UEFA Euro 2024 Spain vs England Preview: Five Best Final Matches in History

www.ronaldo2.com

Before the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England, let's look back at the most memorable Euro finals ever. Spain and England will bring to a close a month of festival football at the Euros, where current and former icons have fallen while new stars have risen. The European Championships were first staged in 1960, and since then, many historic matches have defined the tournament.

1. Italy 1-1 England (Italy won 3-2 on penalties) – Euro 2020

Match Overview

• Date: July 11, 2021
• Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, UK
• Key Players: Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Luke Shaw, Leonardo Bonucci, Gianluigi Donnarumma

The Euro 2020 final saw Italy claim the title in a heartbreaking defeat for England. After a gruelling 120 minutes, it was Italy that triumphed on penalties. Luke Shaw opened the scoring in the second minute, but Leonardo Bonucci equalized in the second half. The match ended 1-1, and Italy won 3-2 in the penalty shootout. Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Jadon Sancho missed their penalties, and Gianluigi Donnarumma's heroics secured Italy's second Euro crown.

Key Moments

• Early Goal: Luke Shaw's second-minute goal gave England an early lead.
• Equalizer: Leonardo Bonucci's goal leveled the match in the second half.
• Penalty Shootout: Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Jadon Sancho missed their penalties for England, and Gianluigi Donnarumma saved the day for Italy.

Impact

The defeat was a bitter pill for England, with the young players facing severe racist abuse. For Italy, it continued their 34-match unbeaten run and solidified their status as one of Europe's top teams.

Read more about the Euro 2020 final

2. Portugal 1-0 France – Euro 2016

Match Overview

• Date: July 10, 2016
• Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France
• Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Eder, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud

The Euro 2016 final was a dramatic clash where Portugal emerged victorious against France. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's early injury, Portugal managed to clinch their first Euro title with Eder's stunning goal in the 109th minute.

Key Moments

• Ronaldo's Injury: Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off the field due to an injury after just 25 minutes.
• Winning Goal: Eder scored a long-range strike in extra time, securing Portugal's victory.

Impact

This victory was a redemption for Portugal after their 2004 final defeat to Greece. It marked the rise of Portugal as a formidable force in European football.

Read more about the Euro 2016 final

3. Spain 4-0 Italy – Euro 2012

Match Overview

• Date: July 1, 2012
• Venue: Olympic Stadium, Kyiv, Ukraine
• Key Players: Jordi Alba, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo

Spain's dominance was on full display in the Euro 2012 final, where they thrashed Italy 4-0. This victory secured Spain's third Euro title, solidifying their golden era in international football.

Key Moments

• Opening Goal: David Silva's early goal set the tone for the match.
• Jordi Alba's Goal: Alba's solo effort doubled Spain's lead.
• Final Goals: Fernando Torres and Juan Mata added two more goals, sealing the comprehensive win.

Impact

Spain's victory showcased their tiki-taka style, with a team filled with stars from Barcelona and Real Madrid. This win cemented Spain's legacy as one of the greatest teams in football history.

Read more about the Euro 2012 final

4. Denmark 2-0 Germany – Euro 1992

Match Overview

• Date: June 26, 1992
• Venue: Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden
• Key Players: Peter Schmeichel, John Jensen, Kim Vilfort, Brian Laudrup, Michael Laudrup

The Euro 1992 final was one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history. Denmark, who had not even originally qualified, defeated reigning world champions Germany 2-0.

Key Moments

• Opening Goal: John Jensen's goal in the 18th minute shocked the Germans.
• Sealing the Win: Kim Vilfort's goal in the 78th minute ensured Denmark's victory.

Impact

Denmark's victory was a fairy tale run, as they had replaced Yugoslavia in the tournament and went on to win the title. It remains one of the most memorable upsets in European Championship history.

Read more about the Euro 1992 final

5. USSR 0-2 Netherlands – Euro 1988

Match Overview

• Date: June 25, 1988
• Venue: Olympiastadion, Munich, West Germany
• Key Players: Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Rinat Dasayev

The Euro 1988 final is remembered for Marco van Basten's iconic volley, which sealed the Netherlands' 2-0 victory over the Soviet Union. This goal is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the European Championships.

Key Moments

• Opening Goal: Ruud Gullit's header gave the Netherlands the lead.
• Van Basten's Volley: Marco van Basten's spectacular volley from a tight angle doubled the Dutch lead.

Impact

The Netherlands' victory marked their first major international title and cemented the legacy of players like van Basten and Gullit. The final is still celebrated for its display of attacking football and individual brilliance.

Read more about the Euro 1988 final

Tables and Statistics

Year	Final Match	Winner	Scoreline	Venue
2020	Italy vs. England	Italy	1-1 (3-2 on pens)	Wembley Stadium, London
2016	Portugal vs. France	Portugal	1-0	Stade de France, Saint-Denis
2012	Spain vs. Italy	Spain	4-0	Olympic Stadium, Kyiv
1992	Denmark vs. Germany	Denmark	2-0	Ullevi, Gothenburg
1988	Netherlands vs. USSR	Netherlands	2-0	Olympiastadion, Munich

FAQs

Q: When is the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England?
A: The Euro 2024 final is scheduled to be played on July 14, 2024.

Q: Where will the Euro 2024 final be held?
A: The final will take place at Wembley Stadium in London, UK.

Q: How many Euro titles has Spain won?
A: Spain has won three Euro titles (1964, 2008, 2012).

Q: Who scored the winning goal in the Euro 2016 final?
A: Eder scored the winning goal for Portugal in the Euro 2016 final against France.

Q: What was the result of the Euro 2020 final?
A: The Euro 2020 final ended 1-1 after extra time, with Italy winning 3-2 on penalties against England.

For more in-depth articles and updates on UEFA Euro 2024, visit www.ronaldo2.com.