Spain's soccer team celebrates with the Euro 2012 trophy on a double-decker bus during the victory parade in Madrid on Monday. Spain defeated Italy 4-0 in the final match on Sunday. Euro 2012, bringing together 16 of Europe's best national soccer teams, began June 8 in Poland and Ukraine. Look back at the action and atmosphere.
(CNN) -- Andres Iniesta did not feature in the contenders for the best player of the 2010 World Cup despite scoring Spain's winning goal in the final, but the midfielder has been recognized for his country's historic triumph at Euro 2012.
The 28-year-old Barcelona star is one of 10 Spanish players in UEFA's 23-man squad, which features four from losing finalists Italy.
Iniesta, clubmates Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Buesquets plus Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso were included in a nine-strong midfield contingent, while David Silva and Cesc Fabregas were named among five forwards despite playing in Spain's so-called "no striker" formation.
The Spaniards completely nullified Italy's midfield general Andrea Pirlo in Sunday's final, winning 4-0 in Kiev to clinch a third successive major title.
Iniesta did not score and had just one assist, but was rewarded for his overall contribution to the merciless Spanish passing machine. At the 2010 World Cup, David Villa was Spain's only entry in the top three as Uruguay's Diego Forlan was named best player.
Euro 2012: Goodbye, Adiós and Ciao
Spain celebrates historic Euro 2012 win
Spain crowned Euro 2012 champions
"Pirlo was magnificent and obviously circumstances didn't help him in the final," UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh said.
"Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez and Iniesta were all superb. In the case of Xavi, he won the award last time, and he could easily have won the award again, but we felt that Iniesta deserved it.
Is this Spain team the best in football history?
"In many ways, he symbolized the tournament -- the creative, incisive runner, with and without the ball. We felt that he epitomized a lot of what we saw."
The squad included only two players not present in the semifinal matches: England captain Steven Gerrard and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"The players in the squad are those who have contributed in a significant way over the entire tournament," said Roxburgh, a former coach of Scotland's national team.
"Inevitably, the squad is dominated by players from the teams who had the most success -- first of all the team which won the title, Spain, then those players who were in the other top three teams.
"There are other players who could easily have been in the squad, but we restricted ourselves to a set number. The line was drawn at 23 because this was the squad size for the tournament."
UEFA president Michel Platini hailed the tournament in Poland and Ukraine as a big success, despite earlier fears of problems with racism which -- despite several incidents inside stadiums -- did not escalate as predicted.
"This Euro, the first in the East, has been a resounding success, a real triumph," the Frenchman said on UEFA's website.
Spain have become the first country to win three major tournaments in a row. A 4-0 thrashing of Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev on Sunday confirmed Vicente Del Bosque's team as undisputed kings of world football.
Euro 2012 sparked into life when striker Robert Lewandowski scored the first goal of the tournament against Greece. Despite a lively opening, the co-hosts had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Unforgettable moments of Euro 2012
Former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal is by no means a grass-court specialist, but the two-time Wimbledon champion's defeat by 100th-ranked Lukas Rosol has been hailed as one of sport's greatest upsets.
The greatest sporting upsets
"Poland and Ukraine showed the whole world that they can organize this type of event and that they needn't have any concerns. They can be proud of the work they've done, their enthusiasm and the final results. I'm proud of them, anyway."
Platini said the biggest on-pitch success of the tournament was the use of extra match officials behind the goal lines.
"That was the principal innovation on the pitch compared to previous Euro editions, and the system of five referees was a real plus in terms of the football that got played: it helped get rid of simulation in the area and also helped significantly reduce shirt-pulling during set pieces," he said.
"In the end, there were more goals and, even more significantly, more headed goals in this Euro than in other big international competitions. That's no coincidence. The system of five referees acts as a deterrent and the quality of football benefits from that."
UEFA also raised €228,000 ($285,000) for the charity Center for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) after pledging €3,000 for each of the 76 goals scored.
Off the field of play, Internet users set a new record for a sporting event on Twitter during Sunday's final.
The social networking site said its total global traffic peaked at 15,358 tweets per second when Juan Mata scored Spain's fourth goal. The match brought in 16.5 million tweets in total.
UEFA's team of Euro 2012:
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Manuel Neuer (Germany).
