From late goals, own goals, to long range efforts. After the dust has finally settled on an unforgettable European championship (Euros) in Germany, which was climaxed with Spain nicking a 2-1 victory over England, it’s time to look back at the standout moments that characterized an exhilarating tournament.
• No pain for flawless Spain
Undoubtedly, La Roja had the better of every opponent in the tournament, and not even England – with all the melee of stars at Southgate’s disposal – could prevent Spain from winning a fourth crown. In the end, the best side in the tournament won, but they had to go through a lot of strain, overcoming Croatia, Italy, Albania, Georgia, Germany, France and England. A perfect tournament for Spain – winning all seven games – was capped with a record breaking fourth European crown, surpassing Germany’s three. Working their socks off all tournament, Spain’s tactics and personnel’s deployed were spot on; Rodri operated at the heart of midfield and was named as Player of the Tournament for his exploits, Fabian Ruiz was class above all others, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal proved a handful for defenders, Dani Olmo found his bearings in front of goal, Marc Cucurella silenced his critics, the substitutes played their part in a historic campaign.
Oyarzabal came off the bench to tuck home Marc Cucurella’s low cross, a minute from time. England, who had hit back after going down early in the second half to Nico Williams’ goal, were unable to respond. Oyarzabal’s late goal meant Luis De La Fuente’s European trophy cabinet had been completed, after previously winning the U-19 Euros, U-21, and Nations League.
• Mert Günok’s match-winning save for Turkey
A heart in mouth moment as Turkey inched closer to a quarter-final berth against a resilient Austria. Turkey’s deep-lying rearguard managed to smother out any dangerous incursions thrown at them by Austria in the closing stages of the game until Austria’s Baumgartner managed to sneak in. The 24-year-old knocked his header back across goal, but for a scampering Mert Günok (whose finger tipped save denied Austria an equalizer) Austria would have drawn level.
The veteran goalkeeper received huge adulation around the globe, with the parallels being drawn between Gordon Banks’ save to deny Pelé at the 1970 World Cup. Baumgartner was ready to wheel away in celebration until Günok’s timely intervention, looking on in astonishment and dejected at the occurrence. Gunok’s heroics would not travel past the quarter final as Netherlands sent Turkey packing. But Gunok’s save, which is equally worth celebrating as a goal, will go down in history as one of the best.
• Bellingham’s wonder goal
A wonderful piece of art, worthy of winning any game. England had trailed Slovakia for 65 minutes, after Ivan Schranz’s well taken strike. With virtually the last kick of the game, Jude Bellingham got England back on level pegging with an acrobatic finish; Marc Guehi had flicked on a header into the path of the Real Madrid man, who responded with an overhead kick to pull England level, before Harry Kane wrapped up the win for the Three Lions in extra time.
Bellingham’s late goal (90+5) was the 6th time he scored after regulation time for club and country this season. The 21-year-old celebrated his goal in front of ecstatic English fans with shouts of ‘who else’.
• Olmo’s goal saving clearance
Olmo was lauded for his efficiency in front of goal, terrorizing opposing defences throughout the tournament with his nimble feet and his eye for goal, which saw him walk away with the top scorer accolade after scoring thrice. However, in the final game of the competition, with tired limbs and minds on the pitch against England, Spain (who were leading by 2-1) were 3 minutes away from securing their fourth European crown. But between La Roja and history was an England corner kick.
Palmer’s out-swinging delivery was steered goal wards by Declan Rice, which produced a fine stop from Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simons, before Dani Olmo snuffed out the danger. Marc Guehi’s follow up header went past Unai Simon before Olmo – on the goalline – diverted the ball away, which was greeted by huge celebrations on the pitch and stands.
• Nedim Bajrami’s fastest goal after 23 seconds
Euro 2024 was always going to be daunting for Albania, who were just making their second-ever major tournament appearance. The task could not have been any sterner than coming up against defending champions Italy in the opening game. However, in the absence of either of Georgia Chiellini or Leonardo Bonucci (first time in 18 years) in the Italian squad, Albania fancied their chances of earning a point or more. Never in a million years would Albanian fans and football lovers envisaged what was to come; a lapse in defensive concentration from an Albanian throw by the Italians in the early exchanges, put Nedim Bajrami through on goal after 23 seconds, blazing a ferocious drive past Donnarumma to score the fastest goal in the tournaments history.
The second lowest ranked side – bar Georgia – had stung the Italians, but a crisp second half display saw Italy fight back to secure a 2-1 win and maintain their 9 game unbeaten ran in opening games at the Euros.
