The 2012 UEFA European Championship, commonly known as Euro 2012, was co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine from June 8 to July 1.
The tournament featured 16 teams, split into four groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. Group A included the Czech Republic, Greece, Russia, and Poland; Group B, often called the "Group of Death," comprised Germany, Portugal, Denmark, and the Netherlands; Group C featured Spain, Italy, Croatia, and the Republic of Ireland; and Group D had England, France, Ukraine, and Sweden. Spain and Italy topped Group C and proceeded to the final after defeating France, Portugal (via penalty shootout), and Germany in the knockout stages.
Spain made history by winning their third European Championship title, defeating Italy 4-0 in the final at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv. Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres, and Juan Mata led Spain to the most significant margin of victory in a European Championship final. Throughout the tournament, Spain displayed a masterclass in their trademark "tiki-taka" style.
Trivia
- Spain currently holds the record for winning two consecutive European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.
- Spain became the first team to win three consecutive major international tournaments, having previously secured the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Related Pages
- UEFA Euro Home
- UEFA Euro Host Countries List
- UEFA Euro Winners List
- UEFA Euro Trivia
- The Year in Sport: 2012