The Netherlands have won the past two Under-21 UEFA European Championship but are not here to defend their titles in Sweden. This is a look back at the storied past of the eight-team event.
Qualifying Began In May 2007
Qualifying for the Under-21 Euros in Sweden ran from May 31, 2007 to October 15, 2008. The final tournament in Halmstad, Gothenburg, Malmo, Helsingborg will run from June 15-29 with the final taking place on June 29, when the 17th title will be decided.
Challenge Cup Beginnings
The concept behind the eight-team tournament came to fruition and began in 1967 as a “Challenge Cup for national representative teams aged under-23”. The first champions were crowned on June 7, 1967 with Bulgaria beat East Germany 3-2. Bulgaria was only required to play a series of challengers to defend their title – similar to boxing.
Age Limit Change, Yugoslavia Win First Title
The age limit was changed in 1976 to Under-21 as UEFA decided there was too big a difference between U18 and U23. Yugoslavia won the first Under-21 championship in 1978 by beating East Germany 5-4 on aggregate. After winning the first leg 1-0, Vahid Halilhodžic scored a first half hat-trick in a 4-4 return leg.
England First Repeat, Italy Dominance
England was the first nation to repeat their title, winning the 1982 and 1984 crowns. But Italy took over the competition in the 1990s, winning three straight championships (1992, 1994 and 1996) and taking the 2000 and 2004 hardware as well.
Italy All-Time Winners
The Italians’ five titles rank them number one in tournament history. The Netherlands, Spain, England and the USSR all claimed two crowns while Yugoslavia, France and Czech Republic have won one championship.
Stars Of Tomorrow
Any youth tournament is a highlight displaying the elite stars of tomorrow. And the Under-21 Euros event is no different. Among the past superstars to play in the tournament include: Roberto Mancini, Zinédine Zidane, Rudi Völler, Davor Šuker, Luís Figo, Raúl González, Frank Lampard, Vahid Halilhodžic, Laurent Blanc, Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo and Petr Cech.
Past Winners:
Here is a listing of the past winners
1976-78: Yugoslavia
1978-80: USSR
1980-82: England
1982-84: England
1984-86: Spain
1986-88: France
1988-90: USSR
1990-92: Italy
1992-94: Italy
1994-96: Italy
1996-98: Spain
1998-2000: Italy
2000-02: Czech Republic
2002-04: Italy
2004-06: Netherlands
2007: Netherlands
Golden Players
Following is a listing of the past winners of the U21 Euros Golden Player award
1978: Vahid Halilhodžic
1980: Anatoli Demianenko
1982: Rudi Völler
1984: Mark Hateley
1986: Manuel Sanchís
1988: Laurent Blanc
1990: Davor Šuker
1992: Renato Buso
1994: Luís Figo
1996: Fabio Cannavaro
1998: Francesc Arnau
2000: Andrea Pirlo
2002: Petr Cech
2004: Alberto Gilardino
2006: Klaas Jan Huntelaar
2007: Royston Drenthe
