The question on every football enthusiast’s mind, especially as anticipation builds for the next tournament, is: “When Was The Last Euro Cup?” The echoes of roaring crowds, nail-biting finishes, and national pride are still fresh in memory for many. Let’s delve back into the recent past to revisit the last UEFA European Championship and all the excitement it held.
EURO 2020: A Tournament Like No Other
The last Euro Cup, officially UEFA EURO 2020, concluded with a dramatic final held at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London. While branded as EURO 2020, it’s important to note that due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was postponed and actually took place in the summer of 2021. Specifically, the final match that determined the champion was played on Sunday, July 11, 2021.
This edition was unique for several reasons. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the European Championship, EURO 2020 was hosted in 11 different cities across 11 UEFA countries, making it a truly pan-European event. However, despite the widespread hosting, the semi-finals and the final were all centralized in London, at the legendary Wembley Stadium.
Wembley Stadium EURO 2020
The EURO 2020 Final: Italy vs. England
The EURO 2020 final was a clash of titans, pitting Italy against England. England, playing on home soil, had the fervent support of the Wembley crowd, creating an electric atmosphere. The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. England got off to a dream start with an early goal from Luke Shaw, sending the home fans into raptures. However, Italy, known for their resilience and tactical prowess, fought back, with Leonardo Bonucci equalizing to bring the score level.
Leonardo Bonucci Goal EURO 2020 Final
Despite a tense extra time period, neither team could break the deadlock, leading to a penalty shootout to decide the champion. In a heart-stopping finale, Italy emerged victorious, winning 3-2 on penalties and securing their second European Championship title. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations across Italy and heartbreak for England, who were seeking their first major international trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
Wembley’s History with EURO Finals
Wembley Stadium is no stranger to hosting major football finals. Interestingly, the EURO 2020 final was not the first time Wembley hosted the decider of the European Championship. The old Wembley Stadium, before its demolition and reconstruction, was the venue for the EURO ’96 final. In that match, Germany defeated the Czech Republic with a golden goal from Oliver Bierhoff, claiming their third European title.
Oliver Bierhoff Golden Goal EURO 96 Final
Beyond EURO finals, Wembley has also been the stage for significant matches, including the 1966 FIFA World Cup final where England famously triumphed over West Germany. In club football, Wembley has hosted numerous European Cup and UEFA Champions League finals, further cementing its status as a legendary football venue.
EURO Final Facts and Figures
Looking back at the history of EURO finals provides interesting context. Germany and Spain are tied as the most successful nations in the UEFA European Championship history, each with three titles. Germany has an impressive record of reaching six finals, more than any other nation.
While home advantage can be significant, it doesn’t guarantee victory in the final. Spain (1964), Italy (1968), and France (1984) are the only host nations to have won a EURO final on home soil. Conversely, Portugal (2004), France (2016), and England (2020) have all experienced the disappointment of losing a EURO final as hosts.
The biggest win in a EURO final remains Spain’s 4-0 victory over Italy in the EURO 2012 final. Interestingly, this final also holds the record for the highest-scoring EURO final alongside the 1976 final between West Germany and Czechoslovakia, which ended 2-2 before a penalty shootout.
Players and Records in EURO Finals
Over the years, numerous players have left their mark on EURO finals. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the longest gap between EURO final appearances, playing in the finals of 2004 and 2016, a span of 12 years. Fernando Torres stands out as the only player to have scored in two different EURO finals (2008 and 2012).
Fernando Torres EURO 2012 Final Goal
Notably, a select group of players have achieved the rare feat of winning both the UEFA Champions League and the EURO final in the same summer. This elite list includes names like Luis Suárez (1964), several Dutch players in 1988, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata (2012), Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe (2016), and most recently, Jorginho (2020).
Looking Ahead
So, to answer the initial question directly: The last Euro Cup final was held on July 11, 2021, culminating in Italy’s victory over England at Wembley Stadium. As we look forward to future European Championships, EURO 2020 will be remembered as a unique and thrilling tournament, full of drama, memorable moments, and a fitting celebration of European football despite the challenges faced. The anticipation is already building for the next edition, where new memories and history will be made.
