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The Best Euros Knockout Games of All Time!

Photo of Nicky Nicky05/07/2024 - 08:18 am
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal poses for photographs with the Henri Delaunay trophy to celebrate after his team's 1-0 win against France in the UEFA EURO 2016 Final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France on July 10, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

The Euros has produced some of the most thrilling and unforgettable moments in football history. The knockout stages, in particular, are where legends are made and hearts are broken. From last-minute winners to dramatic penalty shootouts, these games are forever inscribed in the memories of fans worldwide. Here is a list of 365Scores top ten knockout games in Euros history.

In Euro 2024, there are some incredible matchups that are shaping up to be some of the greatest games in the history of the tournament. Germany vs. Spain and France vs. Portugal, we’re looking at you! The latter will see the exciting Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Toni Kroos face up against Rodri, Nico Williams and the prodigal Lamine Yamal.

France vs. Portugal also is shaping up to be a thriller. This is likely to be Ronaldo’s final international tournament, so he’ll be desperate for glory but in his way is the best player n the world, Kylian Mbappe, and his talented French teammates.

For now, however, these are the top ten knockout games of all time.

10. Germany vs. Czech Republic (Euros 1996 Final)

Score: 2-1 (Golden Goal)

To explain the excitement of this one, our younger readers may need reminding that in the past, a Golden Goal was used in the Euros to settle games. Whoever scored first in extra time won the game. Imagine that drama now with VAR…

The final of Euro 1996 is memorable for its dramatic finish. Germany faced the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium. The Czechs took the lead with a Patrik Berger penalty, but Germany equalized through Oliver Bierhoff. The game went into extra time, where Bierhoff scored the first-ever golden goal in a major tournament, clinching the title for Germany.

9. France vs. Portugal (Euros 2000 Semi-Final)

Score: 2-1 (Golden Goal)

Another golden goal thriller, this semi-final saw France taking on Portugal. Nuno Gomes gave Portugal the lead, but Thierry Henry equalized for France. The match went into extra time, and a controversial penalty was awarded to France. Zinedine Zidane coolly converted, sending Les Bleus to the final. Serious talent on show.

8. Spain vs. Italy (2008 Quarter-Final)

Score: 0-0 (Spain won 4-2 on penalties)

This match was a tactical masterclass and a battle of nerves. La Roja’s Golden Generation was elite however and after a goalless draw in regular and extra time, the game went to penalties. Spain’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas saved two crucial penalties, and Cesc Fàbregas scored the winning spot-kick, marking Spain’s emergence as a dominant force in international football.

This match marked the start of something special. The midfield options of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata and MORE were simply overwhelming for teams and they went on to win the 2010 World Cup as well as the Euros again in 2012 where they would beat Italy 4-0. Many would say that the 4-0 was a more significant game, but the seeds were sown years before. Dynasty.

7. Netherlands vs. Soviet Union (1988 Final)

Score: 2-0

This was the Netherlands in their prime. This was total football. Most excitingly, this was the match in which the best ever Euros goal was scored. It was a final that saw Marco van Basten’s iconic volley as the highlight. Ruud Gullit’s header and Van Basten’s stunning strike secured the Netherlands their first major international trophy in a match that epitomized the Dutch teams stylish tactics and beautiful play.

Streets will never forget the Van Basten goal. Even trying to shoot from there is outrageous. What was he thinking? Whatever he was thinking, I’m so glad he thought it. What an incredible goal.

6. Germany vs. Italy (2012 Semi-Final)

Score: 1-2

Italy shocked Germany in this thrilling semi-final. Mario Balotelli scored two brilliant goals in the first half, including a powerful strike from outside the box. Germany pulled one back through Mesut Özil, but Italy held on to secure a place in the final.

No one can possibly forget that Balotelli performance. He’d had an exciting, albeit controversial season with Manchester City, setting fireworks off in his own house and getting involved in a series of scandals. The media thought he wasn’t invested enough in football. This game proved them wrong.

5. Portugal vs. France (2016 Final)

Score: 1-0 (After Extra Time)

The 2016 final was an emotional rollercoaster. Portugal lost their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to injury early in the match, but they showed incredible resilience. Everyone remembers the scenes of the Portuguese GOAT taking over as manager on the sidelines. Yes he was injured, but he was never not going to be involved in the game.