• Mikel Merino left it late — 119 minute
With the clock winding down and both coaches looking on to select 5 spot kick specialists, Mikel Merino scuppered Germany’s hopes with a thumping header to win the game for Spain. Merino, who was introduced as substitute 10 minutes before the end of regulation time for Nico Williams, peeled off Germany’s defence to hang in the air, direct and send his glancing header past Neuer in Stuttgart. The goal was the building block for Spain’s eventual triumph, but it was worth more to Mikel as his dad Miguel – who was a former Spanish international – was on target at the same ground 33 years earlier.
Mikel capped off the celebration with a beautiful gesture, mimicking his dad’s celebration as he went round the corner flag twice before punching the air. Spain’s Merino moment, which came three minutes later than Andrés Iniesta’s 2010 World Cup moment, propelled La Roja to European immortality.
• Pitch invasions in Portugal vs Turkey clash
Cristiano Ronaldo is often the cynosure of all eyes in games, and he was once more the center piece in Portugal’s 3-0 triumph over Turkey in group F’s second game. Despite the record goalscorer of the Euros failing to score at the championship, he managed to tee up Bruno Fernandes in a resounding victory at the signal Iduna park against the Turks. The ocassion, however, was marred with constant pitch invasions by spectators. Ronaldo happily posed for a selfie with a grin as a young fan approached him, but the 39-year-old cut a frustrated figure as the invasion persisted throughout the game, with 3 others following the young boy. 
The invasion carried on in the next game against Georgia, as a fan attempted to try and get to Ronaldo by throwing himself from the stands as the 39-year-old made his way down the tunnel after the game. The invasions led Uefa to tighten security protocols throughout the tournament, although a fan meandered his way and ran to Mbappé in the semi final of France against Spain. Bernado Silva (Ronaldo’s Portuguese teammate) was having none of it as he described the persistent act by supporters who interfered with the rhythm of the game as ‘annoying’.
• Georgia handed the biggest upset to Portugal
A tournament to forget for Portugal, but one for the ages for Georgia. Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze etched their names in Euro’s history as they stunned 2016 champions Portugal in Group F’s last game, to secure their first-ever win.
By the metrics of Fifa’s rankings, this was the biggest upset as Georgia – ranked 74th – beat Portugal – ranked 6th- to record the country’s greatest ever footballing achievement since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Although Portugal went pretty much second string with their selection, Georgia managed to get the result to advance to the knockout stages. Slovakia were on course for the the biggest upset of the tournament after beating Belgium 1-0, until Georgia stunned Portugal 9 days later.
• Romania recorded their first Euros win in more than two decades
Dennis Man was truly the man who ran the show for the Tricolorii’s as they recorded a first Euros win in 24 years over a lethargic Ukrainian side. Romania finished at the summit of group I in the qualifiers, notably taking 4 points off Switzerland in their 22 points haul. Edward Lordanescu inspired his team from the dugout as they picked up their second-ever win with three unanswered goals, shutting out Ukraine as compared to conceding twice against England in 2000 – when they last won a game at the Euros.
Their run was curtailed by the Dutch in the one eight stage, but showcased their class on and off the pitch, leaving their changing room spotless, penning a heartfelt message to Germany for hosting the tournament, and applauding their hotel host in Wurzburg before emplaning to Bucharest.
• Zaccagni’s special moment
A moment to savor. Although Italy were eventually outsed in the round of 16 by Switzerland, Mattia Zaccagni made sure the Azzurri’s title defense saw the knockouts to avoid the unwanted record of joining West Germany, Denmark, Germany and Greece, as the defending champions to exit the tournament in the group stages.
His curled effort from the inside of the 18-yard box – late in stoppage time – set up a meeting with Switzerland in the knockouts and dumped Croatia out of the tournament.
• Modric became the oldest player to score at the tournament
Since making his international bow in a 3-2 win over Argentina in 2006, and scoring his first goal against then World champions Italy on August 16, 2006, Modric has never looked back. The Real Madrid man rose through the Croatian youth setup (U-15, U-17, U-19, U-21) and has been a model for younger generations.
After expertly putting away a penalty 16 years prior to grab his first Euros goal, Modric missed from the spot in a decisive game against Italy in the 2024 Euros. However, the veteran was vindicated a minute later to score what looked like a goal to send Croatia to the knockouts until Italy equalized late on. Modric’s goal – in his 5th Euros – saw him become the oldest scorer at the championship (38years 289 days).
Notable mentions
* Toni Kroos called time on his career after losing to Spain, as well as Thomas Müller – retiring from the national setup.
* Lamine Yamal became the youngest scorer in the history of the competition (16 years 361 days) after his goal against France in the semi-final, and was named Young Player of the tournament – a day after turning 17.
* England became the first side since Spain to appear in successive Euros final, and the only side to lose all two.
* Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in a record breaking 6th Euros.
* Mbappé was masked after breaking his nose on matchday 1 against Austria..
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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo| univers.ug.edu.gh
