Since its inception in 1960, the UEFA European Championship, fondly known as the Euro, has been a monumental event in the world of football, held every four years. The 2020 edition, marking its 60th anniversary, is set to be a spectacular event, with 12 cities across 12 European countries hosting the matches. Over the years, this prestigious tournament has seen ten national teams emerge victorious, each claiming a piece of history.
Germany: A Reign of Glory
Germany stands as the undisputed king of the Euro, having raised the coveted Henri Delaunay Trophy a remarkable three times. Their first triumph came in 1972 in Belgium, where they dominated the Soviet Union in the final, winning 3-0. Eight years later, in 1980, West Germany repeated their feat, once again besting Belgium in the finals. This year marked a significant milestone in the tournament’s history, as the number of participating teams was expanded from four to eight. The third Euro title for Germany, this time as a united nation, was claimed in 1996 on English soil, with a victory over the Czech Republic in the final.
Spain: A Footballing Powerhouse
Spain, the host of the second European championship in 1964, became the first nation to win the tournament on home ground. This four-team competition also featured the Soviet Union, Hungary, and Denmark. However, it was Spain who emerged triumphant after defeating the Soviet Union in the finals. The period from 2008 to 2012 stands out as a golden era for La Roja. During this time, Spain dominated the footballing landscape, winning two UEFA Euro championships and a World Cup. Their victory in Euro 2008 against Germany in the finals was followed by a historic 4-0 win over Italy in Euro 2012, making Spain the first team to successfully defend the title.
France: The Reigning Champions
The reigning world champions, France, stand as the second-most successful team in the European Championship, trailing only Germany and Spain. They have lifted the trophy twice, once as the host nation. In 1984, fueled by the passionate support of their home fans, Les Blues triumphed in the finals, defeating Spain 2-0. The “golden generation” of French football, featuring iconic players like Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Laurent Blanc, and Robert Pires, brought home the Euro 2000 title, making France the first country to hold both the World Cup and European championship trophies simultaneously.
Other Champions
The Soviet Union was the first team to claim the UEFA European Championship title in 1960. The inaugural tournament, held in France, included four teams: France, the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia. The Soviet Union defeated Yugoslavia 2-1 to secure their lone European championship win. Czechoslovakia, in 1976, joined the ranks of champions by defeating the defending champions, West Germany. The Netherlands, in 1988, emerged victorious against the Soviet Union, winning 2-0. Denmark, in 1992, and Greece, in 2004, also added their names to the list of Euro champions. The current reigning champions, Portugal, also have a single Euro title to their credit.
A Legacy of Champions
The Euro 2020 tournament marks the 16th edition of this prestigious championship, a testament to its enduring popularity and captivating allure. The first 15 tournaments have seen 10 nations emerge as champions. Germany and Spain, each with three titles, are the most successful countries, followed by France with two. The remaining eight countries have each tasted victory once. The Euro has provided a platform for legendary players and memorable moments, showcasing the best of European football. With each edition, the competition grows in intensity and spectacle, solidifying its place as one of the most anticipated sporting events worldwide.
