10 Thrilling Last Minute Goals At The UEFA European Championship

The UEFA European Championship will witness its 15th edition in France 2016 as the host nation will try and once again lay their hands on the elusive trophy which they also won in 2000 after the 1998 World Cup win. In its 14 previous editions, the UEFA European Championship has had some nail biting encounters which were spiced up by goals in the dying seconds of the matchThese goals at the death have almost always carried a story with them as they built around a moment that breaks as many hearts simultaneously as it fills others with joy. The joy of supporting a team that rescues themselves with a last minute goal is one that most football fans are familiar with and the reverse is true as well.While doing it in a friendly or league match is a great feat in itself, but doing it during the European Championship carries a whole different significance given the added pressure and importance of the occasion. Here is a list of 10 of those exciting goals scored in the dying moments of the match at the UEFA European Championship.

#10 Antonio Maceda vs West Germany, Euro 1984 Group Stage

Spain had entered Euro 1984 as one of the tournament’s dark horses. They were placed in a tough group alongside a near invincible West German team who were the defending champions, Portugal, one of the rising forces in world football at that time, and Romania. The Spanish side boasted of some talented players like Luis Arconada, Camacho, Antonio Maceda and Santillana. However, Spain’s start to the tournament was not convincing as they were held to a 1-1 draw by underdogs Romania. In their next game, a 73rd minute equaliser by Santillana against Portugal kept Spain in the tournament.

In their final match against West Germany, a win would assure them of a semifinal berth. Both sides had plenty of chances throughout the match but none capitalised. West Germany hit the post twice and Spain squandered a penalty. With Portugal winning against Romania, Spain needed to win and in the 90th minute, a cross from Juan Antonio Senor found Antonio Maceda who headed the ball in the net and Spain won 1-0 and surprisingly, West Germany were out. Spain went on to reach the final where they were beaten by France.