It came, it went, and it left a hell of a mark.
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Euro 2020 was one of the best international tournaments in memory, and when the dust settles, even beaten finalists England will look back on it with a smile on their faces and fond memories.
Before we officially say goodbye to the competition that was welcomed in the summer and encouraged us all after 18 months stuck in a pandemic, however 90 minutes have looked back at some of the highlights and come up with a price list like no other.
Here are your Euro 2020 alternative awards.
? What a goal! What a party!
Hungary has shocked France. # SHE 1-0 #FRA
??? Watch: https://t.co/TrUauNiyxt#bbceuro2020 # euro2020 pic.twitter.com/ZgqLzIOCu0
Today’s match (@BBCMOTD) June 19, 2021
Those of us who take a weak view of extremist right-wing politics felt a little contradictory about cheering on Hungary. But objectively, you have to appreciate good #scenes when you see them.
And after their initial goal against France, there were really very good #scenes.
A crowded stadium full of cheering Hungarians going off their heads, followed by the goal scorer sweeping an announcement table as something you would see on Friday Night Smackdown. What more can you ask for?
Giorgio Chiellini won more flying duels (7) and made more distances (6) than any other #ITA player against #ENG in the # EURO2020 final.
A crown suitable for King Chiellini. ? pic.twitter.com/Y7gGltfDHW
– Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 12, 2021
It can not be questioned that any champion Italy was the best team in the tournament. They were not the most beautiful, but Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini’s clean intestines went through when Roberto Mancini’s side won the euro for the second time in its history.
Chiellini, however, was the excellent sh * thousand. From his mind games (and physical games) at the coin toss with Jordi Alba to his bold professional foul on Bukayo Saka, the smiling gladiator gave everything in his power to ensure the trophy came to Rome.
?? At the age of 37, 20 years after his international debut, Goran Pandev has scored Northern Macedonia’s first major tournament goal ever – in his debut match! ?
What a moment for him! pic.twitter.com/9N6n48fY84
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) 13 June 2021
We have heard so much in recent years about how a 24-team euro, complete with backdoor qualification through a weighted Nations League final, devalues the competition and lets in too many teams that are simply not good enough.
What a lot of nonsense is that, huh?
Northern Macedonia qualified for their first major tournament ever this year, a story that simply would not have been possible without all of the above factors giving them a leg up. And because they qualified, Goran Pandev, one of the most leveled European international footballers ever, had to say goodbye on the biggest stage of all.
If it’s the euro that has been “devalued” then I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in the valuable version.
Thousands of Scotland fans are “booing” to London ahead of Scotland’s # EURO2020 clash with England at Wembley on Friday. This was the scene of the flight @ABZ_Airport to @Gatwick_Airport @easyJet this morning. #SCO #eng #ENGSCO ⚽️ [?Ruaridh MacVinish] pic.twitter.com/LXzaxmvCx1
– Ben Philip (@BenPhilip_) June 17, 2021
Hopes were high for Scotland this summer, but in typical Scottish style, they did not last long. Eight months of listening to Baccara and raising their hopes was stopped by Luka Modric in Hampden, but at their first tournament in 23 years, it was just a matter of being there.
Despite the fact that hardly any away fans were allowed for their trip to Wembley, and despite the fact that London’s weather was absolutely awful, tens of thousands of shots went down in carnival mode for their second group game against Auld Enemy.
Scotland fans on Leicester Square ?? ♂️? pic.twitter.com/VpDJmTe6cU
– Alex (@mralexthfc) June 18, 2021
The party continued well into the night after Steve Clarke’s team fought bravely to a deserved point, and they will return sooner rather than later.
‘Drink water’
Cristiano Ronaldo removes Coca-Cola bottles at start of press conference # Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/2eBujl9vzk
– Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) June 15, 2021
Yes yes, it was a good message to send to children, blah blah blah.
It was still very nerdy behavior from Cristiano Ronaldo to move that bottle, right?
“Roy has been to a Neil Diamond concert …”
“Yes, about ten years ago. I stopped arguing with the woman next to me – she kept singing the songs out loud, so I got in a bit of trouble that night. But brilliant concert! ”?
Classic Roy Keane? #ITVFootball | # Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/TH8G9KSKdr
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 7, 2021
“Wait, Roy Keane went to a Neil Diamond concert ?!”
“Yes, he argued with some old lady about singing too loud when he was there.”
“Ah, yes it makes sense.”
Pedri may be the most talented 18-year-old I’ve ever seen – he’s honestly so good.
Everything positive in the future for #ESP goes through him or because of him … # EURO2020
[? @90min_Football] pic.twitter.com/J0pREDEYXf
– Toby Cudworth (@Toby_Cudworth) July 6, 2021
It takes little to get some sort of comparison with Andres Iniesta, but Barcelona’s youth Pedri has earned every praise from him for his performances at Euro 2020.
From master Gianluigi Donnarumma to Denmark’s prodigy Mikkel Damsgaard, 90 minutes spring 21 had some outstanding artists, but no one went to the big stage as seamlessly as Spain’s 18-year-old sensation.
He played practically every minute before their semi-final, covered every blade of grass from Seville to Copenhagen and inspired his country to a much better show than most of us expected.
However, this is just the beginning for Luis Enrique’s golden children – there will be many more of these to come.
So happy to have reached the semifinal # EURO2020 – and so happy for the support. Thanks? We are so happy to be in the semifinals – thanks for the support, everyone. #ForDanmark ?? pic.twitter.com/KrRm6K5fCu
– Simon Kjær (@ simonkjaer1989) July 3, 2021
Hero (noun) – a person who is admired for his courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities
I mean, that’s the only word for it, right?
It took mythical character strength to do what Simon Kjaer did after Christian Eriksen’s collapse against Finland. He showed that he was Denmark’s captain and leader for a reason, rushed to perform CPR and kept his former teammate alive before organizing his troops in a protective circle around him when he received treatment on the field.
If it were not for Kjer’s actions, Eriksen might not have pulled through. Still, after the emotional trauma of literally saving a friend’s life, he still found it within himself to lead his country all the way to the semifinals.
Legitimate superhuman things from a Danish football legend.
