma shines in penalty shootout to help Italy win Euro 2020 - Photo: GETTY
Euro 2024 will be the second consecutive time England have reached the finals, a feat that Spain achieved in 2008 and 2012. Euro 2024 will be the fifth time in history that La Roja have reached the final match at the European playground. The "Three Lions" are eager to win the Euro for the first time, Spain is aiming for the 4th championship to take sole possession of the title of the most successful team in Euro history. The Euro 2024 final between England and Spain will take place on the morning of July 15.
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