The UEFA European Championship is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world. Held every four years, the tournament features the best national teams from Europe competing for the title of European champions. The latest edition of the tournament, held in 2016, was hosted by France and saw Portugal emerge as the champions. Let's take a closer look at the groups that made up the tournament.
Group A: France, Switzerland, Romania, Albania
The hosts France were the favorites to win the group and they duly delivered, winning all three of their games. Switzerland also progressed to the knockout stages, while Romania and Albania were eliminated.
Group B: England, Wales, Slovakia, Russia
This group was one of the most exciting in the tournament, with all four teams in with a chance of qualifying until the final game. Wales and England progressed to the knockout stages, while Slovakia and Russia were eliminated.
Group C: Germany, Poland, Northern Ireland, Ukraine
Germany were the favorites to win the group and they did so comfortably, winning two of their games and drawing the other. Poland also progressed to the knockout stages, while Northern Ireland put in a valiant effort but were eliminated. Ukraine failed to win a game and finished bottom of the group.
Group D: Spain, Croatia, Turkey, Czech Republic
Spain were the reigning champions and were expected to win the group, but they were surprisingly beaten by Croatia in their final game. Croatia and Spain both progressed to the knockout stages, while Turkey and Czech Republic were eliminated.
Group E: Belgium, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Sweden
Italy were the surprise package of the group, winning all three of their games to finish top. Belgium also progressed to the knockout stages, while Republic of Ireland and Sweden were eliminated.
Group F: Portugal, Hungary, Iceland, Austria
Portugal, the eventual champions, had a slow start to the tournament, drawing all three of their games. However, they progressed to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams. Hungary also progressed to the knockout stages, while Iceland caused a shock by finishing second in the group. Austria were eliminated.
Knockout Stages
The knockout stages of the tournament were filled with drama and excitement. Some of the standout games included Portugal's 2-0 win over Wales in the semi-finals and France's 2-0 win over Germany in the same stage of the competition. In the final, Portugal faced France and stunned the hosts by winning 1-0, with Eder scoring the winning goal in extra time.
Conclusion
The 2016 UEFA European Championship was a memorable tournament that produced some great football and unexpected results. Portugal were deserving winners and their triumph will go down as one of the greatest moments in the country's footballing history.
