The UEFA European Championship, commonly referred to as the Euro or the Euro Cup, is one of the premier football tournaments on the international stage. Held every four years, it brings together elite national teams from across Europe to compete for the prestigious title. Since its inception in 1960, the Euro has seen numerous memorable matches and moments that have left an indelible mark on the sport. Here’s an overview of every team that has lifted the trophy and the journey of the tournament through the decades.
### 1960 – Soviet Union
The inaugural European Championship took place in France, where the Soviet Union emerged victorious by defeating Yugoslavia 2-1 in the final.
### 1964 – Spain
Hosted by Spain, the 1964 Championship saw the home team win its first title by defeating the Soviet Union 2-1.
### 1968 – Italy
Italy claimed its first European Championship in a tournament that featured penalty shootouts for the first time. They won the final replay against Yugoslavia 2-0 after the original match ended in a 1-1 draw.
### 1972 – West Germany
West Germany showcased their dominance by defeating the Soviet Union 3-0 in the final held in Belgium,