[Mhiz Rebecca]

France have made the UEFA Euro 2016 final along with
Portugal, meaning that we once again have a host
nation’s fans cheering their team to the brink of a
triumph on home soil. Back in 2004, it was Portugal who
went all the way, only to be heartbreakingly denied by
the Greeks in one of the most surprising endings to a
major tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo
Carvalho were there that night, and they’ll be extra-
motivated to make sure they don’t lose again. France
1984 was the year that Michel Platini lit up Europe with 9
brilliant goals to win France their very first European
Championships. Antoine Griezmann wasn’t even born
back then, but his 6 goals this summer have evoked
memories of the individual brilliance that made Les
Bleus champions in Paris 32 years ago.
To commemorate the fact that we’ve got another host
country close to a very special victory, let’s go back in
time and see which sides have given their people the
sweetest gift in football – a victory right on their
own doorstep.
10. Copa America 1995 – Uruguay win an unprecedented
14th title
9. AFC Asian Cup of Nations 2015 – Australia become
the First holders of two continental titles
8. UEFA Euro 1964 – Spain finally get their shot at the
Soviets in Madrid
7. CONCACAF Gold Cup 1993 – Mexico smash their co-
hosts in the final
6. UEFA Euro 1984 – Michel Platini becomes a French
national treasure
5. CAF African Cup of Nations 1996 – South Africa
commemorate the end of apartheid
4. FIFA World Cup 1966 – England win their only trophy
in the game they made
3. FIFA World Cup 1978 – Mario Kempes stars for
Argentina amidst controversy
2. CONMEBOL Copa America 2015 – Chile shatter
Messi’s Argentina
1. FIFA World Cup 1998 – Zinedine Zidane fulfills the
French promise.