A look back at the previous European Championship finals
1960
Hosts: France, Winners: USSR
The first tournament was won in extra-time by USSR, who came from behind to win 2-1 against Yugoslavia, surprise finalists after scoring three late goals in four minutes to down France 5-4 in the semi-finals.
The Soviets comfortably won in their semi-final, 3-0 against Czechoslovakia, who went on to take third place from the hosts.
The four finalists were whittled down from only 17 entrants, which did not include Sweden, who lost to Brazil in the 1958 World Cup final, nor West Germany, England or Italy.
Czechoslovakia came through a preliminary round against the Republic of Ireland to the final 16, where teams played home-and-away knockout ties over nearly two years until the semi-finals.
After a last 16 round of few surprises, General Franco of Spain forfeited the match for his national side against the USSR as he refused entry to their ideologically-opposed last-eight opponents.
The eastern Europeans seized their chance as they comfortably won their semi-final in Marseille, but the other semi-final was much more dramatic.
In a nine-goal thriller, Yugoslavia recovered 3-1 and 4-2 deficits to triumph 5-4 against a France side without Just Fontaine, thanks to two goals from match-winner Drazan Jerkovic, who went on to jointly-win the 1962 World Cup golden boot award.
The Paris final was played in front of nearly 18,000 on July 10.
Yugoslavia dominated most of the game and took the lead with Milan Galic's deflected effort four minutes before half-time.
But legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin kept Russia in the hunt and Slava Metreveli equalised four minutes after the break, taking the game to extra-time.
A header from Victor Ponedelnik seven minutes before the end sealed the game and inaugural title for Russia.
Ponedelnik later said: "There are matches and goals which are really special - a climax of a player's sporting life. That was the star moment of my life."
1964
Hosts: Spain, Winners: Spain
Spain needed a late winner against tournament favourites and holders the USSR in front of 80,000 at Madrid's Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, for their solitary cup success on the world stage.
Jesus Maria Pereda fired Spain ahead after just six minutes of the final, but after Galimzian Khusainov equalised just two minutes later Spain had to wait until six minutes from time, Marcelino Martinez heading low into the net.
The hosts had squeezed through a last-16 qualifying tie against Northern Ireland, who held Jose Villalonga's side in Bilbao, before easily beating the Republic of Ireland to reach the final four.
The USSR faced no travel ban as they had four years earlier, winning 3-0 over surprise semi-finalists Denmark - who themselves needed a replay to beat giant-killing Luxembourg in the final qualifying round.
The minnows had beaten Holland over two legs, even though the Dutch had only months earlier beaten world champions Brazil in a friendly.
Hungary, no longer able to call on Ferenc Puskas and many others from the 'Mighty Magyar' side of the 1950s, had forced Spain into extra-time after a later Ferenc Bene equaliser.
But Amancio Amaro, one of the stars of Real Madrid's 'ye-ye' side, scored the decisive goal in front of his home crowd.
The number of entrants rose from 17 to 29, and though West Germany again did not play England and Italy took part for the first time.
But England lost at the first hurdle to France, while Italy were knocked out by the Soviet Union in the second round.
Once again, political wrangling interfered in the tournament when Greece pulled out after they were handed a first qualifying round draw against Albania, with whom they had officially been at war for 50 years.
1968
Hosts: Italy, Winners: Italy
Italy won their first international trophy since 1938, but needed a replay to see off Yugoslavia in the final.
Angelo Domenghini equalised with an 80th-minute free-kick for Italy after Dragan Dzajic opened the scoring in the first half.
But goals from Luigi Riva and Pietro Anastasi won the replay 2-0, as Yugoslavia again fell at the last hurdle.
Italy had advanced to the final thanks to pure luck.
The hosts' game with USSR ended goalless after extra-time, and with a tight tournament schedule to meet, the match was decided by a coin-toss.
Soon after UEFA adopted the penalty shoot-out as a means of decided drawn competition games.
The Yugoslav's bruising semi-final against world champions England was decided by Dzajic's cool lob over Gordon Banks with only three minutes remaining.
Alf Ramsey's side had progressed to the last eight after the results of two Home Championships were combined, and two wins over holders Spain ensured progress to the final four.
The other qualifiers had to finish top of a preliminary group stage before their knockout quarter-finals, thanks to the higher number of entrants - 31 in all.
West Germany failed to make the cut from Group 4, and their exit was the surprise of the qualifying stage.
In the last game of the group they required a win in Albania to advance at the expense of Yugoslavia, but the World Cup finalists were held to a 0-0 draw for arguably Albania's greatest-ever result.
Italy had no such problems advancing from Group 6, but needed to recover a first-leg deficit to beat Bulgaria in the last 16.
The Soviet Union did the same against Hungary, while Yugoslavia dumped out France, courtesy of an emphatic 5-1 home win after a draw on French soil.
1972
Hosts: Belgium, Winners: West Germany
West Germany recovered from the disappointment of their 1970 World Cup semi-final defeat by dominating the 1972 European final for a 3-0 win against the USSR in Brussels.
Gerd Muller opened the scoring after half an hour, before Herbert Wimmer doubled the lead on 52 minutes and Muller confirmed the win with a cool chipped finish from 10 yards just before the hour mark.
