EURO 1984 (FRANCE)

Few major tournament wins have captured the imagination like France's 1984 UEFA European Championship success on home soil. In an all-star team, the inspiration was captain Michel Platini whose nine-goal tally, including two hat-tricks, remains a finals record, capped by his opener in the decider against Spain. It was a special moment for Michel Hidalgo's side after penalty heartbreak by West Germany in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals two years earlier. UEFA President Platini recalls a memorable triumph.



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FINAL : FRANCE 2-0 SPAIN














EURO 1988 (WEST GERMANY)

Before the 1988 UEFA European Championship, 23-year-old Netherlands striker Marco van Basten was one of the most promising talents in the game. A hat-trick against England, a semi-final winner versus West Germany and a spectacular volley from an acute angle to see off the Soviet Union in the final, and he was already in football's hall of fame. Not bad for someone who had just had his debut season at AC Milan interrupted by an ankle injury, and indeed, who only started the opening match against the USSR on the bench.


FINAL : USSR 0-2 NETHERLAND


       
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EURO 1992 (SWEDEN)

The story is so famous it barely needs retelling. Denmark were eliminated in EURO '92 qualifying before Yugoslavia's expulsion gave them a finals place. Once in Sweden they knocked out England and France in the group stage, the Netherlands on penalties in the last four and Germany 2-0 for the trophy.





 Peter Schmeichel, then a year into his spell at Manchester United FC, kept goal for Denmark in that competition and discusses the emotional journey of that summer.


FINAL : Denmark 2-0 Germany


      
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EURO 1996 (ENGLAND)

After reunification Germany initially struggled to match the exploits of their former western section, but that changed at EURO '96. Having moved through the semi-finals, they came from behind to edge out hosts England on penalties then defeated the Czech Republic with a golden goal. Playing in a libero role first filled by Franz Beckenbauer, former East Germany international Matthias Sammer scored the quarter-final winner against Croatia and was inspirational throughout as his nation won the title for the third time.


     

FINAL : Czech Republic 1-2 Germany








EURO 2000 (Belgium-Netherland)

In the brief era of the golden goal, two men were fortunate enough to win a UEFA European Championship by such a method – Oliver Bierhoff and David Trezeguet. 





The latter's goal edged France to UEFA EURO 2000 glory, yet their progress through the competition had been magisterial, the first reigning world champions to collect the European title. The striker believes it is one the finest major final tournaments ever staged.


FINAL : FRANCE 2-1 ITALY









EURO 2004 (PORTUGAL)

After losing their first two UEFA EURO 2004 qualifiers, the idea that Greece would even make it to Portugal seemed far-fetched. They won six straight matches to reach the finals, and once there defeated the hosts in the opener and again, memorably, in the showpiece to lift the trophy. 





Theodoros Zagorakis captained Otto Rehhagel's side and was named Player of the Tournament for his stubborn performances in a midfield that kept Greece's superb defence well protected. Zagorakis reveals they always had belief in their abilities and describes the epic conclusion to the final as Greece held on to their 1-0 lead.


FINAL : Portugal 0-1 Greece









EURO 2008 (AUSTRIA--SWITZERLAND)

Spain's UEFA EURO 2008 triumph did not merely end the Roja's 44-year wait for a major title, it ushered in a new era, where brain prevailed over brawn, when smaller players found a way of combating physicality. 





At 1.70m, Xavi Hernández embodied the rise of the little guy: his metronomic passing and superb reading of the game made him a critical part of Spain's triumph – and ultimately player of the tournament. Here he talks about a breakthrough summer – in more ways than one.


FINAL : GERMANY 0--1 SPAIN


SPAIN 3-0 RUSSIA
                                                              
                                                              Germany 3-2 Turkey
Spain 0-0 Italy (spain win penalty)
                     Russia 3-1 Netherland       Croatia1-1Turkey(Turkey Win Penalty)                                                      Germany 3-2 Portugal