European Cup Gemilang History: From Soviet To Italian Union!

Italy, champions of Euro 2020 in London (photo: dock. inter)

JAKARTA - The European Cup, also known as the Euro Cup, is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world. This tournament has presented various heroic stories and legendary moments since it was first held in 1960.

From the historic victory of the Soviet Union in Paris to the glory of Italy at Wembley in 2020, each edition of this tournament is full of dramas, spectacular goals, and the best players who have made their names in history.

1960 European Cup: Soviet Union Beatswa In Paris!

The inaugural European Cup tournament was held in France in 1960, followed by four teams. The Soviet Union came out as champions after beating criss 2-1 in the final. Valentin Ivanov and Viktor Ponedelnik became heroes with their goals, while Milan Gali Mariju fromtensia became top scorers. Anatoli Ilyin was named the best player.

Piala Eropa 1964: Spanyol Menjadi Raja Eropa!

Four years later, Spain hosted and won the European Cup by beating the Soviet Union 2-1 in Madrid. Luis Su▁putrarez was selected as the best player, while the Soviet Galimzyan Khusainov became the top scorer.

1968 European Cup: Italy Champions Through Drama Replay!

Italy won the title in 1968 after beatinglevant 2-0 in the final rematch, having previously drawn 1-1. Dragan Djauji kaji fromtensia became the best player and top scorer of the tournament. The tournament was held in Italy and was attended by four teams.

European Cup 1972: West Germany Dominate Europe!

West Germany showed its dominance with a 3-0 win over the Soviet Union in the 1972 European Cup final in Belgium. Gerd M\"uller, with 4 goals, became the top scorer and best player in the tournament attended by four countries.

1976 European Cup: Anton panenka Becomes A Hero Of Penalty!

ERSlowakia won the title in 1976 after beating West Germany on penalties that ended 5-3 after a 2-2 draw. Anton capung Panenka became a legend with his iconic penalty execution, and Viktor became the best player in the tournament. The tournament was held intensively and was attended by four countries.

Euro 1980: West Germany Wins Trophy Again!

West Germany won another title in 1980 with a 2-1 win over Belgium in Italy. Klaus Allofs became the top scorer with 3 goals, and Horst Hrubech was selected as the best player. The format of this tournament was followed by eight countries with two round-robin groups.

1984 European Cup: France And Michel Platini Amazing!

France won the 1984 European Cup with a 2-0 win over Spain in the final. Michel Platini performed brilliantly with 9 goals, becoming the top scorer and best player of the tournament followed by eight countries and held in France.

Euro 1988: Netherlands Champion Van Basten Cemerlang!

The Netherlands won the title in 1988 with a 2-0 win over the Soviet Union in West Germany. Marco van Basten became the star with 5 goals and was selected as the best player in the tournament followed by eight countries.

1992 European Cup: Denmark Wins Sensational!

Denmark shocked the world with a 2-0 win over Germany in the 1992 European Cup final in Sweden. Henrik Larsen became the top scorer with 3 goals, and Peter Schmeichel was named the best player in the tournament followed by eight countries.

1996 European Cup: Germany Wins Gold Goal!

Germany won the 1996 European Cup with a 2-1 win through a gold goal over the Czech Republic in England. Alan Shearer became the top scorer with 5 goals, and Matthias Sammer was selected as the best player in the tournament followed by 16 countries.

2000 European Cup: France Wins European Gold Again!

France won the 2000 European Cup with a dramatic 2-1 win over Italy in the final. Patrick Kluivert and Savo Milo Marijuvi were top scorers with 5 goals, and Zinedine Zidane was named the best tournament players held in Belgium and the Netherlands and followed by 16 countries.

2004 European Cup: Greece Shocked World!

Greece made a big surprise with a 1-0 win over Portugal in the 2004 European Cup final. Milan Baromen became the top scorer with 5 goals, and Theodoros Zagorakis was named the best player in the tournament followed by 16 countries and held in Portugal.

2008 European Cup: Spain Back In Success!

Spain beat Germany 1-0 in the 2008 European Cup finals in Austria and Switzerland. David Villa became the top scorer with 4 goals, and Xavi Hern happened to be the best player in the tournament followed by 16 countries.

2012 European Cup: Spain Defends Title!

Spain won the 2012 European Cup with a 4-0 win over Italy in Poland and Ukraine. Fernando Torres became the top scorer with 3 goals, andolas Iniesta was named the best player in the tournament followed by 16 countries.

2016 European Cup: Portugal New European Champion!

Portugal won the 2016 European Cup with a 1-0 win over France through a gold goal in the final. Antoine Griezmann became the top scorer with 6 goals, and he was also named the best player in the tournament held in France and followed by 24 countries.

Euro 2020: Italy Back To The Top!

Italy won the 2020 European Cup title with a 3-2 win on penalties over England after a 1-1 draw in normal time. Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrik Schick became top scorers with 5 goals, while Gianluigi Donnarumma was selected as the best tournament players held in several European countries and followed by 24 countries.

From a start full of surprises to unforgettable moments, the European Cup has presented an amazing and drama-filled history of football.

The following is a list of countries that have won European Cup football tournaments (UEFA European Championship) along with information about hosts, the number of participating countries, tournament formats, and the best players every year:

1960

1964

1968

1972

1976

1980

1984

1988

1992

1996

2000

2004

2008

2012

2016

2020