Euro 2020 has already been deluged with a glut of goals, some of which have been spectacular. Whether it is a long-range piledriver or a precise finish from a sweeping attack, goals are what get the fans off their seats.
Over the years, we have been treated to some brilliant strikes, so let’s unlock the vault, and reminisce on some of the most memorable European Championship goals ever. Here are five standout goals that have lit up the Euros down the years.
Marco van Basten (Netherlands, 1988)
We couldn’t possibly curate this list without the inclusion of Marco van Basten. Although he may have arrived at the 1988 European Championships as the Netherlands third-choice striker, Van Basten came alive, and he supplied one of the most iconic moments of a European Championship final with a sensational strike.
A free-flowing Netherlands attack saw Arnold Muhren toss up what seemed like an over-hit ball into the box. That mattered little to Van Basten, who was impetuous, as he arched his back to crack a sublime volley with his right foot into the top corner of the net. The execution was extraordinary, and his goal is still talked about today!
Paul Gascoigne (England, 1996)
This was the year when football was supposed to ‘come home’, and Paul Gascoigne left an indelible mark on that tournament with a sublime strike against Scotland.
After making a surging run from midfield, Gascoigne picked up a sweeping pass from Darren Anderton before chipping the ball over Colin Hendry’s head, and caressing a volley past a helpless Andy Goram. It was a picture-perfect goal, and one England fans will never forget!
Maniche (Portugal, 2004)
En route to the 2004 final, Portugal enjoyed some magical moments, perhaps none more so than Maniche’s breathtaking strike against the Netherlands.
Collecting a short corner from Ronaldo, Maniche showed some quick thinking as he took a touch before rifling a shot from the edge of the penalty that flew past Edwin van der Sar via the inside of the post. It’s surprising that this goal isn’t talked about more often.
Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland, 2016)
Xherdan Shaqiri has a penchant for pulling off the spectacular, and he obliged against Poland at Euro 2016. Switzerland seemed to be heading out at the Round of 16 stage when they found themselves 1-0 down to Poland with less than 10 minutes remaining of normal time.
But Shaqiri stunned the crowd when he fired an overhead kick into the top corner from a full 18 yards out. Switzerland’s joy proved to be short-lived, as they were knocked out on penalties, with Shaqiri missing his spot kick. But his goal in regular time will always be cherished by the Swiss faithful.
Luka Modric (Croatia, 2020)
Despite reaching the World Cup Final in 2018, Croatia weren’t talked about as a contender in the Euro 2020 betting markets. Nevertheless, they contributed to one of the most memorable moments of the group stage.
While it had been suggested that Luka Modric was over the hill, it didn’t matter one jot to the midfielder, who provided a moment of genius against Scotland. The Scots went in search of a winner, but their bubble was burst when Modric hit a sumptuous first-time shot with the outside of his right boot that evaded David Marshall, and nestled in the top corner of the net. With that strike, Modric became the oldest player to score for Croatia at the Euros, and there’s probably few better that he’s hit in his career.