Defenders: Gerard Pique (Spain), Fabio Coentrao (Portugal), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Pepe (Portugal), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Jordi Alba (Spain).
Midfielders: Daniele de Rossi (Italy), Steven Gerrard (England), Xavi Hernandez (Spain), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Sami Khedira (Germany), Sergio Busquets (Spain), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Xabi Alonso (Spain).
Forwards: Mario Balotelli (Italy), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), David Silva (Spain).
Loading weather data ...
© 2013 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Supporters of Spain's national soccer team are hosed down before the team's victory parade in Madrid on Monday.
Spain's team arrives at Cibeles Square on top of a double-decker bus Monday after parading through Madrid.
Juan Mata, left, and Santi Cazorla of Spain hoist the Euro 2012 trophy during Monday's celebrations.
Fans celebrate in Cibeles Square during the victory parade. Organizers had the crowd cooled off with hoses.
Spain fans gather in Madrid to congratulate their team on Monday.
Captain Iker Casillas of Spain lifts the trophy after the team defeated Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final on Sunday, July 1, in Kiev, Ukraine.
Cesc Fabregas of Spain jumps on his teammates as they celebrate after Fernando Torres scored his team's third goal against Italy.
Italy's Mario Balotelli reacts to Spain's fourth and final goal in Sunday's match.
Spain celebrates after defeating Italy on Sunday. It was the team's third successive major international trophy.
Fernando Torres of Spain celebrates scoring his team's third goal against Italy.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon looks on during Sunday's match against Spain.
Spain's Fernando Torres nudges the ball toward the goal past Italy's Gianluigi Buffon.
Gianluigi Buffon of Italy looks back at the ball as Spain's Fernando Torres scores.
Cesc Fabregas of Spain runs with the ball past Leonardo Bonucci of Italy.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas of Spain celebrates after his team's third goal against Italy.
Fernando Torres of Spain speaks with his daughter, Nora, after Sunday's match against Italy.
Jordi Alba of Spain celebrates after scoring his team's second goal as Leonardo Bonucci of Italy kicks the ball in frustration.
Spain's Sergio Ramos of Spain reacts next to Mario Balotelli of Italy during the match on Sunday.
Daniele De Rossi of Italy falls to the ground Sunday after battling David Silva of Spain for the ball.
Iker Casillas of Spain, center, stretches for the ball in front of teammate Sergio Ramos, right, as Mario Balotelli of Italy attempts a goal on Sunday.
Ignazio Abate of Italy, left, shows his dejection after Spain scored a second goal.
Federico Balzaretti, left, and Leonardo Bonucci of Italy challenge Spain's David Silva during Sunday's final match.
David Silva of Spain celebrates after scoring the opening goal in the Euro 2012 final match against Italy on Sunday.
Spain's Sergio Ramos slides in to tackle Mario Balotelli of Italy.
Ignazio Abate of Italy, center, grabs the shirt of Spain's Andres Iniesta.
David Silva of Spain, right, celebrates with teammate Alvaro Arbeloa after scoring the opening goal against Italy.
Antonio Cassano of Italy battles for the ball during the final match against Spain.
Fans enjoy the atmosphere ahead of the Euro 2012 final between Spain and Italy.
Italy's Mario Balotelli of Italy warms up ahead of Sunday's match againt Spain.
Italy fans cheer ahead of the match against Spain.
A fan rallies before the Italy-Spain final.
The national flags of the competing nations are carried around the pitch during the closing ceremony before the Euro 2012 final in Kiev.
Spain fans gear up for the match against Italy on Sunday.
The Italian team celebates their victory over Germany at the end of the Euro 2012 football championships semifinal match on Thursday, June 28, at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland.
German defender Mats Hummels, center, heads the ball by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, in red.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon fails to stop a penalty.
Italian forward Antonio Di Natale vies with German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer
German forward Miroslav Klose lands on the ground while vying with Italian defender Federico Balzaretti.
German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer grabs the ball.
Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini heads the ball.
Sami Khedira of Germany, in white, battles for the ball with Riccardo Montolivo of Italy.
Mario Balotelli, right, of Italy battles for the ball with Mats Hummels of Germany.
Mario Balotelli of Italy celebrates after scoring his team's second goal.
Italian forward Mario Balotelli shoots to score his second goal of the match.
Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi and German midfielder Mesut Ozil try to get control of the ball.