The win came barely three weeks after Muller had single-handedly torn apart the Soviet side, scoring all four in a 4-1 friendly win.
The forward proved his position as the premier striker of his era with two further goals in the semi-final win over Belgium, adding to the seven he scored in qualifying.
The hosts had qualified for the first time, surprising holders Italy 2-1 in the two-legged quarter-final after topping their preliminary group.
They guaranteed third place with a 2-1 win over Hungary, who were edged-out 1-0 by the Soviets in the other semi-final.
Hungary needed a replay against Romania to reach the last four, who had qualified ahead of Czechoslovakia in Group 1 by virtue of fewest goals conceded.
West Germany recorded their first win at Wembley as they knocked England out of the competition.
The first-leg tie was 1-1 until five minutes from time, when Gunter Netzer beat Gordon Banks.
Muller added a third, and a goalless return leg in West Berlin ensured passage to the semis.
Meanwhile Holland were knocked out in the group stages, coming second to Yugoslavia - though they did put 14 goals past Luxembourg in two legs, Johann Cruyff grabbing five of those, in a taster of what was to come in the 1974 World Cup.
1976
Hosts: Yugoslavia, Winners: Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia were the first side to win a major international tournament by a penalty shoot-out, defeating holders and world champions West Germany 5-4 after extra-time had failed to add to the 2-2 scoreline.
Two goals in half an hour had put the Czechs ahead, after they had already dispatched Holland after extra-time in a physical semi-final, and USSR and England in the qualifying stages.
But Dieter Muller pulled one back on 28 minutes and a last-minute equaliser from Bernd Holzenbein ensured the game went to extra-time, and the historic penalty shoot-out.
All were converted until Uli Hoeness skied over West Germany's fourth attempt, and Antonin Panenka chipped in the winning penalty past Sepp Maier for Czechoslovakia's only major international trophy.
The favourites West Germany themselves needed extra-time to beat Yugoslavia in their semi-final, Muller grabbing the crucial goals to complete a hat-trick on international debut as 19 goals were scored in the finals, matching the record of .
Eight groups of four teams produced the quarter-finalists, which looked for a time as though it might not include West Germany.
The holders lay two points behind Greece with two games to play after a poor start to their qualifying group, but a 1-0 win over Bulgaria was followed up by a comprehensive 8-0 demolition of Malta. England began well with seven points from four games, including a famous 5-0 win over Cyprus at Wembley where Malcolm MacDonald scored all five.
Wales fared better, edging out fading powers Hungary and Austria in Group 2, while Italy scored only three qualifying goals to finish third in Group 5, behind Poland and qualifiers Holland.
In the quarter-finals Czechoslovakia put out the USSR, who failed to make the final four for the first time, while Wales could not recover a first-leg deficit against Yugoslavia, West Germany beat Spain and Holland crushed neighbours Belgium 7-1 on aggregate.
1980
Hosts: Italy, Winners: Germany
Horst Hrubesch headed Germany to a second European Championships title, though surprise finalists Belgium pushed them close in the final.
The game looked set for extra-time after Hrubesch's 10th-minute opener was cancelled out by Rene Vandereycken's penalty with 11 minutes remaining.
But with 90 seconds left, Hrubesch headed in the winner of a tournament noted for defensive play, poor attendances and crowd trouble.
Eight teams took part in an expanded tournament, Italy qualifying automatically as hosts, with the winners of two groups meeting in the final.
Germany made sure of progress from their group with a thrilling 3-2 win over Holland.
They led 3-0 thanks to a Klaus Allofs hat-trick, but Nicholaas Rep put away a penalty with 11 minutes to play and Willy van de Kerkhof pulled another back six minutes later, but Germany just held on.
Fewer than 5,000 watched the Group A game between Greece and Czechoslovakia, though the Czechs scored enough to ensure they made second place on goal difference ahead of the Dutch.
England's Group B clash with Belgium, a 1-1 draw in Turin, was marred when police used tear gas in an attempt to quell a riotous crowd, but the teams were forced off close to half-time.
They were joined in the group by Italy and Spain, each struggling for goals, but the hosts - thanks to a 1-0 win over England - faced Belgium in the group decider.
Yet Italy again drew a blank, and unfancied Belgium progressed.
1984
Hosts: France, Winners: France
France won their first major title thanks to goals in every game from Michel Platini, culminating in a 2-0 triumph over Spain.
The midfielder opened the scoring in the final just before the hour mark, his free-kick somehow squeezing under the body of Spain goalkeeper Luis Arconada.
Though Yvon Le Roux was sent off for Les Bleus, Bruno Bellone's injury-time goal sparked jubilation at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Semi-finals returned for 1984, though France required extra-time to dispatch Portugal 3-2 in their memorable clash.
Platini scored a last-minute winner, after he set up Jean-Francois Domergue for a scrappy equaliser four minutes earlier.
Rui Jordao had given the Portuguese a shock lead with his second of the game, but the unfancied challengers could not hold on against the pre-tournament favourites.
Spain progressed from an even tighter semi-final after penalties against Denmark, Preben Elkjaer firing the decisive effort over the crossbar.
