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365Scores’ Top Ten Euros Goals of All-Time

Photo of Nicky Nicky15/06/2024 - 11:57 am
Marco van Basten scores his masterpiece goals in the 1988 Euros!
(Photo by Bongarts/Getty Images)

The Euros has provided football fans with countless unforgettable moments since its inception. Among these moments, the goals that have graced the tournament stand out as the epitome of skill, precision, and sheer brilliance. From stunning volleys to audacious chips, these goals have not only decided matches but have also etched themselves into the memories of fans worldwide. In this article, we celebrate the top ten Euros goals in history, showcasing the extraordinary talent and drama that have defined the competition.

Expect plenty more screamers in the 2024 edition of the tournament. Within the next month, crazy, couch-ejecting, playground chat-worthy moments will occur that inspire nations and will be replayed on 365Scores and YouTube for years to come.

Here are ten incredible goals and here is 365Scores’ whole schedule and analysis of Euro 2024 here!

10. Antonín Panenka – Czechoslovakia vs. West Germany (Euro 1976, Yugoslavia)

Everyone knows the ‘Panenka‘. That cheeky, impudent bit of skill in which the penalty taker deftly chips the ball past the diving goalkeeper. What not everyone knows is the man who popularised it. That man is the Czechoslovakian Antonin Panenka.

Panenka’s legendary chipped penalty in the final shootout against West Germany was a moment of audacity and genius. With the opportunity to win the tournament with his penalty kick, he had the confidence to tap it over the diving Sepp Maier and win the competition for his country. Legend.

9. Eder – Portugal vs. France (Euro 2016, France)

With Cristiano Ronaldo out of the side due to injury, someone had to step up for Portugal. Thankfully, Eder did. In the 109th minute of the match, Eder muscled his way past a French defender, angled his body and fired a thunderbolt into the far corner of Hugo Lloris‘ net. 1-0 Portugal. Game, set, match and championship to Portugal for their first-ever Euros.

8. Ronnie Whelan – Republic of Ireland vs. Soviet Union (Euro 1988, West Germany)

In the group stages of Euro 1988, Ronnie Whelan produced a moment of sheer brilliance that has since been carved into Irish football folklore. Facing the formidable Soviet Union, the Republic of Ireland were looking to make a statement on the European stage. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute, from a seemingly innocuous long throw-in by Mick McCarthy.

As the ball was hurled into the penalty area, Whelan positioned himself on the edge of the box. With incredible timing and technique, he met the ball mid-air with a stunning left-footed volley. The shot arced beautifully, looping over the Soviet goalkeeper and into the top corner of the net. Rinat Dasayev, the Soviet goalkeeper, won the goalkeeper of the tournament but not even he could even come close to keeping it out. Sadly for Dasayev, it wouldn’t be the last wondergoal to fly past him this tournament.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal vs. Hungary (Euro 2016, France)

In a thrilling group stage match of the 2016 Euros, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his flair and creativity with a stunning goal against Hungary. With Portugal needing a result to advance, Ronaldo stepped up to deliver in style. The moment came in the 50th minute when Portugal were trailing 2-1. Joao Mario received the ball on the right flank and whipped in a low cross towards the near post. Displaying his trademark instinct and improvisation, Ronaldo executed a sublime backheel flick, redirecting the ball past the Hungarian goalkeeper and into the net.

This goal was a perfect blend of technical skill and quick thinking, demonstrating Ronaldo’s ability to produce magic in crucial moments. It was a vital contribution that not only leveled the score but also kept Portugal’s hopes alive in the tournament. They then went on to win it all.

6. Xherdan Shaqiri – Switzerland vs. Poland (Euro 2016, France)

In the Round of 16 of Euro 2016, Xherdan Shaqiri delivered one of the most memorable goals of the tournament, and arguably one of the best in Euros history. With Switzerland trailing Poland 1-0, Shaqiri stepped up in the 82nd minute to level the score. The Swiss team was pressing for an equalizer when a cross from the left side was only half-cleared by the Polish defense.

