Despite only just passing the group stages, this year’s European Championship hasn’t failed to disappoint. There have been upsets, late-drama, euphoria, heartbreak and of course plenty of goals. The common theme for most of those goals have either been wonder strikes or own goals, arguably the peak entertainment for any football fan.
In the 36 games played so far, we have been treated to some sensational strikes. 14 goals have been produced from outside the box, already more than were scored at the 2022 World Cup.
With the round of 16 fast approaching, there’s no better time to look at FromTheSpot’s top five goals of the tournament so far.
Nicolae Stanciu vs Ukraine
Embed from Getty ImagesIn a thumping victory over Ukraine, Romania’s first of the group, Nicolae Stanciu opened the scoring with a simply stunning goal. It was the kickstart of their tournament, seeing Romania finish as shock group winners, surpassing the likes of Belgium in their group to claim top spot.
After a sloppy pass from Andriy Lunin, he would later pay for it. The ball fell on the edge of the box to Denis Man, teeing up Stanciu who produced a moment of magic. The Damac midfielder swept across the ball to rifle it into the far top corner, putting his name in the hat for goal of the tournament.
Arda Güler vs Georgia
Embed from Getty ImagesIn one of the best games of the tournament, a thrilling end-to-end battle between Georgia and Türkiye saw the latter take the three points. The 2:00pm games of the European Championships have certainly held some entertaining fixtures, with fans treated to drama and some stunning goals.
A lot of discourse has surrounded Arda Güler, with the young Real Madrid midfielder tipped to set the tournament alight for Türkiye. Well, he most certainly did that with this superb strike. The 19-year-old took aim from range, with his beauty of a left-footed strike curling into the far top corner. It sent the Türkiye fans into pandemonium, with the camera seen shaking as it rippled the back of the net.
Xherdan Shaqiri vs Scotland
Embed from Getty ImagesA sublime first-half strike from former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri secured a point for Switzerland against Scotland. Shaqiri has built up an appetite for scoring in major tournaments over the years, with this being his 6th straight major international tournament in which he has scored in.
Anthony Ralston’s loose back pass was bounced upon by Shaqiri, with the Switzerland international catching it sweetly from outside the box to bend it into the top left-hand corner. It was a wonderfully crafted first-time finish from Shaqiri, catching both Angus Gunn and the Scotland defence off guard.
Morten Hjulmand vs England
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite group C being the joint lowest-scoring group ever in the history of the European Championships, one of the seven goals scored was a stunning goal. With England ahead via Harry Kane, Denmark looked to respond, and they did just that. The crucial point earnt in the game for Denmark saw them progress, finishing in second place.
England were punished after not pushing for a second goal, with a thunderous strike from Morten Hjulmund being one of the best of the tournament to date. The ball fell to the midfielder, from 30 yards out, he unleashed a ferocious effort which cannoned off the left-hand post before finding the back of the net. Jordan Pickford was left with no chance.
Mattia Zaccagni vs Croatia
Embed from Getty ImagesAn intense game between Italy and Croatia, with so much on the line for both teams. With Luka Modrić missing from the spot but then opening the scoring just a minute later, it looked likely that Croatia were going to finish the group as runners-up and Italy would finish in third spot. Croatia couldn’t afford anything but a win.
That was until Zaccagni stepped up in the 98th minute to grab the headlines and be the hero of the night. The substitute stole the show with his last-minute equaliser, to send Italy through, while breaking Croatia hearts. After a powerful drive forward from Riccardo Calafiori, he found the Lazio winger in space. Taking his first-time, flying into the top corner. The importance and quality of this goal is what makes it one of the best so far.
You can expect plenty more breath-taking goals, as the knockout stages unfold, and you can catch all the action here at FromTheSpot.