The hosts, after a nervy 1-0 win against Denmark, romped through the rest of the group - thanks largely to two hat-tricks from Platini.
Denmark made second place, trouncing Yugoslavia 5-0 and coming from behind to beat Belgium in the decider.
In Group B, Germany were eliminated by a last-minute Antonio Maceda header for Spain, who topped the group ahead of Portugal.
Romania came last, though they had qualified at the expense of Czechoslovakia and world champions Italy.
There was also qualifying heartbreak for Northern Ireland, who after twice beating West Germany watched as Gerd Strack scored a crucial late winner against Albania in the final group game.
In Group 7, Spain needing to beat Malta by 11 goals in their final match to qualify instead of Holland, but were only leading 3-1 at half-time.
Yet the eventual runners-up proceeded to score nine more after the break, the last coming in the 86th minute from Juan Antonio Senor, to book an unlikely finals spot.
1988
Hosts: West Germany, Winners: Holland
Marco van Basten scored one of the greatest goals in European Championships history as Holland downed the USSR 2-0 for their only international success to date.
Ruud Gullit headed the Dutch in front after 33 minutes, before Van Basten's moment of magic nine minutes after half-time.
Arnold Muhren's long ball seemed too strong and too high for Van Basten at the far post, but the AC Milan striker spectacularly volleyed past Rinat Dasayev to seal the win.
Igor Belanov had a penalty saved by Hans van Breukelen after 70 minutes as the Soviet Union lost in the final for the third time.
They had previously beaten Holland 1-0 in their Group B game, and were indeed unbeaten until the final - including in qualifying, where they saw off holders France and an impressive East Germany.
They reached the final with a 2-0 win over Italy.
Gennady Litovchenko broke through the Italian defence to poke home just after the hour, before Oleg Protasov made the most of the open space behind the advancing Italians just two minutes later to make it 2-0.
The Dutch recovered from that defeat to see off basement boys England with a Van Basten hat-trick, and Republic of Ireland thanks to a late Wim Kieft goal to finish second in Group B.
But the eventual winners fell behind to a 55th-minute Lothar Matthaus penalty for the hosts West Germany in their semi-final.
It remained 1-0 until Van Basten was brought down in the penalty area 16 minutes from time, Ronald Koeman equalising from the spot.
Van Basten saved the game from extra-time, sliding in for a last-minute winner.
The hosts had made the most of their automatic qualification by topping Group A, ahead of Italy on goal difference while Spain and Denmark, who each failed to score against the two qualifiers, bowed out.
1992
Hosts: Sweden, Winners: Denmark
Denmark gatecrashed a European Championships dominated by political turmoil, beating world champions and newly-reunified Germany 2-0 in the final.
John Jensen crashed in the opener from the edge of the penalty area on 19 minutes, and with Peter Schmeichel keeping a clean sheet for Denmark, Kim Vilfort slotted in the second goal off the post with 11 minutes remaining.
The Danes had replaced Yugoslavia in the tournament because of the Balkan wars, and got to the final after penalties against Holland - Schmeichel decisively saving Marco van Basten's effort after extra-time failed to produce a winner from a 2-2 draw.
Denmark had struggled to get out of their finals group, a Lars Elstrup goal 12 minutes from time allowing a 2-1 win over France in the deciding game, after they failed to score against Sweden and England.
The French, who had won all their qualifying games, disappointed in the finals - as did England - with Sweden the strongest team in Group A.
But the hosts fell 3-2 to Germany in the other semi-final, Karlheinz Riedle chipping in with two goals.
The Germans themselves struggled in Group B, coming second to Holland.
A Thomas Hassler strike rescued a point against the CIS, and after a 2-0 win against Scotland the Germans fell to a comprehensive 3-1 defeat against the Dutch.
CIS also held Holland to a draw, but were trounced 3-0 by Scotland in their wooden spoon play-off.
CIS - the Commonwealth of Independent States - was an alliance of 11 of the 15 former Soviet Republics, who were allowed by UEFA to compete after USSR had qualified before the break-up of the country.
But they failed to replicate the form of USSR, who had knocked Italy out of qualifying, and the Scotland defeat proved to be their last ever match.
1996
Hosts: England, Winners: Germany
Oliver Bierhoff scored the first golden goal in international football history to give Germany a 2-1 win over Czech Republic, and a first international success after reunification.
Patrik Berger's penalty put the Czechs into the lead on the hour, but substitute Bierhoff headed the equaliser with 17 minutes remaining and needed just five minutes of sudden-death extra-time to score the deflected winner, which goalkeeper Petr Kouba could not deal with.
The tournament had 16 finalists for the first time, with quarter-finals also introduced.
But the seven knock-out games only produced nine goals, Germany scoring five of those - though they needed a penalty shoot-out against England in the semi-final.
Tournament top scorer Alan Shearer headed the hosts into the lead barely two minutes in, but Stefan Kuntz equalised after 16 minutes.
It remained 1-1 until penalties, and after Gareth Southgate's effort was saved by Andreas Kopke, Andreas Moller capitalised to secure Germany's place in the final.