German midfielder Ilkay Guendogan vies with Italian defender Andrea Barzagli.
Claudio Marchisio of Italy and Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany battle for the ball.
Italian forward Mario Balotelli, in blue, heads the ball into the goal, scoring the first goal in the match.
Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini slides under German midfielder Sami Khedira.
Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi goes airborne past German forward Lukas Podolski on Thursday.
The Spanish national team celebrates its win in the Euro 2012 semifinal match against Portugal at Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine, on Wednesday, June 27.
Cesc Fabregas of Spain scores the winning penalty.
Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas jumps for the ball during the semifinal match.
Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo lies on the ground as Spanish defender Alvaro Arbeloa tries to help.
Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas is tackled by Portuguese defender Joao Pereira.
Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho, right, vies with Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta.
Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio stops a shot during the penalty shootout.
Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho reacts after he fails to score a penalty shot against Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas stops a penalty kicked by Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho.
Portuguese coach Paulo Bento talks to his players.
Alvaro Negredo of Spain and Bruno Alves of Portugal slam into each other.
Bruno Alves of Portugal and Alvaro Negredo of Spain challenge for the ball.
Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles heads the ball.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal jumps for a high ball in front of Jordi Alba of Spain.
A Portugal fan shows his support.
A sea of Spain fans show their colors.
Spanish midfielder David Silva, in red, vies with Portuguese defender Fabio Coentrao, left and Portuguese defender Bruno Alves.
Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta, left, falls while vying with Portuguese defender Joao Pereira.
Andres Iniesta of Spain shoots past Pepe and Joao Pereira of Portugal.
Sergio Ramos of Spain challenges Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal
Italy's national team celebrates after winning the penalty shootout in the quarterfinal match against England on Sunday, June 24, in Kiev, Ukraine.
Joe Hart of England reacts during the match against Italy.
Wayne Rooney of England attempts an overhead kick on Sunday against Italy.
England's Wayne Rooney maneuvers against Italy.
The English players line up during the penalty shootout against Italy.
Daniele De Rossi of Italy reacts after a missed goal during the quarterfinal match.
Scott Parker of England and Andrea Pirlo of Italy compete for the ball Sunday.
Joleon Lescott of England and Mario Balotelli of Italy share a moment during a break in the match.
Mario Balotelli of Italy strikes the ball as Joleon Lescott of England looks on.
Riccardo Montolivo of Italy reacts during the match against England.
Italy's Mario Balotelli kicks the ball during the quarterfinal match against England.
Wayne Rooney of England and Ignazio Abate of Italy go after the ball.
James Milner of England competes with Italy's Leonardo Bonucci.
Danny Welbeck of England and Andrea Barzagli of Italy jump for the ball.
Mario Balotelli of Italy strikes the ball as Glen Johnson of England looks on.
Wayne Rooney of England goes after the ball during the match against Italy.
Daniele De Rossi of Italy and Scott Parker of England compete in Sunday's quarterfinal match.
Italy's Gianluigi Buffon makes a save during Sunday's quarterfinal match against England.
Wayne Rooney of England heads the ball as Ignazio Abate of Italy challenges during the quarterfinal match.
Mario Balotelli of Italy and Ashley Cole of England compete for control of the ball.
Mario Balotelli of Italy challenges Joleon Lescott of England.
Gianluigi Buffon of Italy makes a save as Wayne Rooney of England runs in during the quarterfinal match.
Joleon Lescott of England challenges Mario Balotelli of Italy.
Federico Balzaretti of Italy runs after James Milner of England.
An Italy fan enjoys the atmosphere ahead of Sunday's quarterfinal match.
Mario Balotelli of Italy gears up for the match against England on Sunday.
Xabi Alonso of Spain scores the second goal from the penalty spot during the quarter final match between Spain and France at Donbass Arena on Saturday, June 23, in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery of France look dejected after defeat during the quarter final match between Spain and France.
Xabi Alonso of Spain scores the second goal from the penalty spot during the quarter final match between Spain and France.
Franck Ribery of France and David Silva of Spain challenge for the ball.
Xabi Alonso of Spain challenges Florent Malouda of France during the quarter final match between Spain and France.
Xabi Alonso of Spain celebrates after scoring the first goal with Cesc Fabregas during Spain's quarterfinal match against France.
