A retrospective look at the most staggering upsets in the tournament's history, where underdogs defied odds to eliminate heavy favorites. This list highlights matches that redefined expectations and secured legendary status in European football lore.
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Denmark entered the tournament as a late replacement for Yugoslavia and shocked the host nation France 3-2 in the semi-finals. This victory propelled them to the final and cemented their fairy-tale story as Euro 92 champions.
Greece, massive 21-1 underdogs, defeated host nation Portugal 1-0 in the final with a defensive masterclass. This triumph is widely considered the greatest upset in tournament history, completing a perfect run against superior opponents.
After beating France, Denmark faced a confident England side that had won 4-1 earlier in the group stage. Denmark reversed the result with a 5-4 penalty shootout win after a goalless draw, stunning the English football world.
Although not in the final tournament, Ireland's 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in a qualifier was pivotal. It prevented the dominant Dutch team from qualifying and set the stage for Ireland's own impressive Euro 88 campaign.
Despite losing to France in the final, Denmark’s run remains a historic upset. They defeated hosts Denmark's rival and tournament favorite France earlier, proving that collective spirit could overcome technical superiority.
Defending champions Spain faced a gritty Greek side that held them to a 1-1 draw before winning 2-1 on penalties. It marked the end of Spain's dynasty and the rise of a resilient underdog narrative similar to 2004.
The Czech Republic defeated host nation Portugal but also caused a shock against heavy favorites Germany. Jan Koller’s header sealed a 2-1 victory, sending the tournament favorites home early in a disappointing campaign.
Denmark’s 2-0 win over Sweden in the group stage was crucial as they had no preparation time. Beating a strong Scandinavian rival early on gave them the confidence to continue their improbable journey to the title.
Host nation France faced Belgium, who had recently improved significantly. Belgium’s strong performance and subsequent win over Romania shocked fans who underestimated the Reds' potential on the big stage.
Switzerland managed to hold the host nation France to a 1-1 draw in their opening match. This result delayed France's momentum and showed that the tournament favorites were not invincible from the start.
Turkey stunned Italy 2-1 in a dramatic group stage encounter. Italy, who had dominated European football since Euro 96, looked vulnerable, and Turkey’s victory kept their own qualification hopes alive.
In their final group match, Denmark defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in the 'Miracle of Copenhagen.' This dramatic comeback victory guaranteed their advancement and set up the semi-final clash with France.
Although France won 1-0, Portugal’s earlier struggles against smaller teams highlighted vulnerabilities. However, the real upset came later when Greece eliminated them, but the initial group win over a strong France was notable.
Russia shocked the Czech Republic 3-3 in a high-scoring draw that effectively ended Czech hopes. Russia’s resilience against a strong opponent demonstrated their growing competitiveness in European football.
France lost 2-1 to Sweden in the group stage, a significant result as they were hosting. It showed that the tournament favorites were not safe and added pressure to their path to the final.
Before their quarter-final encounter, Greece and Spain drew 1-1 in the group stage. This result was the first hint of Greece’s defensive resilience against the eventual tournament winners.
Denmark beat Yugoslavia 2-0 in their first-ever match in the tournament. This victory was foundational, showing immediate form despite being a replacement team with no training camp.
Portugal lost 2-0 to the Netherlands in the group stage, a shock given their strong squad. It highlighted the Netherlands' dominance at the time and Portugal’s early struggles.
France drew 1-1 with Denmark in their opening match. This result prevented a perfect start for the hosts and signaled that Denmark’s performance would be a serious challenge.
Turkey defeated Portugal 2-1 in a crucial group match, knocking the hosts out of contention for the top spot. It was a major blow to Portugal’s hopes and a testament to Turkey’s attacking prowess.