The UEFA Euro 2020, held in the summer of 2021, was a spectacular festival of football that captivated fans worldwide. For those looking back on the tournament or simply needing a comprehensive overview, understanding the Euro 2020 Schedule is key to appreciating its narrative. This guide provides a detailed look at the fixtures, results, and format of Euro 2020, allowing you to relive every moment of this exciting tournament.
Euro 2020 Tournament Format Explained
Euro 2020 maintained a format that built to a thrilling crescendo. The tournament began with 24 teams divided into six groups (Group A to F), each containing four nations. In the group stage, each team played every other team in their group once. Victories earned three points, and draws earned one, with the top two teams from each group automatically qualifying for the knockout phase. Adding an extra layer of intrigue, the four best third-placed teams across all groups also advanced to complete the sixteen-team lineup for the knockout rounds.
From the Round of 16 onwards, the tournament transitioned to a single-elimination knockout format. This meant each match was crucial, with no second chances. Games in the knockout stages were decided in 90 minutes, but if the scores were level, extra time was played. If the deadlock persisted after 120 minutes, penalty shootouts determined the winner, adding immense drama to each knockout fixture. This straightforward yet intense structure ensured that only the most resilient and skilled teams progressed, culminating in a memorable final.
Euro 2020 Match Schedule and Results
To fully grasp the journey of each team and the unfolding drama of Euro 2020, a detailed look at the match schedule and results is essential. Below is a breakdown of every stage, from the electrifying knockout rounds back to the foundational group stage.
Knockout Stage Schedule & Results
The knockout stage of Euro 2020 was where legends were forged and dreams realized. From tense Round of 16 clashes to the ultimate final showdown, each game was a high-stakes encounter.
Final
Sunday, July 11
- Italy 1-1 England (pens 3-2) (London)
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 6
- Italy 1-1 Spain (pens 4-2) (London)
Wednesday, July 7
- England 2-1 Denmark (AET) (London)
Quarterfinals
Friday, July 2
- Switzerland 1-1 Spain (pens 1-3) (Saint Petersburg)
- Belgium 1-2 Italy (Munich)
Saturday, July 3
- Czech Republic 1-2 Denmark (Baku)
- Ukraine 0-4 England (Rome)
Round of 16
Saturday, June 26
- Wales 0-4 Denmark (Amsterdam)
- Italy 2-1 Austria (AET) (London)
Sunday, June 27
- Netherlands 0-2 Czech Republic (Budapest)
- Belgium 1-0 Portugal (Seville)
Monday, June 28
- Croatia 3-5 Spain (AET) (Copenhagen)
- France 3-3 Switzerland (pens 4-5) (Bucharest)
Tuesday, June 29
- England 2-0 Germany (London)
- Sweden 1-2 Ukraine (AET) (Glasgow)
Group Stage Schedule & Results
The group stage set the stage for the knockout rounds, revealing early contenders and delivering unexpected upsets. Here’s a group-by-group breakdown of the Euro 2020 schedule and results.
Group A
Friday, June 11
- Italy 3-0 Turkey (Rome)
Saturday, June 12
- Wales 1-1 Switzerland (Baku)
Wednesday, June 16
- Turkey 0-2 Wales (Baku)
- Italy 3-0 Switzerland (Rome)
Sunday, June 20
- Italy 1-0 Wales (Rome)
- Switzerland 3-1 Turkey (Baku)
Group B
Saturday, June 12
- Denmark 0-1 Finland (Copenhagen)
- Belgium 3-0 Russia (Saint Petersburg)
Wednesday, June 16
- Finland 0-1 Russia (Saint Petersburg)
- Denmark 1-2 Belgium (Copenhagen)
Monday, June 21
- Russia 1-4 Denmark (Copenhagen)
- Finland 0-2 Belgium (Saint Petersburg)
Group C
Sunday, June 13
- Austria 3-1 North Macedonia (Bucharest)
- Netherlands 3-2 Ukraine (Amsterdam)
Thursday, June 17
- Ukraine 2-1 North Macedonia (Bucharest)
- Netherlands 2-0 Austria (Amsterdam)
Monday, June 21
- North Macedonia 0-3 Netherlands (Amsterdam)
- Ukraine 0-1 Austria (Bucharest)
Group D
Sunday, June 13
- England 1-0 Croatia (London)
Monday, June 14
- Scotland 0-2 Czech Republic (Glasgow)
Friday, June 18
- Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic (Glasgow)
- England 0-0 Scotland (London)
Tuesday, June 22
- Czech Republic 0-1 England (London)
- Croatia 3-1 Scotland (Glasgow)
Group E
Monday, June 14
- Poland 1-2 Slovakia (Saint Petersburg)
- Spain 0-0 Sweden (Seville)
Friday, June 18
- Sweden 1-0 Slovakia (Saint Petersburg)
- Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic (Glasgow) (Note: This should be Spain 1-1 Poland in Seville)
Saturday, June 19 (Correction: Friday, June 18 was Sweden vs Slovakia and Croatia vs Czech Republic. Saturday, June 19 was Hungary vs France, Portugal vs Germany, and Spain vs Poland)
- Spain 1-1 Poland (Seville) (Corrected Date and Match)
Wednesday, June 23
- Slovakia 0-5 Spain (Seville)
- Sweden 3-2 Poland (Saint Petersburg)
Group F
Tuesday, June 15
- Hungary 0-3 Portugal (Budapest)
- France 1-0 Germany (Munich)
Saturday, June 19
- Hungary 1-1 France (Budapest)
- Portugal 2-4 Germany (Munich)
Wednesday, June 23
- Germany 2-2 Hungary (Munich)
- Portugal 2-2 France (Budapest)
Key Highlights and Moments from Euro 2020
Euro 2020 was more than just a Euro 2020 schedule of matches; it was a collection of unforgettable moments. Italy’s triumphant journey to the final, culminating in a penalty shootout victory over England at Wembley, was a central narrative. The resurgence of Italy under Roberto Mancini was a highlight, showcasing tactical brilliance and team spirit.
The tournament also witnessed individual brilliance, such as Patrik Schick’s stunning long-range goal for the Czech Republic against Scotland, which became an instant classic. Upsets and surprises were rife, like Switzerland’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over World Champions France in the Round of 16, a match filled with twists and turns. Denmark’s emotional journey after Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest in their opening match, making it to the semifinals, was another powerful storyline that resonated deeply with fans.
The pan-European format, played across 11 different cities, added a unique dimension to the tournament, celebrating football across the continent despite the challenges posed by the global situation at the time. Euro 2020 delivered drama, skill, and moments of sheer exhilaration, cementing its place in football history.
Conclusion
The Euro 2020 schedule was packed with thrilling encounters and memorable moments. From the group stages to the nail-biting final, the tournament provided a summer of high-quality football. Reviewing the schedule and results allows fans to relive the excitement and appreciate the journey of each team. Euro 2020 stands as a testament to the passion and drama that football brings, and its schedule serves as a roadmap to those unforgettable weeks of competition.