Franck Ribery of France challenges David Silva of Spain.
Gael Clichy of France and David Silva of Spain contend for the ball.
Anthony Reveillere of France is closed down by Andres Iniesta of Spain.
At least two fans of Spain and France were able to put aside their differences for Saturday's Euro 2012 quarterfinal game.
The Spanish team lines up ahead of the quarterfinal match between Spain and France.
Jordi Alba of Spain challenges Yann M'Vila of France during a Euro 2012 quarterfinal match Saturday.
Xavi of Spain challenges Florent Malouda of France.
Cesc Fabregas of Spain reacts during the quarterfinal match between Spain and France.
A Spanish fan enjoys the atmosphere ahead of the quarterfinal match between Spain and France.
Jordi Alba of Spain in action with Mathieu Debuchy of France.
Xabi Alonso of Spain scores the first goal past Hugo Lloris of France.
Xabi Alonso of Spain celebrates after scoring the first goal during the quarterfinal match between Spain and France.
A giant German football shirt is seen in the crowd during the quarterfinal match between Germany and Greece at The Municipal Stadium on Friday, June 22, in Gdansk, Poland.
Dimitris Salpigidis of Greece fouls Mats Hummels of Germany during the quarterfinal match between Germany and Greece.
Manuel Neuer of Germany dives the wrong way as Dimitris Salpigidis of Greece (not pictured) scores from the penalty spot during the quarterfinal match between Germany and Greece.
Georgios Samaras of Greece dribbles by Sami Khedira, left, and Jerome Boateng of Germany during the quarterfinal match between Germany and Greece.
Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany tackles Nikos Liberopoulos of Greece during the quarterfinal match between Germany and Greece.
Miroslav Klose of Germany scores their third goal during the quarterfinal match between Germany and Greece.
Georgios Samaras of Greece scores the team's first goal past Manuel Neuer of Germany.
Sami Khedira of Germany celebrates scoring the team's second goal with Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany against Greece.
Sami Khedira of Germany scores the team's second goal past Michalis Sifakis of Greece.
Marco Reus of Germany celebrates scoring the team's fourth goal with Mesut Ozil.
Greece's Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Germany's Sami Khedira compete for the ball.
Germany's Miroslav Klose clashes with Greece's Dimitris Salpigidis.
Germany's Marco Reus celebrates scoring the team's fourth goal with Jerome Boateng during the Euro 2012 quarter-final match against Greece at The Municipal Stadium in Gdansk, Poland.
Georgios Samaras and Kostas Katsouranis celebrate scoring a goal that tied their game against Germany, 1-1, during a quarterfinal match at Euro 2012 in Gdansk, Poland.
Sami Khedira celebrates scoring a goal that put Germany ahead 2-1 against Greece on Friday, June 22, during a quarterfinal match in Gdansk, Poland.
Georgios Samaras scores Greece's first goal past German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Philipp Lahm, Marco Reus and Miroslav Klose celebrate a goal that put Germany ahead of Greece 1-0 in Friday's quarterfinal match.
Tens of thousands of fans in the Memorial Stadium watch as the German team celebrates after a goal.
Germany's Holger Badstuber chases down Greece's Georgios Samaras during the Euro 2012 quarterfinal match at the Municipal Stadium in Gdansk, Poland.
Vasilis Torosidis of Greece shadows Marco Reus of Germany during their Euro 2012 quarterfinal match in Gdansk, Poland.
Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger beats Greece's Georgios Samaras to the ball.
A Greek fan watches the quarterfinal match against Germany on Friday.
Miroslav Klose of Germany and Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Greece fight for the ball.
Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger, left, tackles Giannis Maniatis of Greece.
Fans for Germany show their spirit in the Municipal Stadium in Gdansk.
Jan Rezek of Czech Republic and Pepe of Portugal battle for the ball during the quarterfinal match between Czech Republic and Portugal on Thursday, June 21.
Petr Jiracek of the Czech Republic and teammates look dejected after conceding the opening goal to Portugal.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring the opening goal with his teammates during the quarter final match against the Czech Republic.
Tomas Sivok and David Limbersky of Czech Republic defend the attack of Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.
Tom Hubschman of Czech Republic defends against Portugal's Nani during the quarter final between Czech Republic and Portugal at The National Stadium on June 21, 2012 in Warsaw.
