29th June 2008, Ernst-Happel-Stadion,Vienna was divided in the colours of white and red. A High profile game, one which makes or breaks players, managers, careers – a game that sees fans and players witness the same amount of emotion… the kind that makes them one. The stakes were high and so were the shoulders of the 11 red men oozing class on the field. A nation who totally dominated the game produced the match winning moment within the first half. It was in front of 52,000 Spectators that a lanky Spanish forward - “El Nino” scored the only goal of the game for Spain in the 33rd minute. It was at that Fernando Torres goal that made Spain the champions of Europe, helping them win their first major trophy since 1992 Olympics. It took 16 years but that victory propelled Spain into what would then be called their golden period in which they won 2 Euro’s (2008,2012) and A FIFA World Cup (2010)… Where did it all start? The Euro’s 2008!
- Fernando Torres' Goal Against Germany In The Finals
UEFA’s European Championship or Euro’s is one of the most elite competitions in the history of football, held every leap year since 1960 to crown the continental champion of Europe through a series of two major rounds – the qualifying round and the finals. Of the 14 championships held so far, there have been 9 different winners! Germany and Spain have won the tournament the highest number of times (3 times each) and France is a close second with 2 victories.
The tournament has seen 3 expansions (in the number of teams participating in the finals) throughout its history – the latest one taking effect from the 2016 edition with a total of 24 teams playing in the tournament.
- 3rd Time Winners : Germany, won the last time 20 years ago!
Germany has had the best record in Euros thus far appearing in 6 finals, winning 3 of them. Spain has won 3 of their 4 appearances in the finals and France have won both finals that they have appeared in.
2004 was one of the most memorable Euro’s. Greece began the finals registering a win, a draw and a loss each during the group stages whereas; Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal won 2 and lost 1 match – to Greece. Both teams knocked out giants like David Beckham's England, van Nistelrooy's Netherlands and Zidane's France to make it to the finals where Greece probably pulled off the greatest win (or the greatest upset, depending upon your standpoint) defeating Portugal 1 – 0 thanks to a 57th minute goal scored by Angelos Charisteas.
- Euro 2004 Winners : Greece
Spain, Germany, England and France are all favourites to win this tournament. Belgium, who were regarded as minnows earlier (given their FIFA Mens Rankings, they shouldn’t be called minnows anymore!) have a good chance of winning the tournament. It would be interesting to see Group E’s Fixtures! Highly rated Belgium and Italy are a part of the group and a strong Swedish side can definitely progress as well. Ireland has been known to cause upsets and this Western European side progressed to the finals despite being in the same group as Poland and Germany! We cant always predict the winner with accuracy but we can be sure that the dates 10th of June to the dates 10th of July will definitely bring us some top class football!
- Belgium's Squad for the Qualifiers
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