They had seen off Croatia 2-1, Matthias Sammer scoring the winner, after easing to the top of Group C - from which Czech Republic knocked out Italy and Russia.
Karel Poborsky's audacious chip was the difference against Portugal in the quarter-finals, and after a goalless semi-final against France, Kouba saved Reynald Pedros' penalty in the shoot-out to send the Czechs through.
The French had beaten Holland on penalties in their quarter-final, following another 0-0 draw, while England prevailed over Spain in identical fashion.
England had topped Group A, after victories over Scotland and Holland, who needed a play-off against Ireland to qualify, compensated for a nervy 1-1 opening draw against Switzerland.
France and Spain made it out of Group B, though Group C was much tighter - Vladimir Smicer's goal two minutes from time earned a draw for Czech Republic against Russia, and knocked out Italy on goal difference.
Portugal and Croatia knocked out holders Denmark, and goalless Turkey in Group D.
2000
Hosts: Belgium and Holland, Winners: France
David Trezeguet scored the golden goal for world champions France, but they had to come from behind to beat Italy 2-1.
Marco Delvecchio's close-range volley put the Italians ahead on 55 minutes, but Sylvain Wiltord equalised deep into stoppage time, then Trezeguet blasted the winner on 103 minutes.
France also needed a golden goal to beat Portugal 2-1 in the semi-finals, Zinedine Zidane's winner from the penalty spot sparking ugly protests from several Portuguese, who were subsequently banned.
France triumphed by the same scoreline over Spain in the quarter-final, though had lost 3-2 against Holland in Group D to surrender top spot.
The Dutch looked well set after a shattering 6-1 win over Yugoslavia in the quarter-finals, but Patrick Kluivert could not replicate his hat-trick form against 10-man Italy in the semi-final, and the Dutch suffered at the penalty spot.
Francesco Toldo saved from Frank de Boer, while Kluivert hit the post with a second in normal time.
The game finished goalless and Toldo again saved from De Boer in the shoot-out, and also stopped from Marc Bosvelt to send Italy through, after the Azzurri had beaten Romania 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
Turkey made it out of Group B to the knock-out stages for the first time, ahead of hosts Belgium and Sweden, but faced Portugal - who won their fourth-successive game thanks to a Nuno Gomes brace.
Portugal topped Group A ahead of surprise package Romania, who came from 2-1 down to beat England 3-2, Ionel Ganea slotting in the deciding penalty in the 88th minute, while holders Germany disappointed in last place.
Spain scored two injury-time goals in their last Group C match against already-qualified Yugoslavia to win 4-3.
After Gaizka Mendieta's penalty, Alfonso Perez grabbed the winner to send out Norway, who could only draw against Slovenia.
Holland topped Group D with three wins, while Czech Republic - who had won all 10 of their qualifying games - and goalless Denmark, missed out.
2004
Hosts: Portugal, Winners: Greece
Angelos Charisteas headed the winner as Greece shocked hosts Portugal, and the European football community, with a 1-0 win in Lisbon.
The Greeks had not won at a major tournament before their appearance at Euro 2004, and had lost their opening two qualifying games before making it to the finals.
They then beat Portugal in the tournament opener in Group A, but a draw against Spain and defeat to Russia meant they only just squeezed through on goals scored.
Then 1-0 victories over France, thanks to Charisteas in the 65th minute, and Czech Republic - defender Traianos Dellas' silver goal on 115 minutes - took them to the final.
Portugal had beaten Holland 2-1 in their semi-final, after a penalty win over England in the quarter-finals - David Beckham firing over for England, before goalkeeper Ricardo saved from Darius Vassell and put away the winner himself.
After defeat to Greece the Portuguese beat both Spain and Russia, though they were only seven minutes away from exiting against England after Michael Owen's third-minute opener.
But Helder Postiga equalised in normal time, before Rui Costa and Frank Lampard strikes ensured penalties.
England came second in Group B to France, thanks to Zinedine Zidane's penalty winner with the last kick of their game, as Croatia and Switzerland bowed out.
In Group C Italy could only watch after they beat Bulgaria as Denmark and Sweden drew 2-2 in their last game, ensuring both Scandinavian sides went through.
Sweden lost out to Holland on penalties after a goalless draw, Edwin van der Sar saving from Olof Mellberg in sudden-death, while Denmark fell 3-0 to the Czech Republic, Milan Baros becoming the top-scorer with a second-half brace.
The Czechs won all their Group D games, qualifying with Holland ahead of Germany and Latvia.
2008
Hosts: Austria and Switzerland
This year's Euros will be hosted by Austria and Switzerland.
Both qualified automatically as hosts, and it will be Austria's first appearance in the finals, while Switzerland will hope to reach the knock-out stages for the first time.
They play the tournament opener on June 7 against Czech Republic, and must also face Portugal and Turkey in Group A.
Austria open Group B against Croatia, and then play debutants Poland and Germany.
Italy, France, Holland and Romania were drawn in Group C, while holders Greece face Sweden, Spain and Russia in Group D.
The winner of the final on June 29 receives the new Euro 2008 trophy, and will represent UEFA in the FIFA Confederation Cup in South Africa in 2009.
