1988 West Germany

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West Germany 1988

The eighth Euro Championship was held in West Germany. After a highly successful tournament in France, the format of the competition remain the same, Two groups of four teams, top two will qualify to the semi finals, where the competition will go into a knockout phase. Holders France failed to qualify, whilst The Soviet Union returns after missing out in 1976, 1980 and 1984

Van Basten seals The Netherlands first and only trophy

Euro 1988 saw the likes of Italy's most capped player, Paolo Maldini, German's Jurgen Klinnsman, and The Netherland's all star team of Ronald Koeman, Ruud Guilit, Frank Rijkaard and Marco Van Basten.

The Netherlands went on to beat Germany 2-1 in the semi finals, where Koemen made the infamous remark, using Olaf Thon's Shirt and pretend to use it as toilet paper, in front of the German home Crowd. The Dutch Defender later regretted with his actions.

Possibly the most memorable moment in the history of the Euro Championships, is Marco Van Basten's wonder goal in the final against The Soviet Union, a powerful looping volley from an acute angle sealing victory, 2-0 the final score.