2) Most Euro championship wins
The two big favourites for Euro 2016 are the world champions and the defending champions – Germany and Spain. The two countries have also won the competition a total of three times – the only teams to do so.
Germany first won the title in 1972 when there were only four teams. The first fixture was literally the semi-final followed by the third-place playoff and final. Germany (then called West Germany) beat Belgium and Soviet Union to take home the trophy.
Their triumphs in 1980 and 1996 saw an increasing number of teams participating (eight in 1980 and 16 in 1996). Germany won four and drew two in 1996 (they beat England on penalties in the semi-final) to lift their third title but haven’t won it since.
On the other hand, Spain have had a tougher run to their last two titles. While their 1964 triumph also saw La Furia Roja just win two games (against Hungary and Soviet Union) to lift their first title, the 2008 and 2012 triumphs were much more challenging campaigns.
2008 saw Spain win five and draw once (against Italy who they beat in penalties in the quarter-finals) while 2012 also saw them draw Italy in the group stage while Portugal took them to penalties in the semi-final.
Both teams have a good chance of going all the way in France. If either of them do, they will be the only team to win Euro four times.