Joao Pereira of Portugal and Vaclav Pilar of Czech Republic jump for the ball.
Portgual's Cristiano Ronaldo attempts an overhead kick during the Euro 2012 quarter final match between the Czech Republic and Portugal at the National Stadium on Thursday, June 21, in Warsaw, Poland.
A Czech Republic fan celebrates during a quarter-final match between the Czech Republic and Portugal on Thursday in Warsaw, Poland.
A Portugal fan holds up a sign during the quarter-final match between the Czech Republic and Portugal.
Miguel Veloso of Portugal and Vladimir Darida of Czech Republic battle for the ball during the quarter-final match between Czech Republic and Portugal.
Helder Postiga of Portugal tackles Tomas Sivok of Czech Republic during the quarter-final match.
Ziatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden scores the opening goal during the group D match against France on Tuesday, June 19.
Franck Ribery of France goes past Andreas Granqvist of Sweden during the match between Sweden and France.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden celebrates his goal during the group D match against France.
Karim Benzema of France is challenged by Jonas Olsson of Sweden during the match between Sweden and France.
Marko Devic of Ukraine reacts during the match between England and Ukraine.
Wayne Rooney of England scores their first goal during the match between England and Ukraine on Tuesday.
Head coach Oleh Blokhin of Ukraine shouts instructions during the match between England and Ukraine.
John Terry of England clears an effort from Marko Devic of Ukraine off the line during the match between England and Ukraine.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden celebrates his goal with Jonas Olsson, left, and Martin Olsson during the match between Sweden and France.
Wayne Rooney of England controls the ball during the match between England and Ukraine.
Yaroslav Rakytskyy of Ukraine and Danny Welbeck of England compete for the ball during the match between England and Ukraine.
Wayne Rooney of England clashes with Denys Garmash of Ukraine during the match between England and Ukraine.
Franck Ribery of France is tackled by Anders Svensson of Sweden during the match between Sweden and France.
England fans soak up the atmosphere during the match between England and Ukraine.
Danny Welbeck of England beats Yevhen Khacheridi of Ukraine to the ball during the match between England and Ukraine.
A young Ukraine fan shows enthusiasm ahead of the match between England and Ukraine on Tuesday, June 19.
England's fans get ready for the match against Ukraine at Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Wayne Rooney of England breaks past Denys Harmash of Ukraine during Tuesday's match in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Emir Bajrami of Sweden gets tackled by France's Hatem Ben Arfa, left, and Yann M'Vila during a Group D match Tuesday in Kiev, Ukraine.
Spain's Alvaro Arbeloa and Croatia's Ivan Strinic fight for the ball during the group C match at Municipal Stadium in Gdansk, Poland, on Monday, June 18.
Ireland fans do the Poznan as they enjoy the atmosphere during the match against Italy.
Italy's Antonio Cassano heads in the opening goal against Ireland.
Italy's Andrea Barzagli tackles Ireland's Kevin Doyle on Monday.
Jesus Navas scores Spain's first goal during the group C match against Croatia on Monday.
Croatia's Luka Modric looks on after Spain's Jesus Navas scores a goal.
Italy's Claudio Marchisio jumps to control the ball during the match against Ireland.
Italy's Mario Balotelli smiles at Ireland's Shay Given.
Kevin Doyle of Ireland and Daniele De Rossi of Italy jump for the ball on Monday.
Badges adorn an Ireland fan's scarf ahead of the group C match between Italy and Ireland.
An Irish fan attempts to catch a snapshot of the action ahead of match between Italy and Ireland.
Kevin Doyle of Ireland tackles Andrea Pirlo of Italy.
A fan awaits the action before the start of the match between Croatia and Spain.
A Spanish fan waits for the start of the match between Croatiia and Spain.
Luka Modric of Croatia is closed down by Alvaro Arbeloa and Xavi of Spain.
Danijel Pranjic of Croatia and Alvaro Arbeloa of Spain compete for the ball.
Lars Bender of Germany celebrates with Miroslav Klose after scoring the team's second goal against Denmark in L'viv, Ukraine, on Sunday, June 17.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates with his teammates as Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands looks dejected during Sunday's match in Kharkov, Ukraine.
Jores Okore, William Kvist and Lars Jacobsen of Denmark face defeat in the match against Germany on Sunday.
