This is one of the most well-known, reputable, oldest, and biggest football championships. It’s also called the European Championship or Euro, which is organized by UEFA (Union of European Football Association). Nothing is more awaited in this sports discipline except the World Cup. However, many football enthusiasts wait for the Euro even more. The principle is similar to the World Cup of hosting the championship every four years. People have had the opportunity to watch matches and cheer for their national teams since 1958. The latest championship took place in 2024 with the current winner – Spain. Let’s discuss the features of the Euro, mentioning its records, statistics, biggest wins, upsets, and memorable matches of all time.

History and Evolution

The first-ever competition under the European Championships name took place in 1958. However, the starting point in its history was in 1883. There were British Home Championships that organized football tournaments between four national teams. Henri Delaunay, a secretary of the French Football Federation, made the most important decision to provide a championship among the pan-European countries. The tournament was born only after three years after his death. 

The first serious year for the championship was 1960, with 4 teams competing in the finals. This year, it was held in France, and the Soviet Union beat Yugoslavia with a score of 2:1 in the intense finals in Paris. The political instability in some countries withdrew Greece and Albania from the championship in 1964. A fun fact: In 1968, there was a situation where the results of the match were determined by flipping a coin. The next championship took place in Belgium, where West Germany beat the Soviet Union with a score of 3:0. 

The 1976 Euro in Yugoslavia was the first time a penalty shootout was introduced. Such a scheme to determine the winner was used in the match Czechoslovakia – West Germany, where the first team had won. Also, this year’s tournament was the last that hosted only four teams. The next tournament took place in Italy, hosting 8 teams and group stages. Horst Hrubesch decided the faith of West Germany, scoring two goals in the finals in Rome against 

Belgium. In 1996, it was expanded to 16 teams in 1996 and 24 in 2007. The expansion of the tournament was at a rapid pace, including many changes in rules and organizations. For example, in 2000, it was the first time to host the championship by two countries. 

Records and Statistics

One of the largest championships in the football world features numerous exceptional tournaments, teams, players, and matches. It’s always fascinating to know the best-performed teams and their players, which countries hosted the championships, and what the biggest wins and upsets were. Check the statistics of UEFA Euro throughout its history below. 

Most Titles Won 

The absolute leader in the number of won titles is Spain. After its phenomenal performance in Euro 2024, it owns four titles and four European Championship trophies, named by Henri Delaunay. Along with its FIFA World Cup success, this team is the most successful European team of the 21st century. However, Germany is the record holder for the most appearances (14 times; Spain comes second) in this tournament.   

Top Scorers 

Since 1960, the tournament has hosted hundreds of players with great scoring statistics. However, the absolute leaders in these records are Christiano Ronaldo with 141 goals, Messi with 129 goals, and Lewandowski with 94 goals. In terms of countries, Germany is in first place, having scored 89 goals, and Spain is in second place, with a total score of 83. Score-based outcomes are loved by many bettors for prediction. Try out your skills on the football gambling site, and have an excellent time betting on your beloved champions. 

Most Appearances 

The top three countries in terms of the number of tournaments participating in the European Championship are Germany (14), Spain (12), and Russia (12). However, Spain has four titles, Germany has three, and Russia has only one title received in 1960. Italy, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and England have participated in 11 tournaments. 

Biggest Wins and Upsets

There were an enormous number of wins and losses, but some matches stand out, taking a special place in the history of the Euro. Let’s briefly run through the most iconic wins and upsets. 

• In 1988, the Republic of Ireland won against England with a 1:0 score. 
• In 1992, another surprising loss by England against Sweden, scoring the final goal in the 82 minutes. 
• In 1996, Czechia won over Italy on the group stage after the unfortunate loss against Germany in the opener game. 
• In 2004, Greece’s victory over Portugal in the finals triggered mixed emotions among Portugal fans. It was a truly historic moment for the Greek people and a great unfortunate event for young Christiano. 
• In 2016, a debutant, Iceland, beat the top football nation, England, in the round of 16. It was supposed to be a “walk in the park” for England, but it turned out to be the brightest event for Iceland. 

