Euro 2024: Top 10 Greatest Upsets in UEFA European Championship History

As excitement builds over the Euro 2024, fans and pundits alike look forward to another thrilling chapter in the storied history of the continental competition.

Over the years, the UEFA European Football Championship has been a stage for some of football's most dramatic and unexpected outcomes.

The Euros have provided countless memorable moments, from underdogs toppling giants to improbable victories.

Sports Brief revisits some of the biggest upsets that have defined the tournament's legacy.

10 biggest upsets in European Championship history

The Soviet Union's triumph in the inaugural 1960 Championship

The first European Championship in 1960 was a modest affair compared to today's global spectacle, but it still produced a significant upset.

Under Gavriil Kachalin's management, they emerged as champions against the backdrop of political tension. In the final, they faced off against Yugoslavia in a closely contested clash in Paris, France.

Yugoslavia took the lead twice, but the Soviet Union equalised both times. Per UEFA, the game went into extra time where Viktor Ponedelnik scored the decisive goal, clinching a 2-1 victory and the championship.

Iceland's Heroic Run in 2016

Making their debut in a major tournament, Iceland captured Europe's heart at Euro 2016 with fearless performances.

As the smallest nation to compete in the Euros, with a population of just over 330,000, they drew against Portugal and Hungary and defeated Austria in the group stage to advance to the knockout rounds.

In the Round of 16, Iceland faced England and, against expectations, secured an upset victory. Though their journey ended in the quarter-finals against France, Iceland's exploits and their iconic Viking chant left an unforgettable impression.

The Netherlands' Golden Moment in 1988

The Netherlands' victory in the 1988 European Championship marked a turning point for a team with a history of international disappointments.

Coached by Rinus Michels and featuring stars like Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, the Dutch team showcased their talent. After losing their opening match to the Soviet Union, they rebounded with victories over England and the Republic of Ireland to reach the semi-finals.

There, they defeated hosts and favourites, West Germany, 2-1. In the final, they faced the Soviet Union again, winning 2-0, with Gullit scoring first and Van Basten sealing the triumph with a legendary volley.

The Night the Irish Roared in 1988

England entered Euro 1988 with a strong squad, brimming with talent. However, their ambitions were crushed in the first group stage match by none other than their neighbours, the Republic of Ireland.

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In a tense encounter, Ray Houghton's early header proved to be the difference. The Three Lions couldn't find a breakthrough despite dominating possession as the Irish held on for a famous 1-0 victory.

The result sent shockwaves through the tournament and marked the beginning of a disappointing campaign for England, while Ireland reached the quarter-finals.

The fall of the Azzurri in 1996

The 1996 Euros witnessed a major upset in the group stage. The Czech Republic, a team formed after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, faced off against a star-studded Italian side boasting the likes of Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini.

Few expected a challenge, but the Czechs, led by the inspirational Pavel Nedvěd, produced a dominant performance. Goals from Jan Suchopárek and Pavel Kuka secured a surprising yet well-deserved 2-1 victory. The result not only knocked Italy out of the tournament but also signalled the emergence of a new force in European football.

Sweden downs the Three Lions in 1992

Euro 1992 wasn't just about Denmark's fairytale. England, once again considered favourites, faced a tricky group stage opener against Sweden.

In a tightly contested match, a brace from Tomas Brolin earned the Swedes a surprise 2-1 victory, silencing the English fans and sending a ripple of doubt through their team.

Romania's upset victory over England in 2000

England entered Euro 2000 hoping to surpass their 1996 semi-final finish, but their group-stage performance dashed these ambitions.

After losing their opener 3-2 to Portugal, they secured a 1-0 win against reigning champions Germany. Needing a victory in their final group game against Romania to advance, England's hopes were shattered.

Romania played with determination and, thanks to an 89th-minute penalty, secured a 3-2 win that sent them into the knockout stages at the Three Lions' expense.

Portugal's unexpected triumph in 2016

Portugal was considered a dark horse going into Euro 2016, especially since they had only advanced from the group stages as one of the best third-placed teams.

They narrowly defeated Croatia in the round of 16 with a 117th-minute goal by Ricardo Quaresma and edged past Poland in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals. Their first standout performance came in the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Wales.

Facing hosts France in the final, their chances seemed slim, especially after Cristiano Ronaldo was injured in the 25th minute. Despite this setback, Portugal endured France's 25 shots and clinched the title with Eder's 109th-minute goal, as per ESPN.

Denmark's 1992 fairy tale

Denmark's triumph in the 1992 European Championship is a classic underdog story. Invited last-minute to replace disqualified Yugoslavia, the new entrant had minimal preparation.

They advanced from the group stage with a draw against England, a loss to Sweden, and a crucial win over France. In the semi-finals, Denmark faced the Netherlands, the reigning champions, and after a 2-2 draw, won 5-4 in a penalty shootout, thanks to goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel.

In the final, the Danes defeated reigning World Cup champions, Germany, 2-0 thanks to goals from John Jensen and Kim Vilfort, completing one of football's most extraordinary Cinderella stories.

Greece's Unbelievable Triumph in 2004

Perhaps the most astonishing upset in Euro history came in 2004 when Greece, considered 150-1 outsiders, won the tournament.

Coached by Otto Rehhagel, their miraculous journey began with a 2-1 victory over host nation, Portugal. They drew with Spain and narrowly lost to Russia, advancing to the knockout rounds. Greece then beat defending champions France in the quarter-finals and eliminated the formidable Czech Republic in the semi-finals.

Facing Portugal again in the final, Angelos Charisteas' decisive header secured a 1-0 victory, resulting in a historic triumph that sent the football world into a frenzy.