Hosts: France, Winners: USSR
The first tournament was won in extra-time by USSR, who came from behind to win 2-1 against Yugoslavia, surprise finalists after scoring three late goals in four minutes to down France 5-4 in the semi-finals.
The Soviets comfortably won in their semi-final, 3-0 against Czechoslovakia, who went on to take third place from the hosts.
The four finalists were whittled down from only 17 entrants, which did not include Sweden, who lost to Brazil in the 1958 World Cup final, nor West Germany, England or Italy.
Czechoslovakia came through a preliminary round against the Republic of Ireland to the final 16, where teams played home-and-away knockout ties over nearly two years until the semi-finals.
After a last 16 round of few surprises, General Franco of Spain forfeited the match for his national side against the USSR as he refused entry to their ideologically-opposed last-eight opponents.
The eastern Europeans seized their chance as they comfortably won their semi-final in Marseille, but the other semi-final was much more dramatic.
In a nine-goal thriller, Yugoslavia recovered 3-1 and 4-2 deficits to triumph 5-4 against a France side without Just Fontaine, thanks to two goals from match-winner Drazan Jerkovic, who went on to jointly-win the 1962 World Cup golden boot award.
The Paris final was played in front of nearly 18,000 on July 10.
Yugoslavia dominated most of the game and took the lead with Milan Galic's deflected effort four minutes before half-time.
But legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin kept Russia in the hunt and Slava Metreveli equalised four minutes after the break, taking the game to extra-time.
A header from Victor Ponedelnik seven minutes before the end sealed the game and inaugural title for Russia.
Ponedelnik later said: "There are matches and goals which are really special - a climax of a player's sporting life. That was the star moment of my life."
1964
Hosts: Spain, Winners: Spain
Spain needed a late winner against tournament favourites and holders the USSR in front of 80,000 at Madrid's Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, for their solitary cup success on the world stage.
Jesus Maria Pereda fired Spain ahead after just six minutes of the final, but after Galimzian Khusainov equalised just two minutes later Spain had to wait until six minutes from time, Marcelino Martinez heading low into the net.
The hosts had squeezed through a last-16 qualifying tie against Northern Ireland, who held Jose Villalonga's side in Bilbao, before easily beating the Republic of Ireland to reach the final four.
The USSR faced no travel ban as they had four years earlier, winning 3-0 over surprise semi-finalists Denmark - who themselves needed a replay to beat giant-killing Luxembourg in the final qualifying round.
The minnows had beaten Holland over two legs, even though the Dutch had only months earlier beaten world champions Brazil in a friendly.
Hungary, no longer able to call on Ferenc Puskas and many others from the 'Mighty Magyar' side of the 1950s, had forced Spain into extra-time after a later Ferenc Bene equaliser.
But Amancio Amaro, one of the stars of Real Madrid's 'ye-ye' side, scored the decisive goal in front of his home crowd.
The number of entrants rose from 17 to 29, and though West Germany again did not play England and Italy took part for the first time.
But England lost at the first hurdle to France, while Italy were knocked out by the Soviet Union in the second round.
Once again, political wrangling interfered in the tournament when Greece pulled out after they were handed a first qualifying round draw against Albania, with whom they had officially been at war for 50 years.
1968
Hosts: Italy, Winners: Italy
Italy won their first international trophy since 1938, but needed a replay to see off Yugoslavia in the final.
Angelo Domenghini equalised with an 80th-minute free-kick for Italy after Dragan Dzajic opened the scoring in the first half.
But goals from Luigi Riva and Pietro Anastasi won the replay 2-0, as Yugoslavia again fell at the last hurdle.
Italy had advanced to the final thanks to pure luck.
The hosts' game with USSR ended goalless after extra-time, and with a tight tournament schedule to meet, the match was decided by a coin-toss.
Soon after UEFA adopted the penalty shoot-out as a means of decided drawn competition games.
The Yugoslav's bruising semi-final against world champions England was decided by Dzajic's cool lob over Gordon Banks with only three minutes remaining.
Alf Ramsey's side had progressed to the last eight after the results of two Home Championships were combined, and two wins over holders Spain ensured progress to the final four.
The other qualifiers had to finish top of a preliminary group stage before their knockout quarter-finals, thanks to the higher number of entrants - 31 in all.
West Germany failed to make the cut from Group 4, and their exit was the surprise of the qualifying stage.
In the last game of the group they required a win in Albania to advance at the expense of Yugoslavia, but the World Cup finalists were held to a 0-0 draw for arguably Albania's greatest-ever result.
Italy had no such problems advancing from Group 6, but needed to recover a first-leg deficit to beat Bulgaria in the last 16.
The Soviet Union did the same against Hungary, while Yugoslavia dumped out France, courtesy of an emphatic 5-1 home win after a draw on French soil.
1972
Hosts: Belgium, Winners: West Germany
West Germany recovered from the disappointment of their 1970 World Cup semi-final defeat by dominating the 1972 European final for a 3-0 win against the USSR in Brussels.
Gerd Muller opened the scoring after half an hour, before Herbert Wimmer doubled the lead on 52 minutes and Muller confirmed the win with a cool chipped finish from 10 yards just before the hour mark.
