UEFA Euro 2012

European football tournament.

Euro 2012 was co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine from June 8 to July 1, 2012, marking the first time these nations hosted the tournament. The competition featured 16 teams, with Poland and Ukraine qualifying automatically as hosts. The tournament format included a group stage followed by knockout rounds, and matches were played in eight cities across both countries, including Warsaw, Kyiv, and Donetsk.

The opening match took place at the National Stadium in Warsaw, where Poland drew 1-1 with Greece. Group play saw Spain and Italy emerge as strong contenders, with Spain finishing atop Group C. The tournament was notable for its competitive matches, including a dramatic quarter-final where England faced Italy, ultimately losing in a penalty shootout. Germany also advanced impressively through the knockout stages, defeating Greece in the quarter-finals.

The final was held at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv on July 1, where Spain faced Italy once again. Spain delivered a stunning performance, winning 4-0 and securing their third European Championship title. This victory solidified Spain's dominance in international football following their triumphs in Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Individually, several players stood out during the tournament, with Mario Mandžukić, Mario Gómez, Mario Balotelli, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alan Dzagoev, and Fernando Torres all finishing as top scorers with three goals each. Andrés Iniesta was named Player of the Tournament for his exceptional contributions to Spain's success. Euro 2012 was the last tournament to feature the 16-team format before it expanded to 24 teams for Euro 2016, which would be hosted by France.