1. France 2-1 Italy (aet) – 2000 Final
While this might not be the most unbelievable or the most remarkable of comebacks in European football, it features at the top on our list because of the occasion(a final), two powerhouses locking horns, the host nation winning the tournament, an injury time equalizer and a golden goal winner – both by substitutes.
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This was the golden era in the history of French football, the Les Blues were favorites going into this match after having won the World Cup two years ago on the home soil.
The Azzurri took a lead early in the second half when Delvecchio scored from Pessotto’s cross. The Italians are very good at defending and holding back and the time was winding down for the hosts and only three minutes of injury time was added. Who came to the rescue? Not Zidane, not Henry and not Vieira either.
It was the substitute Wiltord who sent home the equalizer during the last attack to take the game into extra time. The golden goal rule was applied during the Euro 2000 and just before half-time in extra time, Pires cut a great ball back to David Trezeguet, whose fascinating strike measured at 81kmph left the Italian goalkeeper Francesco Toldo with no chance at all.
The golden goal meant France were not only the World Champions but also the European Champions at home. Can they repeat history this year? Only time will tell.
