The EURO 2020 final will take place at Wembley on July 11. It is a monumental occasion and usually, very few goals are scored in such high profile games. So, a goal in the final of EURO will rank among any player’s most memorable moments. In this article, we will revisit five memorable goals scored in a EURO final.
#5 Fernando Torres vs Germany – 2008
The EURO 2008 final marked the beginning of Spain domination as they beat Germany 1-0. Fernando Torres would not have been on anyone’s list to open the scoring, as he was in the midst of a goal drought. However, he scored a clinical chipped goal, which eventually turned out to be the only goal of the game.
In the 33rd minute of the game, Torres received a through ball from Xavi, but he was marked tightly by the German defenders. Keeper Jens Lehmann mistakenly came out of his line, and Torres suddenly veered away from his marker to score his first goal of the tournament.
#4 John Jensen vs Germany – 1992
Denmark surprised everyone in the EURO 1992 as they defeated the defending champions Netherlands on their way to the final. They faced reigning World Champions Germany in the final, and not many gave Denmark a chance to win against Die Mannschaft.
But John Jensen hurt Germany early in the game with a wonderful strike from just within the penalty box. His right footed shot from the right side of the pitch thudded into the top left corner to give Denmark the lead. His goal laid the foundation for an unbelievable victory for Denmark.
#3 David Trezeguet vs Italy – 2000
Fans witnessed late drama in the EURO 2000 final as Wiltord equalized for France to take the game to extra time. The golden goal rule was applied in that tournament, which meant that the team who scores first in extra time will win the game.
The goal that won the tournament for France was the work of two substitutes, Pires and Trezeguet. Pires produced a superb run down the left wing and drilled a low cross into the path of Trezeguet. The ball bounced in front of Trezeguet, but he took the shot on the half volley and scored a memorable goal.
#2 Eder vs France – 2016
Eder’s goal in the 2016 final will forever rank high among memorable goals scored in a EURO final. To nobody’s surprise, Portugal’s dogmatic defending prevented France from scoring and the game went into extra time. Ronaldo’s injury further dampened the chances of Portugal, but substitute Eder had other ideas.
Eder received the ball on the left-wing while being tightly marked by Koscielny. He won the physical battle with Koscielny and cut inside to shoot. Eder drove the ball hard and low into the left corner, thus ensuring Portugal’s first-ever major title.
#1 Marco Van Basten vs Soviet Union – 1988
Van Basten was the best player at EURO 1988 as he topped the goalscoring charts and scored an absolute screamer in the final. Ruud Gullit opened the scoring for the Dutch with a fine header in the 31st minute of the game. Van Basten sealed the victory in the second half with a spectacular goal from a tight angle.
Midfielder Muhren’s cross sailed past the back post, but Marco Van Basten hit the ball the first time. The power of his volley was enough to beat the goalkeeper as Netherlands won their only major trophy to date. Among the most memorable goals scored in a EURO final, Basten’s strike etched his name among Netherland’s greatest.
