1976: Panenka's Legendary Penalty

The 1976 European Championship final between Czechoslovakia and West Germany is remembered for one of the most audacious moments in football history. After a thrilling 2-2 draw in regular time, the match went to penalties—the first major international final to be decided by a shootout.

With the score at 4-3 to Czechoslovakia in the shootout, Antonín Panenka stepped up to take what could be the winning penalty. Facing the legendary German goalkeeper Sepp Maier, Panenka approached the ball calmly. Instead of opting for power or placement in the corners, he did something unprecedented: he gently chipped the ball down the middle as Maier dived to his left.

The audacity of the technique, the high-pressure situation, and the perfect execution combined to create one of football's most iconic moments. Panenka's penalty sealed Czechoslovakia's first and only European Championship title and gave birth to a technique that bears his name to this day. The "Panenka penalty" has since been attempted by many players, but few have executed it with the same composure and perfection as its inventor did on that summer evening in Belgrade.

What makes this moment even more remarkable is the context. West Germany were the reigning World Cup champions and favorites to win the tournament. Czechoslovakia's victory, sealed by Panenka's audacious penalty, was a significant upset and a testament to the unpredictable nature of football.

2000: France vs. Italy - Trezeguet's Golden Goal

The final of Euro 2000 between France and Italy produced one of the most dramatic conclusions in the tournament's history. Italy, led by their defensive stalwarts Paolo Maldini and Fabio Cannavaro, took the lead in the 55th minute through Marco Delvecchio and seemed set to secure the title as the match entered its final stages.

However, in the 94th minute, with literally seconds remaining, Sylvain Wiltord scored an equalizer for France, sending the match into extra time. The golden goal rule was in effect, meaning the first team to score in extra time would win the match immediately.

In the 103rd minute, Robert Pirès made a darting run down the left flank and cut the ball back to David Trezeguet, who was positioned at the edge of the penalty area. Trezeguet struck the ball first time with his left foot, sending a powerful shot into the roof of the net. The golden goal gave France an instant victory and their second European Championship title.

The match showcased the cruelty and drama of the golden goal rule. For Italy, who had been seconds away from victory in normal time, the defeat was particularly bitter. For France, it completed a remarkable achievement of holding both the World Cup (won in 1998) and European Championship titles simultaneously, cementing their status as the dominant team of that era.

2004: Greece's Miracle - Defeating the Host Nation Portugal

The 2004 European Championship final between Greece and Portugal is often cited as one of the greatest upsets in football history. Greece, who had never won a match in a major tournament before Euro 2004, faced the host nation Portugal, led by their golden generation including Luís Figo and a young Cristiano Ronaldo.

The two teams had already met in the opening match of the tournament, with Greece surprising everyone by winning 2-1. Few expected them to repeat this feat in the final, especially after their pragmatic, defensive approach had been criticized throughout the tournament.

The final was a tense, tactical affair. In the 57th minute, Angelos Charisteas rose highest to head home a corner from Angelos Basinas, giving Greece a 1-0 lead. Portugal pushed forward desperately for an equalizer, but Greece's disciplined defensive display, orchestrated by their German coach Otto Rehhagel, held firm.

When the final whistle blew, Greece had achieved the unthinkable: they had won the European Championship. The image of Theodoros Zagorakis, the Greek captain and player of the tournament, lifting the trophy in Lisbon's Estádio da Luz became one of the most iconic moments in European Championship history.

Greece's victory was a triumph of tactical discipline, team spirit, and effective execution of a game plan. They had defeated the hosts twice in the same tournament, as well as defending champions France in the quarter-finals and the fancied Czech Republic in the semi-finals. Their achievement remains one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history.

2012: Spain vs. Italy - The Pinnacle of Tiki-Taka

The final of Euro 2012 between Spain and Italy was a showcase of one of the greatest international teams in football history at the peak of their powers. Spain, the defending European and World champions, faced Italy, who had impressed throughout the tournament under the guidance of Cesare Prandelli.

The two teams had already met in the group stage, drawing 1-1 in a closely contested match. However, the final was a completely different story. Spain produced a masterclass in their "tiki-taka" style of play, dominating possession and creating numerous chances.

David Silva opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a header from Cesc Fàbregas' cross. Jordi Alba doubled Spain's lead just before half-time with a blistering run and finish. In the second half, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata added further goals to complete a comprehensive 4-0 victory—the largest margin of victory in a European Championship or World Cup final.

The match was a demonstration of Spain's technical brilliance and tactical intelligence. Their midfield trio of Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets controlled the game, while their pressing and positional play stifled Italy's attempts to build attacks.

With this victory, Spain became the first team to win three consecutive major tournaments (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012) and the first to successfully defend their European Championship title. Their performance in the final is widely regarded as one of the greatest team displays in a major international final.

1988: Netherlands vs. Soviet Union - Van Basten's Volley

The 1988 European Championship final between the Netherlands and the Soviet Union featured one of the most spectacular goals in football history. The Dutch team, coached by Rinus Michels and featuring stars like Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, and Marco van Basten, was looking to win their first major international trophy.

Ruud Gullit gave the Netherlands the lead in the 32nd minute with a powerful header. Then, in the 54th minute, came the moment that would be forever etched in football history. Arnold Mühren sent a high cross from the left wing towards the far side of the penalty area. Marco van Basten, positioned at an acute angle, connected with the ball perfectly, sending a spectacular volley over goalkeeper Rinat Dasayev and into the far corner of the net.

The technical difficulty of the goal was extraordinary. Van Basten had to strike a ball that was dropping from a considerable height, from a tight angle, and generate enough power and precision to beat one of the world's best goalkeepers. The execution was flawless, creating what many consider the greatest goal in European Championship history.

The goal sealed a 2-0 victory for the Netherlands, giving them their first and only major international trophy. Van Basten's volley has been replayed countless times in football highlight reels and is often used as an example of perfect technique and audacity in football.

2020 (2021): Italy vs. England - Penalty Heartbreak at Wembley

The final of Euro 2020 (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) between Italy and England was a dramatic conclusion to a unique tournament that had been played across Europe to celebrate the competition's 60th anniversary. For England, playing at their home stadium of Wembley, it was a chance to win their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. For Italy, it was an opportunity to complete a remarkable resurgence after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

England made a dream start when Luke Shaw scored in the second minute—the fastest goal ever in a European Championship final. However, Italy gradually took control of the match and equalized in the 67th minute through Leonardo Bonucci. The score remained 1-1 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.

The shootout was filled with drama. Italy's Andrea Belotti had his penalty saved, but England's Marcus Rashford hit the post, and Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka had their penalties saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Italy won the shootout 3-2, securing their second European Championship title and extending England's wait for a major trophy.

The match was notable for several reasons. It was the first European Championship final to be played at Wembley since 1996, and it featured the contrasting styles of Italy's experienced, technically proficient team and England's youthful, dynamic side. The penalty shootout, with its high drama and emotional aftermath, provided a fitting conclusion to a tournament that had been delayed by a year due to the global pandemic.

These epic matches represent just a few of the many memorable encounters that have defined the European Championship over its 60-year history. Each tournament brings new drama, new heroes, and new stories that add to the rich tapestry of European football. The unpredictable nature of the competition, where underdogs can triumph and moments of individual brilliance can decide matches, ensures that the European Championship remains one of the most captivating sporting events in the world.