The Greatest Euro Goal?

Deciding between goals has always been very subjective. What makes a great goal? Is it the quality or difficulty of the finish, is it the move that led to the goal or, as Alan Shearer suggested recently, is there a difference between a a goal that wins a match and one that doesn't affect the scoreline? He knew a thing or two about goals that guy...

The European Championships have seen many a great goal in thirteen tournaments so far. Once the current poll ends (look left...pick your Euro winner!) I'm thinking of making this debate the focus of the next. So my aim with this blog entry is to generate a bit of discussion on what our shortlist should be.

Here are my Top 5 Euro Goals with explanation. Leave your own thoughts at the bottom - even just your favourite if you can't be bothered with five!

5)   Davor Suker (Croatia v Denmark @ Euro '96)

Suker was a superb player. By the time of his move to Arsenal his powers had begun to fade a little but in the mid-90s he was in full flow and scored a goal worthy of his undoubted talent. A few things have to be remembered when judging this goal. Firstly, he wasn't just chipping any keeper; he was chipping probably the world's finest at that time. Peter Schmeichel was a giant (some say at least 12 feet tall!) and had, for me, been a greater factor in Manchester United's transformation than Cantona. Providing confidence for a back four, communication, presence, everything that goes into being a great goalkeeper, he had in abundance. But Suker managed to defy all of this to lob the ball over his head from inside  the penalty box. One other, sometimes overlooked, aspect of the goal was the control from the long pass. A sign of class.  

4)  Maniche (Portugal v Holland @ Euro 2004)

In many respects this goal is similar to that of my Number 1 goal. No real build up or trickery but, quite simply, a wonderful strike. Portugal had seemed on an unstoppable mission to lift the trophy on home soil helped by a 'golden generation' of stars including Figo and Rui Costa. Leading in the semi final thanks to a first half strike from Ronaldo, their place in the final was confirmed by this wonder goal from Maniche just before the hour. Receiving a short corner on the left he strode forward before unleashing a swerving shot that left Edwin Van der Sar clutching fresh air. A fantastic goal worthy of winning any match...shame he couldn't do it again in the final.

3) Tomas Brolin (Sweden v England @ Euro '92)
In the match that spelt the end for England manager and captain alike, Brolin scored a wonderful goal to seal a fmaous victory and dump Taylor's men out at the group stage. Despite leading through David Platt, and with Carlton Palmer, Andy Sinton, Tony Daley and Neill Webb in the team (seriously), England were undone by Sweden's golden child ensuring a frustrating end to Gary Lineker's international career. Collecting the ball from deep Brolin, played one-twos with both Ingesson and Dahlin before majestically lifting the ball over Chris Woods and into the top corner. In the words of Barry Davies "You have to say that's magnificent."

2) Paul Gascoigne (England v Scotland @ Euro '96)

Another from Euro '96 and the goal which kick started the tournament. Until then it had been fairly dull but when Gazza bamboozled Colin 'Braveheart' Hendry before smashing past the helpless Goram a country erupted into frenzy. Gascoigne, once England's shining light before self-imploding, was back to his best in this tournament and scored the goal he is, perhaps, best known for now. So much of that goal was memorable; firstly the fact that scotland had just missed a potentially match defining penalty. Secondly Darren Anderton not only managed to play a pass that went where intended, but also didn't cause himself serious injury in the process. Finally, and perhaps most famously of all, once he had scored Gascoigne had the presence of mind to pay tribute to the infamous Dentist's Chair and write another chapter in the Gazza's Antics book. As Sir Bobby Robson once said "...he's as daft as a brush...".

1) Marco Van Basten (Holland v USSR @ Euro '88)

Do I need to explain this one? Quite simply stunning and probably the reason I fell in love with football as a kid; sitting in my living room watching the magnificent Dutch pass masters win in their old enemy's back yard. For me this goal is a striker's dream goal and, even almost a quarter of a century later, people still reference a fantastic volley as "that was Van Basten-esque". Pulling wide into the inside-right channel, Van Basten watched Arnold Muhren's deep cross float over the Soviet defence before smashing a volley of such perfection I don't believe it has ever been equalled in terms of technique. No he didn't beat anyone with a step over or a shimmy but, the point is, he didn't have to. He only needed one touch, despite the angle, to write his name into football legend. But for injuries, Van Basten would undoubtedly have been thought of as the best striker to ever play the game.

So what are your favourite goals from the European Championships? Leave your own Top 5 here!