Shaqiri, positioned just outside the penalty area, reacted swiftly. With remarkable agility and technique, he executed an acrobatic bicycle kick, sending the ball flying past the Polish goalkeeper into the bottom corner of the net. The goal was a stunning display of athleticism and precision, drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd and pundits alike.

5. Patrik Schick – Czech Republic vs. Scotland (Euro 2021, Scotland)

During the group stage of Euro 2020, Patrik Schick scored a goal that immediately became iconic. Playing against Scotland, the Czech Republic forward produced a moment of magic in the 52nd minute. The Czechs were already leading 1-0 when Schick saw an opportunity that few would even consider.

Spotting the Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall off his line, Schick struck the ball from just past the halfway line. The shot soared through the air, perfectly judged, and sailed over the backpedalling keeper before nestling into the net. The goal was measured at 49.7 yards, making it the longest-range goal in Euros history.

Schick’s incredible vision and audacity to attempt such a shot, coupled with the flawless execution, left spectators and commentators in disbelief. Schick himself described the goal as “nice”. Just another day at the office then it seems.

4. Maniche – Portugal vs. Netherlands (Euro 2004, Portugal)

In the semi-finals of the 2004 Euros, Maniche scored a goal that propelled Portugal into their first European Championship final. Facing a strong Netherlands team, Portugal were already leading 1-0 when Maniche produced his moment of brilliance in the 58th minute.

Following a corner, the ball was cleared to the edge of the box where it fell to Maniche. Without hesitation, he unleashed a powerful, curling shot with his right foot. The ball swerved dramatically, evading the outstretched hands of the Dutch goalkeeper and crashing into the top corner of the net.

Maniche’s goal was a perfect blend of power, precision, and technique, igniting the home crowd in Lisbon and giving Portugal a crucial 2-0 lead. It was a defining moment in the match, helping secure a 2-1 victory and a place in the final.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Sweden vs. Italy (Euro 2004, Portugal)

 In the group stage of Euro 2004, Zlatan Ibrahimović scored a goal that showcased his exceptional flair and creativity. Sweden were trailing Italy 1-0 in the 85th minute when a corner kick caused chaos in the Italian penalty area. The ball was partially cleared and then lofted back towards the goal.

Ibrahimović demonstrated his incredible athleticism by executing an audacious backheel volley while facing away from the goal. The ball sailed over the defenders and the goalkeeper, nestling perfectly into the top corner. It was a moment of pure instinct and brilliance, leaving the Azzurri stunned.

2. Paul Gascoigne – England vs. Scotland (Euro 1996, England)

In one of the most iconic moments of Euro ’96, Paul Gascoigne delivered a goal that has since become legendary in English football. Facing Scotland in a fiercely contested group stage match at Wembley, England were leading 1-0 when Gascoigne produced his moment of brilliance in the 79th minute.

Receiving a pass from Darren Anderton just outside the Scottish penalty area, Gascoigne flicked the ball over defender Colin Hendry with his left foot, evading his challenge. As the ball dropped, Gascoigne met it with a sublime right-footed volley that rocketed past the goalkeeper and into the net. The goal was followed by his famous “dentist chair” celebration, adding to its legendary status.

1. Marco van Basten – Netherlands vs. The Soviet Union (Euro 1988, West Germany)

In the final of Euro 1988, Marco van Basten scored what is widely regarded as the greatest goal in the history of the European Championship. The Netherlands were leading the Soviet Union 1-0 in the second half when van Basten delivered his moment of magic in the 54th minute.

He received a cross from Arnold Mühren on the right side of the penalty area, van Basten found himself at a tight angle near the edge of the box. Without letting the ball touch the ground, he unleashed an incredible volley with his right foot. The ball soared over the Soviet goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net, defying physics and logic.

Van Basten’s goal was a perfect combination of timing, technique, and audacity, sealing a 2-0 victory for the Netherlands and securing their first major international title.

Marco van Basten's goal was one of the best in Euros history!
(photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Getty Images)

By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)

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Photo of Nicky Nicky15/06/2024 - 11:57 am