Euro 2024: Unforgettable Upsets in Past European Championships
The 2024 European Championship is set to take place in Germany from 14 June to 14 July, with 24 nations vying for the coveted trophy. As we anticipate the excitement of the upcoming tournament, let’s take a look back at some of the most shocking upsets in the history of the European Championships.
In recent memory, one of the most memorable upsets occurred in 2021 when France, the reigning World Cup champions, faced off against Switzerland in the last 16. Despite being the favorites, France suffered a heartbreaking 3-3 draw, eventually losing 4-5 on penalties to the Swiss team.
Moving on to Euro 2016, Wales made history by defeating Belgium, the second-ranked team in the world, with a remarkable 3-1 victory in the quarter-finals. This triumph marked one of Wales’ greatest moments in tournament football.
Another unforgettable upset from Euro 2016 was when England, under Roy Hodgson, faced Iceland in the last 16. Despite an early lead with a Wayne Rooney penalty, England fell to a shocking 1-2 defeat, leading to Hodgson’s resignation as the England boss.
In the same tournament, Ukraine faced off against Northern Ireland in the group stage, where Northern Ireland secured a surprising 2-0 victory, propelling them to the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Looking back at Euro 2004, Greece stunned Portugal in the final with a 1-0 victory, clinching their first and only European Championship title. This unexpected outcome left football fans in awe of Greece’s remarkable achievement.
In Euro 1992, Denmark defied the odds by winning the tournament after replacing Yugoslavia, who withdrew due to conflicts. The Danes overcame France, England, and the Netherlands on their path to victory, culminating in a 2-0 win against Germany in the final.
These unforgettable upsets from past European Championships serve as a reminder that in football, anything is possible. As we eagerly await Euro 2024, fans around the world anticipate more surprising moments and underdog victories that will etch their names in football history.