Host Nations 

Hosting UEFA Championship matches is an extremely important event for any nation. In the history of the Euro, only the finalists could host the next tournament. However, since 1976, the hosts have been selected automatically without a need to proceed with qualification. Also, before 1996, only one country could host the tournament. After that, one or two countries were able to host the group-stage matches and finals. Check out the table with host nations. 

• Italy – four times, including 2032.
• England – three times, including 2038
• France, Germany – three times. 
• Belgium, Netherlands, Spain – two times.
• Scotland – two times, including 2028.
• Austria, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Hungary, Northern Islands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, including 2028, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, including 2032, Ukraine, and Wales, including 2028 – one time. 

Memorable Matches 

It’s fun to recall the historical moments of this championship and discuss the memorable matches of all time, including the latest Euro 2024. Let’s delve into the classic finals and top high-scoring games and break down the defensive masterclasses. 

Classic Finals

In 1984, it was the Euro finals when France won the title by beating Spain (Spain – France, over 47 thousand viewers). Quite a memorable match for football enthusiasts because after the first half, the score was still 0:0, and after three minutes of the second half, the France National Team took the lead. The second goal was made during the Manual Sarabia suspension four minutes before the end of the match. 

In 2008, the Spain – Germany finals at Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Austria attracted over 51 thousand spectators who wanted to experience a serious fight between two top football nations. Fernando Torres scored the crucial goal in the 33rd minute, which decided the results of the whole championship. Later, Torres was named the man of the match. 

High-Scoring Games

One of the most-scored finals in the history of UEFA Euro was in 2012 at the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex. Spain’s national football team destroyed the Italian team with a score of 4:0. David Silva took his team to the leading position in 14 minutes. Then, Alba, Torres, and Mata proved the advantage, scoring another three goals. It was a total humiliation of an Italian national team. 

Defensive Masterclasses

Ashley took part in the captivating battle with Ronaldo in the 2004 Portugal-England match. It was one of the best defensive masterclasss performed by Cole to withstand the numerous attack waves of Portugal’s forwards. He managed to help his team to reach penalties and dispatched England’s final spot-kick. 

Another phenomenal defense against Portugal in 2012 belongs to the Spanish defender Sergio Ramos. The 120-minute match was nervy, but Segio successfully kept his opponents Ronaldo and Nani and took the game to penalties. Spain won the match 2-4 on penalties. It was a sensational moment for all football enthusiasts. 

Trivia and Fun Facts

Let’s create a memory lane of the most interesting facts about the UEFA European League throughout its history. 

• The first fun fact is that one of the biggest football Nations in the world, Germany, hosted the first championship only in 2024. Before, they hosted once in 1988 as a Western Germany. 
• The next fact is about the Golden Goal. This rule was only introduced in the 1996 tournament and settled in 2000. Initially, it was a great alternative to the extra 30 minutes. The difference is in the only fact: if the football team scores during the extra time, it wins automatically. After that, the tournament canceled the rule and went back to the extra time system with two proper halves for 15 minutes each. 
• Four Italian managers have managed four different nationalities in Euro 2024. Thus, a new record is settled. Luciano Spalletti was the manager of a German National Football Team, Vincenzo Montella was responsible for Turkiye, Domenico Tedesco for Belgium, Marco Rossi for Hungary, and Francesco Calzona was a leader of Slovenia. 
• The next fact is about the four-time title winner, Spain. This national team is the only team that has won the tournament twice in a row, in 2008 and 2012. 

Future Prospects

The future of the UEFA European Championship is quite promising. The next venues for Euro 2028 are already determined, and they will take place in England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The Euro 2032 will be hosted by Turkey and Italy.

Conclusion

All football fans should know the history, records, statistics, and interesting facts of the European Championship. In the article above, we have sorted the historical moment of UEFA Europe, mentioned the top scorers, the biggest wins and upsets, and the countries that hosted the matches, and highlighted the main memorable matches throughout its history.