The win came barely three weeks after Muller had single-handedly torn apart the Soviet side, scoring all four in a 4-1 friendly win.
The forward proved his position as the premier striker of his era with two further goals in the semi-final win over Belgium, adding to the seven he scored in qualifying.
The hosts had qualified for the first time, surprising holders Italy 2-1 in the two-legged quarter-final after topping their preliminary group.
They guaranteed third place with a 2-1 win over Hungary, who were edged-out 1-0 by the Soviets in the other semi-final.
Hungary needed a replay against Romania to reach the last four, who had qualified ahead of Czechoslovakia in Group 1 by virtue of fewest goals conceded.
West Germany recorded their first win at Wembley as they knocked England out of the competition.
The first-leg tie was 1-1 until five minutes from time, when Gunter Netzer beat Gordon Banks.
Muller added a third, and a goalless return leg in West Berlin ensured passage to the semis.
Meanwhile Holland were knocked out in the group stages, coming second to Yugoslavia - though they did put 14 goals past Luxembourg in two legs, Johann Cruyff grabbing five of those, in a taster of what was to come in the 1974 World Cup.
1976
Hosts: Yugoslavia, Winners: Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia were the first side to win a major international tournament by a penalty shoot-out, defeating holders and world champions West Germany 5-4 after extra-time had failed to add to the 2-2 scoreline.
Two goals in half an hour had put the Czechs ahead, after they had already dispatched Holland after extra-time in a physical semi-final, and USSR and England in the qualifying stages.
But Dieter Muller pulled one back on 28 minutes and a last-minute equaliser from Bernd Holzenbein ensured the game went to extra-time, and the historic penalty shoot-out.
All were converted until Uli Hoeness skied over West Germany's fourth attempt, and Antonin Panenka chipped in the winning penalty past Sepp Maier for Czechoslovakia's only major international trophy.
The favourites West Germany themselves needed extra-time to beat Yugoslavia in their semi-final, Muller grabbing the crucial goals to complete a hat-trick on international debut as 19 goals were scored in the finals, matching the record of .
Eight groups of four teams produced the quarter-finalists, which looked for a time as though it might not include West Germany.
The holders lay two points behind Greece with two games to play after a poor start to their qualifying group, but a 1-0 win over Bulgaria was followed up by a comprehensive 8-0 demolition of Malta. England began well with seven points from four games, including a famous 5-0 win over Cyprus at Wembley where Malcolm MacDonald scored all five.
Wales fared better, edging out fading powers Hungary and Austria in Group 2, while Italy scored only three qualifying goals to finish third in Group 5, behind Poland and qualifiers Holland.
In the quarter-finals Czechoslovakia put out the USSR, who failed to make the final four for the first time, while Wales could not recover a first-leg deficit against Yugoslavia, West Germany beat Spain and Holland crushed neighbours Belgium 7-1 on aggregate.
1980
Hosts: Italy, Winners: Germany
Horst Hrubesch headed Germany to a second European Championships title, though surprise finalists Belgium pushed them close in the final.
The game looked set for extra-time after Hrubesch's 10th-minute opener was cancelled out by Rene Vandereycken's penalty with 11 minutes remaining.
But with 90 seconds left, Hrubesch headed in the winner of a tournament noted for defensive play, poor attendances and crowd trouble.
Eight teams took part in an expanded tournament, Italy qualifying automatically as hosts, with the winners of two groups meeting in the final.
Germany made sure of progress from their group with a thrilling 3-2 win over Holland.
They led 3-0 thanks to a Klaus Allofs hat-trick, but Nicholaas Rep put away a penalty with 11 minutes to play and Willy van de Kerkhof pulled another back six minutes later, but Germany just held on.
Fewer than 5,000 watched the Group A game between Greece and Czechoslovakia, though the Czechs scored enough to ensure they made second place on goal difference ahead of the Dutch.
England's Group B clash with Belgium, a 1-1 draw in Turin, was marred when police used tear gas in an attempt to quell a riotous crowd, but the teams were forced off close to half-time.
They were joined in the group by Italy and Spain, each struggling for goals, but the hosts - thanks to a 1-0 win over England - faced Belgium in the group decider.
Yet Italy again drew a blank, and unfancied Belgium progressed.
1984
Hosts: France, Winners: France
France won their first major title thanks to goals in every game from Michel Platini, culminating in a 2-0 triumph over Spain.
The midfielder opened the scoring in the final just before the hour mark, his free-kick somehow squeezing under the body of Spain goalkeeper Luis Arconada.
Though Yvon Le Roux was sent off for Les Bleus, Bruno Bellone's injury-time goal sparked jubilation at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Semi-finals returned for 1984, though France required extra-time to dispatch Portugal 3-2 in their memorable clash.
Platini scored a last-minute winner, after he set up Jean-Francois Domergue for a scrappy equaliser four minutes earlier.
Rui Jordao had given the Portuguese a shock lead with his second of the game, but the unfancied challengers could not hold on against the pre-tournament favourites.
Spain progressed from an even tighter semi-final after penalties against Denmark, Preben Elkjaer firing the decisive effort over the crossbar.
