The 2012 UEFA European Championship, commonly known as Euro 2012, was co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine from June 8 to July 1.

Euro 2012 logo in flowersEuro 2012 logo in flowers

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.