Germany's Lars Bender celebrates during the match against Denmark.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, bottom left, celebrates with teammates Miguel Veloso and Custodio after scoring the team's second goal against the Netherlands.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts to his goal against the Netherlands.
Philipp Lahm and Manuel Neuer of Germany walk toward the ball after Michael Krohn-Dehli of Denmark scored.
Portugal's Bruno Alves battles Joris Mathijsen of the Netherlands for control of the ball.
A Dutch fan makes a heart shape with her hands before the start of the team's match against Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal competes with Ron Vlaar of the Netherlands.
Michael Krohn-Dehli of Denmark reacts after scoring the first goal against Germany.
Miguel Veloso of Portugal challenges Robin van Persie of the Netherlands on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates scoring the first goal against the Netherlands.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo kicks the ball past a Dutch defender during Sunday's match.
Lukas Podolski of Germany celebrates scoring the first goal against Denmark.
Rafael van der Vaart of the Netherlands scores the opening goal past Miguel Veloso of Portugal.
Fans of Portugal rally ahead of the team's match against Netherlands in Metalist Stadium.
Sami Khedira of Germany and Christian Eriksen of Denmark compete for the ball.
Fans of Germany dress up for the match against Denmark.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on before the match against the Netherlands.
A Danish fan enjoys the atmosphere ahead of the team's match against Germany.
Dutch fans cheer during the match against Portugual on Sunday.
Georgios Samaras, Giannis Maniatis and Giorgos Tzavelas of Greece celebrate victory during the match between Greece and Russia on Saturday, June 16.
Giorgos Tzavelas of Greece celebrates during the match between Greece and Russia.
Damien Perquis of Poland lies on the pitch at the final whistle during the match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Poland fans look on during the match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Giorgos Karagounis of Greece, center, celebrates Greece's victory over Russia and and adnvancement to the quarter finals during the match between Greece and Russia.
Robert Lewandowski of Poland sits dejected at the final whistle during the match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Aleksandr Anyukov of Russia and Georgios Samaras of Greece battle for the ball during the group A match between Greece and Russia.
Sergey Ignashevich, Aleksey Berezutskiy and Igor Denisov of Russia look dejected during the match between Greece and Russia.
Petr Jiracek of Czech Republic celebrates scoring the first goal with Milan Baros of Czech Republic during the group A match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Dariusz Dudka of Poland goes in to win the ball during the match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Giorgos Karagounis of Greece reacts after he receives a yellow card for diving from referee Jonas Eriksson during the match between Greece and Russia.
Giorgos Karagounis of Greece, center, celebrates scoring the opening goal with teammates, left to right, Kostas Katsouranis, Giannis Maniatis and Sotiris Ninis during the match between Greece and Russia.
Giorgos Karagounis of Greece scores the opening goal past Vyacheslav Malafeev of Russia during the match between Greece and Russia.
Eugen Polanski of Poland brings down Vaclav Pilar of Czech Republic during the match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Giorgos Karagounis of Greece scores the opening goal under pressure from Yuriy Zhirkov of Russia during the match between Greece and Russia on Saturday.
Yuriy Zhirkov of Russia jumps over the challenge by Dimitris Salpigidis of Greece during the match between Greece and Russia.
Football fans enjoy the atmopshere during the match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Petr Jiracek of Czech Republic looks on during the match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Robert Lewandowski of Poland tackles Theodor Gebre Selassie of Czech Republic during the group match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Andrey Arshavin of Russia falls under the challenge by Giorgos Tzavelas of Greece during the the match between Greece and Russia.
A Greece fan enjoys the atmosphere ahead of the match between Greece and Russia.
Russian fans enjoy the atmosphere ahead of the match between Greece and Russia.
Kostas Katsouranis of Greece and Denis Glushakov of Russia tussle for the ball during the match between Greece and Russia.
Jakub Blaszczykowski of Poland jumps to avoid a challenge from Petr Cech of Czech Republic during the match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Football fans enjoy the atmopshere ahead of the match between Czech Republic and Poland.
The Greece team celebrate during match between Greece and Russia.
David Limbersky of Czech Republic is tackled by Dariusz Dudka of Poland during the match between Czech Republic and Poland.
