It was a heartbreak for the English team and the fans as Italy won the Euro Cup 2020 in the penalties at Wembley. Additionally, the finals had it all, and the blue-clad Italian team defeated England by 3-2 after a 1-1 score till the end of the extra time.
England had a dream run till the finals, but the experience of the Italian men made it tough for the youngsters of the Three Lions.
Roberto Mancini, the Italian coach, had a tough job after the team failed to qualify for the World Cup 2018. However, with 34-match unbeaten, Italy has turned it around.
As Euro 2020 comes to an end, with Italy becoming the European champions after 1968, we look at the five best finals in the tournament’s history.
Also read: Top Indian Athletes Representing The Country In The Tokyo Olympics
5 Best Finals Of The Euro Cup History
Spain vs. Italy
Played in 2012, this final between two European giants is the final you would like to watch again and again. The match, held in Ukraine, saw stunning goals and one of the best attacks from the Spanish side. However, the match ended up being one-sided as the team from Spain won the match 4-0.
Netherlands vs. the Soviet Union
The Euro 1988 final was historic in many ways. The Soviet Union ceased to exist after this Euro Cup due to political reasons. Moreover, many other countries like West Germany, Yugoslavia also did not remain in existence by 1992. Marco van Basten was the Netherlands hero because he scored one of the finest goals in the finals. Hence, The Netherlands became the first-time champions of Europe after winning the match 2-0.
Portugal vs. Greece
Greece became one of the most unexpected winners of the 2004 Euro Cup after defeating Portugal by 1-0. Besides, the tournament also saw heavyweights Italy, Spain go out after the group stage. It was a dream tournament for Greece, and its fans, as one of the most underdogs teams came back with the trophy in hands.
Germany vs. Denmark
Another shock in the tournament’s history came when Denmark defeated Germany by 2-0 in the final of the 1992 Euro Cup. On the brink of disqualification from the tournament, the team came back to win some historic games. The goals came from John Jensen and Kim Vilfort.
France vs. Italy
France defeated Italy to win the Euro Cup 2000 by 2-1, with David Trezeguet winning the match with a golden goal. The French team had a fantastic tournament, with Zinedine Zidane announced as the Player of the Tournament.
