The Fastest Goals in EURO History
As we look forward to EURO 2024 in Germany, excitement is brewing among football fans. One of the most thrilling moments in any match is the early goal, setting the tone for the game. In this article, we delve into the history of the European Championship (EURO) and explore some of the fastest goals ever scored. Discover which players have etched their names in history with lightning-fast strikes and how these moments have shaped tournament outcomes.
- 00:23 – Nedim Bajrami (Italy vs Albania on June 15, 2024)
- 01:05 – Dmitri Kirichenko (Russia vs Greece on June 20, 2004)
- 01:22 – Emil Forsberg (Sweden vs Poland on June 23, 2021)
- 01:39 – Yussuf Poulsen (Denmark vs Belgium on June 17, 2021)
- 01:40 – Robert Lewandowski (Poland vs Portugal on June 30, 2016)
- 01:57 – Luke Shaw (England vs Italy on July 11, 2021)
- 01:58 – Robbie Brady (Republic of Ireland vs France on June 26, 2016)
- 02:08 – Sergei Aleinikov (USSR vs England on June 18, 1988)
- 02:14 – Alan Shearer (England vs Germany on June 26, 1996)
- 02:14 – Petr Jirácek (Czech Republic vs Greece on June 12, 2012)
The Fastest Goals in EURO History
Nedim Bajrami: Fastest Goal Ever and at EURO 2024
Albania had barely 23 seconds into their second-ever EURO final tournament when Bajrami capitalized on Federico Dimarco's poor throw-in and fired the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma. This sparked ecstatic celebrations. However, the joy was short-lived, as Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella turned the game in the Azzurri's favor within 16 minutes.
Dmitri Kirichenko: Second Fastest Goal Ever
On June 20, 2004, during EURO 2004 in Portugal, Dmitri Kirichenko made history. In the match between Russia and Greece, he scored just 65 seconds into the game. This quickfire goal remains the fastest in EURO history. Kirichenko capitalized on a swift counterattack and calmly finished past Greek goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis. His record still stands as the quickest goal ever scored in the EURO championship.
Other Rapid Goals
While Dmitri Kirichenko holds the record, there are other notable fast goals in EURO history:
- Emil Forsberg scored for Sweden against Poland after 82 seconds on June 23, 2021.
- Yussuf Poulsen put Denmark ahead against Belgium after 99 seconds on June 17, 2021.
- Robert Lewandowski found the net for Poland against Portugal after 100 seconds on June 30, 2016.
- Luke Shaw scored for England against Italy in the EURO 2020 final after 117 seconds.
These goals demonstrate how a lightning-fast start can dictate the course of a match.
The Fastest Goal in a EURO Final
Luke Shaw's Lightning Start in the 2020 Final
England reached their first major men’s international final since 1966 during EURO 2020. In the final against Italy at Wembley, Luke Shaw provided a dream start by scoring after just 117 seconds. This stands as the fastest goal ever in a EURO final. It seemed England was on the brink of international glory, but Italy equalized and eventually won via a penalty shootout. Shaw's early goal remains a memorable moment for English fans.
Early Penalties and Own Goals in EURO History
The Earliest Penalty: Robbie Brady
On June 26, 2016, Robbie Brady scored the fastest penalty in EURO history. During the match between Ireland and France, Ireland was awarded a penalty after just 60 seconds when Shane Long was fouled by Paul Pogba. Brady converted the penalty after 118 seconds. While France won the match 2-1, this early penalty marked a historic moment in the tournament.
Early Own Goals
Another notable early moment came on July 2, 2021, when Denis Zakaria scored an own goal for Switzerland against Spain. This occurred after just 7 minutes and 30 seconds in the EURO 2020 quarter-final. It was the fastest own goal in EURO history and set the tone for an intense match that Spain eventually won on penalties.
EURO 2024
The EURO championship always delivers surprises and thrilling moments, especially with early goals. From Dmitri Kirichenko's record-breaking goal to Luke Shaw's swift strike in the 2020 final, these moments remain etched in the memories of football fans. As we anticipate EURO 2024, we hope for more lightning-fast starts that set the tone for the tournament.
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Explore the fastest goals in EURO history. From Nedim Bajrami to Luke Shaw, discover these lightning-fast moments that have defined the tournament.
About the author of 'The Fastest Goals in EURO History'
Author of this content is Patrick. I have been playing soccer for more than 25 years and follow the daily news closely. My hobbies include playing football, running and maintaining various websites, in addition to my job as a financial professional.
I do not work for any related company or institution, so the information is reliable and independent. The information has been collected accurately from reliable sources and is regularly updated.