It all started with Spain in 2016. La Furia won EURO 2012, convincingly beating Italy 4-0 in the trophy match, which is still the biggest-ever victory in both EURO and World Cup finals. That was the third major tournament win in a row for the Spaniards after EURO 2008 and World Cup 2010 and, as it turned out, the last success of the golden generation, led by Casillas, Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso, Ramos, Pique, Silva, Villa, Fabregas, Torres, etc.The Last THREE EURO Champions have been ELIMINATED in the Round of 16 Stage! ❌⬇️2012: Spain are The Champions 2016: Italy 2-0 Spain ❌🇪🇸2016: Portugal are The Champions2021: Belgium 1-0 Portugal ❌🇵🇹2021: Italy are The Champions 2024: Switzerland 2-0 Italy#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/IFJq2sNNcz— Noni (@OguanyaJohnson) June 30, 2024 Four years later, almost the entire squad was gathered again, with the exception of Xavi, Casillas, Torres and Xabi Alonso. In the group with Croatia, Czech Republic, and Turkey, they finished second, which was the first sign of a slight downfall. In the round of 16, the old acquaintances – Italians – beat La Furia 2-0.That year, Portugal conquered Europe, although few expected it. The Portuguese barely advanced from the group from the third spot behind Hungary and Iceland, noting all three draws. Croatia was beaten in the round of 16 by Quaresma’s 117th-minute goal, and in the quarter-finals, Poland on penalties. Wales was the easy prey in the semis, and then Eder wrote his name with golden letters in the history of Portuguese football with his extra-time strike against the host France, giving the Navigators their only major trophy so far.Boiling Rice: Arsenal star lost the plot with Slovakian bossIn 2020, Portugal was drawn into a group of death with Germany, France and Hungary and once more advanced from the penultimate spot. However, this time, Eden Hazard was fatal for them as Belgium defeated them by 1-0. EURO 2020 brought the second continental crown to Italy after 52 years. The group with Switzerland, Turkey and Wales was a piece of cake, and the Azzurri advanced with all three wins. Austria, in the round of 16, gave in only in extra time, while Belgium was defeated 2-1 with Nicolo Barella’s and Lorenzo Insigne’s goals. Finally, the last two steps – Spain and England – were beaten on penalties, whereas especially the Wembley final with the Three Lions became legendary.‘Who will kick Mbappe on the shin? Onana, Onana‘Nevertheless, this EURO will not be remembered on the Boot. Troubles in the group stage and a squad without a star indicated that the Azzurri would hardly defend the title. The insurmountable obstacle was Switzerland in the round of 16, and after a 2-0 defeat, the Italians were sent home. The only memorable thing for them could be Mattia Zaccagni’s added-time goal against Croatia.EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – 1/8 FINALSSaturdaySwitzerland – Italy 2-0 (1-0)/Freuler 37, Vargas 46/Germany – Denmark 2-0 (0-0)/Havertz 53 pen, Musiala 68/SundayEngland – Slovakia 2-1 (0-1) AET/Bellingham 90+5, Kane 91 – Schranz 25/Spain – Georgia 4-1 (1-1)/Rodri 39, Ruiz 51, Williams 75, Olmo 83 – Le Normand 18 og/Monday19.00: (1.95) France (3.40) Belgium (4.70)22.00: (1.43) Portugal (4.75) Slovenia (9.10)Tuesday19.00: (8.25) Romania (4.30) Netherlands (1.50)22.00: (1.95) Austria (3.50) Turkey (4.50)***odds are subject to change***