The hosts, after a nervy 1-0 win against Denmark, romped through the rest of the group - thanks largely to two hat-tricks from Platini.
Denmark made second place, trouncing Yugoslavia 5-0 and coming from behind to beat Belgium in the decider.
In Group B, Germany were eliminated by a last-minute Antonio Maceda header for Spain, who topped the group ahead of Portugal.
Romania came last, though they had qualified at the expense of Czechoslovakia and world champions Italy.
There was also qualifying heartbreak for Northern Ireland, who after twice beating West Germany watched as Gerd Strack scored a crucial late winner against Albania in the final group game.
In Group 7, Spain needing to beat Malta by 11 goals in their final match to qualify instead of Holland, but were only leading 3-1 at half-time.
Yet the eventual runners-up proceeded to score nine more after the break, the last coming in the 86th minute from Juan Antonio Senor, to book an unlikely finals spot.
1988
Hosts: West Germany, Winners: Holland
Marco van Basten scored one of the greatest goals in European Championships history as Holland downed the USSR 2-0 for their only international success to date.
Ruud Gullit headed the Dutch in front after 33 minutes, before Van Basten's moment of magic nine minutes after half-time.
Arnold Muhren's long ball seemed too strong and too high for Van Basten at the far post, but the AC Milan striker spectacularly volleyed past Rinat Dasayev to seal the win.
Igor Belanov had a penalty saved by Hans van Breukelen after 70 minutes as the Soviet Union lost in the final for the third time.
They had previously beaten Holland 1-0 in their Group B game, and were indeed unbeaten until the final - including in qualifying, where they saw off holders France and an impressive East Germany.
They reached the final with a 2-0 win over Italy.
Gennady Litovchenko broke through the Italian defence to poke home just after the hour, before Oleg Protasov made the most of the open space behind the advancing Italians just two minutes later to make it 2-0.
The Dutch recovered from that defeat to see off basement boys England with a Van Basten hat-trick, and Republic of Ireland thanks to a late Wim Kieft goal to finish second in Group B.
But the eventual winners fell behind to a 55th-minute Lothar Matthaus penalty for the hosts West Germany in their semi-final.
It remained 1-0 until Van Basten was brought down in the penalty area 16 minutes from time, Ronald Koeman equalising from the spot.
Van Basten saved the game from extra-time, sliding in for a last-minute winner.
The hosts had made the most of their automatic qualification by topping Group A, ahead of Italy on goal difference while Spain and Denmark, who each failed to score against the two qualifiers, bowed out.
1992
Hosts: Sweden, Winners: Denmark
Denmark gatecrashed a European Championships dominated by political turmoil, beating world champions and newly-reunified Germany 2-0 in the final.
John Jensen crashed in the opener from the edge of the penalty area on 19 minutes, and with Peter Schmeichel keeping a clean sheet for Denmark, Kim Vilfort slotted in the second goal off the post with 11 minutes remaining.
The Danes had replaced Yugoslavia in the tournament because of the Balkan wars, and got to the final after penalties against Holland - Schmeichel decisively saving Marco van Basten's effort after extra-time failed to produce a winner from a 2-2 draw.
Denmark had struggled to get out of their finals group, a Lars Elstrup goal 12 minutes from time allowing a 2-1 win over France in the deciding game, after they failed to score against Sweden and England.
The French, who had won all their qualifying games, disappointed in the finals - as did England - with Sweden the strongest team in Group A.
But the hosts fell 3-2 to Germany in the other semi-final, Karlheinz Riedle chipping in with two goals.
The Germans themselves struggled in Group B, coming second to Holland.
A Thomas Hassler strike rescued a point against the CIS, and after a 2-0 win against Scotland the Germans fell to a comprehensive 3-1 defeat against the Dutch.
CIS also held Holland to a draw, but were trounced 3-0 by Scotland in their wooden spoon play-off.
CIS - the Commonwealth of Independent States - was an alliance of 11 of the 15 former Soviet Republics, who were allowed by UEFA to compete after USSR had qualified before the break-up of the country.
But they failed to replicate the form of USSR, who had knocked Italy out of qualifying, and the Scotland defeat proved to be their last ever match.
1996
Hosts: England, Winners: Germany
Oliver Bierhoff scored the first golden goal in international football history to give Germany a 2-1 win over Czech Republic, and a first international success after reunification.
Patrik Berger's penalty put the Czechs into the lead on the hour, but substitute Bierhoff headed the equaliser with 17 minutes remaining and needed just five minutes of sudden-death extra-time to score the deflected winner, which goalkeeper Petr Kouba could not deal with.
The tournament had 16 finalists for the first time, with quarter-finals also introduced.
But the seven knock-out games only produced nine goals, Germany scoring five of those - though they needed a penalty shoot-out against England in the semi-final.
Tournament top scorer Alan Shearer headed the hosts into the lead barely two minutes in, but Stefan Kuntz equalised after 16 minutes.
It remained 1-1 until penalties, and after Gareth Southgate's effort was saved by Andreas Kopke, Andreas Moller capitalised to secure Germany's place in the final.