The final was goalless after 90 minutes, but substitute Éder scored a sensational long-range goal in extra time, giving Portugal their first major international trophy and Ronaldo some prestige on the international stage.

Eder was Portugal’s Euros hero!
(Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images)

4. Czechoslovakia vs. West Germany (1976 Final)

Score: 2-2 (5-3 after penalties)

I know we’ve gone back a LONG time in the past here but bare with us. This game saw the revolution of an entirely new skill in football. One which kids use in the playground. One which people still use the original players name for. One which every single one of your favourite players has tried. That, dear readers, is the Panenka.

The final is famous for Antonín Panenka’s audacious chipped penalty in the shootout, which secured Czechoslovakia’s only major tournament win. He decided to gently lob the ball down the middle of the goal whilst the keeper helplessly dived to the side.

The match itself was a thrilling encounter, ending in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw but it will always be remembered for the Panenka.

3.Wales vs. Belgium (2016 Quarter-Final)

Score: 3-1

Wales had Gareth Bale, an elite player of course, but when this tournament began, almost nothing was expected of them. Their team was mostly made up of middling Premier League players.

Belgium on the other hand, had the golden generation. Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne. There was so much talent, and therefore so much expectation.

Yet it was the spirited Welsh side came from behind to send a star-studded Belgium squad home in the quarter-finals. Radja Nainggolan’s early strike was overturned by Ashley Williams, Hal Robson-Kanu’s iconic goal, and Sam Vokes’ header, marking Wales’ best tournament run.

Robson-Kanu’s turn duped out everyone, even the cameraman I’m quite sure, and he slotted away what is one of the best goals in Euros history. Iconic.

2. France vs. Switzerland (2020 Round of 16)

 Score: 3-3 (Switzerland won 5-4 on penalties)

The 2020 Round of 16 match between France and Switzerland is widely regarded as one of the greatest knockout games in UEFA European Championship history. Historically, Switzerland had struggled in knockout stages, never winning a knockout match in the Euros since 1938. Facing France, the reigning World Cup champions and tournament favorites, seemed a daunting task.

Switzerland took an early lead through Haris Seferovic’s header. The drama intensified in the second half when Switzerland missed a crucial penalty, allowing France to seize momentum. Karim Benzema scored twice in quick succession, followed by Paul Pogba’s stunning long-range goal, putting France 3-1 up. The vibes were high on the French team, and Pogba even took the opportunity to dance.

Despite being down by two goals with 15 minutes left, Switzerland showcased remarkable resilience. Seferovic scored again, and Mario Gavranovic netted a dramatic equalizer in the 90th minute, pushing the match into extra time.

With the game still tied after extra time, the penalty shootout began. Both teams were flawless until Kylian Mbappe’s decisive miss, saved by Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer, sealed a historic victory for Switzerland. This match stands out for its thrilling twists, Pogba’s incredible goal, Switzerland’s dramatic comeback, and Mbappe’s missed penalty, making it a truly unforgettable encounter.

1. England vs. Portugal (2004 Quarter-Final)

Score: 2-2 (Portugal won 6-5 on penalties)

This was an incredible game. Former Leicester City goalkeeper, Ricardo, scored the winning penalty as host nation, Portugal, saw off England in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004. Drama ensued as Michael Owen’s early goal was leveled by Hélder Postiga. Sol Campbell’s disallowed goal and Frank Lampard’s equalizer led to penalties, where Ricardo’s heroics clinched the win.

Rooney vs. Ronaldo Feud: During the match, Wayne Rooney was sent off for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho. Cristiano Ronaldo, Rooney’s Manchester United teammate, was seen pleading with the referee to give a red card, and his subsequent wink to the bench after Rooney’s dismissal sparked outrage among English fans. This incident strained their relationship and added intense personal drama to the encounter.

Ronaldo and Rooney had a brief feud in the Euros, but it didn’t last long as they struck up a lethal partnership at United.
(Photo by Mark Leech/Offside via Getty Images)

Regardless of that, WR10 and CR7s partnership remained as lethal as ever the next year and continued to thrive.

Read our list of the greatest ever Euros goals here!

The UEFA European Championship has consistently provided football fans with some of the most exhilarating and unforgettable moments in the sport’s history. These ten matches represent the pinnacle of the drama and excitement that the Euros bring to the world stage.

By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on X (Twitter)

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Photo of Nicky Nicky05/07/2024 - 08:18 am