On another thread Etienne called Hungary vs Portugal a classic Euro match. I'd include it in my Top 20 classics, alongside Belgium v Wales and England vs Iceland. But here's my top 10 (not necessarily in that order):
1976: Czechoslovakia vs West Germany 2-2 aet
In the final, Czechoslovakia go 2-0 up in 20 minutes. What could possibly go wrong? In the 90th minute, Hölzenbein equalises. In the penalty shoot-out the first eight players soire. Then Hoeness skies the ball and Antonin Panenka steps up.
2000: Yugoslavia vs Spain 3-4
An insane game, with Spain scoring two in injury time to win and avoid elimination (at the expense of poor Norway).
1976: Yugoslavia v West Germany 2-4 aet
West Germany are 2-0 down until the 65th minute, when Flohe pulls one back. In the 79th they bring on sub Dieter Müller on debut. A minute later he scores. And in extra-time twice more to knock out the the host. A great game.
2000: Netherlands v Italy 0-0 aet
Rarely has a national side provided as much comedy as penalty-phobic Holland.
2008: Germany v Turkey 3-2
A bit of a ding-dong battle with a late minute winner against a side that had specialised in dramatic last-minute winners themselves. Plus: TV breakdown.
1984: France vs Portugal 3-2 aet
Where Platini pops up at the end to win it for the hosts.
1996: Czech Rep vs Russia 3-3
The Czechs are 2-0 up after 20 minutes; what could possibly go wrong against the already eliminated Russians. Three goals in the second half put Russia ahead by the 86th minute. Then Smicer equalises in the last minute. The Czechs begin their run through to the final, Italy go out instead.
2008: Croatia v Turkey 1-1 aet
A dire game until the last minute of extra-time. Then Croatia went through with a goal by Klasnic. Hurrah! Until with seconds on the clock goalie Rüstü punts the ball high upfield, finds Sentürk who scores from an angle. In the penalty shoot-out Croatia go on to miss two penalties.
2004: France vs England 2-1
England cruises to a victory in their opening match. Until Zidane's double-slam in the 90th minute.
2008: Turkey v Czech Rep 3-2
On the hour mark the Czechs take a 2-0 lead. What could possibly go wrong? Then Altintop sets up the 1-2 in the 75th, and the 2-2 in the 85th. And the 3-2 with a minute to go (echoes of the water battle against Switzerland the previous game). Then Koller in the 90th minute is about to score but gets fouled by goalie Demirel. Demirel is sent off. Turkey hold on and go into the next round. With Rüstü in for Demirel.
1976: Czechoslovakia vs West Germany 2-2 aet
In the final, Czechoslovakia go 2-0 up in 20 minutes. What could possibly go wrong? In the 90th minute, Hölzenbein equalises. In the penalty shoot-out the first eight players soire. Then Hoeness skies the ball and Antonin Panenka steps up.
2000: Yugoslavia vs Spain 3-4
An insane game, with Spain scoring two in injury time to win and avoid elimination (at the expense of poor Norway).
1976: Yugoslavia v West Germany 2-4 aet
West Germany are 2-0 down until the 65th minute, when Flohe pulls one back. In the 79th they bring on sub Dieter Müller on debut. A minute later he scores. And in extra-time twice more to knock out the the host. A great game.
2000: Netherlands v Italy 0-0 aet
Rarely has a national side provided as much comedy as penalty-phobic Holland.
2008: Germany v Turkey 3-2
A bit of a ding-dong battle with a late minute winner against a side that had specialised in dramatic last-minute winners themselves. Plus: TV breakdown.
1984: France vs Portugal 3-2 aet
Where Platini pops up at the end to win it for the hosts.
1996: Czech Rep vs Russia 3-3
The Czechs are 2-0 up after 20 minutes; what could possibly go wrong against the already eliminated Russians. Three goals in the second half put Russia ahead by the 86th minute. Then Smicer equalises in the last minute. The Czechs begin their run through to the final, Italy go out instead.
2008: Croatia v Turkey 1-1 aet
A dire game until the last minute of extra-time. Then Croatia went through with a goal by Klasnic. Hurrah! Until with seconds on the clock goalie Rüstü punts the ball high upfield, finds Sentürk who scores from an angle. In the penalty shoot-out Croatia go on to miss two penalties.
2004: France vs England 2-1
England cruises to a victory in their opening match. Until Zidane's double-slam in the 90th minute.
2008: Turkey v Czech Rep 3-2
On the hour mark the Czechs take a 2-0 lead. What could possibly go wrong? Then Altintop sets up the 1-2 in the 75th, and the 2-2 in the 85th. And the 3-2 with a minute to go (echoes of the water battle against Switzerland the previous game). Then Koller in the 90th minute is about to score but gets fouled by goalie Demirel. Demirel is sent off. Turkey hold on and go into the next round. With Rüstü in for Demirel.
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