They had seen off Croatia 2-1, Matthias Sammer scoring the winner, after easing to the top of Group C - from which Czech Republic knocked out Italy and Russia.
Karel Poborsky's audacious chip was the difference against Portugal in the quarter-finals, and after a goalless semi-final against France, Kouba saved Reynald Pedros' penalty in the shoot-out to send the Czechs through.
The French had beaten Holland on penalties in their quarter-final, following another 0-0 draw, while England prevailed over Spain in identical fashion.
England had topped Group A, after victories over Scotland and Holland, who needed a play-off against Ireland to qualify, compensated for a nervy 1-1 opening draw against Switzerland.
France and Spain made it out of Group B, though Group C was much tighter - Vladimir Smicer's goal two minutes from time earned a draw for Czech Republic against Russia, and knocked out Italy on goal difference.
Portugal and Croatia knocked out holders Denmark, and goalless Turkey in Group D.
2000
Hosts: Belgium and Holland, Winners: France
David Trezeguet scored the golden goal for world champions France, but they had to come from behind to beat Italy 2-1.
Marco Delvecchio's close-range volley put the Italians ahead on 55 minutes, but Sylvain Wiltord equalised deep into stoppage time, then Trezeguet blasted the winner on 103 minutes.
France also needed a golden goal to beat Portugal 2-1 in the semi-finals, Zinedine Zidane's winner from the penalty spot sparking ugly protests from several Portuguese, who were subsequently banned.
France triumphed by the same scoreline over Spain in the quarter-final, though had lost 3-2 against Holland in Group D to surrender top spot.
The Dutch looked well set after a shattering 6-1 win over Yugoslavia in the quarter-finals, but Patrick Kluivert could not replicate his hat-trick form against 10-man Italy in the semi-final, and the Dutch suffered at the penalty spot.
Francesco Toldo saved from Frank de Boer, while Kluivert hit the post with a second in normal time.
The game finished goalless and Toldo again saved from De Boer in the shoot-out, and also stopped from Marc Bosvelt to send Italy through, after the Azzurri had beaten Romania 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
Turkey made it out of Group B to the knock-out stages for the first time, ahead of hosts Belgium and Sweden, but faced Portugal - who won their fourth-successive game thanks to a Nuno Gomes brace.
Portugal topped Group A ahead of surprise package Romania, who came from 2-1 down to beat England 3-2, Ionel Ganea slotting in the deciding penalty in the 88th minute, while holders Germany disappointed in last place.
Spain scored two injury-time goals in their last Group C match against already-qualified Yugoslavia to win 4-3.
After Gaizka Mendieta's penalty, Alfonso Perez grabbed the winner to send out Norway, who could only draw against Slovenia.
Holland topped Group D with three wins, while Czech Republic - who had won all 10 of their qualifying games - and goalless Denmark, missed out.
2004
Hosts: Portugal, Winners: Greece
Angelos Charisteas headed the winner as Greece shocked hosts Portugal, and the European football community, with a 1-0 win in Lisbon.
The Greeks had not won at a major tournament before their appearance at Euro 2004, and had lost their opening two qualifying games before making it to the finals.
They then beat Portugal in the tournament opener in Group A, but a draw against Spain and defeat to Russia meant they only just squeezed through on goals scored.
Then 1-0 victories over France, thanks to Charisteas in the 65th minute, and Czech Republic - defender Traianos Dellas' silver goal on 115 minutes - took them to the final.
Portugal had beaten Holland 2-1 in their semi-final, after a penalty win over England in the quarter-finals - David Beckham firing over for England, before goalkeeper Ricardo saved from Darius Vassell and put away the winner himself.
After defeat to Greece the Portuguese beat both Spain and Russia, though they were only seven minutes away from exiting against England after Michael Owen's third-minute opener.
But Helder Postiga equalised in normal time, before Rui Costa and Frank Lampard strikes ensured penalties.
England came second in Group B to France, thanks to Zinedine Zidane's penalty winner with the last kick of their game, as Croatia and Switzerland bowed out.
In Group C Italy could only watch after they beat Bulgaria as Denmark and Sweden drew 2-2 in their last game, ensuring both Scandinavian sides went through.
Sweden lost out to Holland on penalties after a goalless draw, Edwin van der Sar saving from Olof Mellberg in sudden-death, while Denmark fell 3-0 to the Czech Republic, Milan Baros becoming the top-scorer with a second-half brace.
The Czechs won all their Group D games, qualifying with Holland ahead of Germany and Latvia.
2008
Hosts: Austria and Switzerland
This year's Euros will be hosted by Austria and Switzerland.
Both qualified automatically as hosts, and it will be Austria's first appearance in the finals, while Switzerland will hope to reach the knock-out stages for the first time.
They play the tournament opener on June 7 against Czech Republic, and must also face Portugal and Turkey in Group A.
Austria open Group B against Croatia, and then play debutants Poland and Germany.
Italy, France, Holland and Romania were drawn in Group C, while holders Greece face Sweden, Spain and Russia in Group D.
The winner of the final on June 29 receives the new Euro 2008 trophy, and will represent UEFA in the FIFA Confederation Cup in South Africa in 2009.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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