Martin Olsson of Sweden celebrates after Glen Johnson of England fails to stop Olof Mellberg of Sweden's goal during the group D match between Sweden and England on Friday, June 15, in Kiev, Ukraine.
Sweden celebrates after Olof Mellberg of Sweden scored its first goal during the match between Sweden and England.
Olof Mellberg of Sweden scores Sweden's second goal against England in the Sweden-England matchup.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden and John Terry of England clash during the match between Sweden and England.
Danny Welbeck of England scores the third goal past Andreas Isaksson of Sweden.
Sweden fans show their support before the group D match between Sweden and England.
England fans soak up the atmopshere ahead of the Sweden-England matchup.
Andy Carroll, right, of England celebrates the first goal with captain Steven Gerrard during the match between Sweden and England.
Andreas Granqvist of Sweden is tackled by Andy Carroll of England during the Sweden-England matchup.
Andy Carroll of England heads the first goal during the match between Sweden and England.
Yohan Cabaye of France scores the second goal past Oleh Husyev of Ukraine during the match between Ukraine and France.
Yevhen Selin of Ukraine and Yevhen Khacheridi put pressure on Jeremy Menez of France during the group D match between Ukraine and France.
Yohan Cabaye of France celebrates a goal with Karim Benzema of France during the Ukraine-France matchup.
A man looks on after play was suspended due to bad weather during the match between Ukraine and France.
Painted Ukraine fans enjoy themselves before the Euro 2012 group D match between Ukraine and France.
After minutes of playing, torrential rainfall caused the Ukraine vs. France game to be temporarily suspended on Friday.
Fans endure the rains during the match between Ukraine and France.
Ukraine's Yevhen Konoplyanka, right, battles France's Mathieu Debuchy for control of the ball Friday in a group D match.
Players leave the field Friday after weather caused the Ukraine vs. France game to be suspended.
Shay Given of Republic of Ireland tosses the towel during the group C match between Spain and Ireland in Gdansk, Poland, on Thursday, June 14.
Sean St Ledger, Shay Given and Richard Dunne of Republic of Ireland sit dejected after Fernando Torres of Spain scored Spain's third goal during the Spain-Ireland match.
Shay Given of Republic of Ireland makes a save during the match between Spain and Ireland.
Republic of Ireland fans look on during the Spain-Ireland match.
Jonathan Walters of Republic of Ireland clashes with Xabi Alonso of Spain during the match between Spain and Ireland.
Fernando Torres of Spain celebrates scoring the team's third goal during the match between Spain and Ireland.
Fans make their voices heard during the Group C match between Spain and Ireland.
Fernando Torres of Spain scores the team's first goal against Ireland.
David Silva of Spain battles for the ball with Damien Duff of Ireland.
Croatia's Mario Mandzukic and his teammate Darijo Sma celebrate the team's game-tying goal against Italy in Poznan, Poland, on Thursday, June 14.
Mario Balotelli of Italy makes his case during Thursday's match against Croatia.
Ognjen Vukojevic and Ivan Perisic of Croatia stand by after a flare was thrown onto the field.
Gianluigi Buffon of Italy gestures during the match against Croatia.
Gordon Schildenfeld of Croatia and Sebastian Giovinco of Italy battle for the ball.
Luka Modric of Croatia is marshalled by Mario Balotelli of Italy.
Emanuele Giaccherini of Italy clashes with Darijo Srna of Croatia.
Stipe Pletikosa of Croatia fails to stop a goal from a free kick by Andrea Pirlo of Italy.
Andrea Pirlo of Italy celebrates scoring the opening goal against Croatia.
An Italy fan cheers during the team's Group C match against Croatia.
Fans enjoy the atmosphere during the match between Italy and Croatia in Poland on Thursday.
Giorgio Chiellini of Italy and Nikica Jelavic of Croatia compete for the ball.
Fans revel during the Italy-Croatia match on Thursday.
Philipp Lahm of Germany controls the ball during the Group B match between Netherlands and Germany on Wednesday, June 13.
John Heitinga of the Netherlands and Sami Khedira of Germany compete for the ball during the Group B match between Netherlands and Germany.
Manuel Neuer of Germany celebrates after Mario Gomez scored the opening goal against the Netherlands.
John Heitinga of the Netherlands and Mario Gomez of Germany fight for the ball.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal clashes with Simon Kjær of Denmark during the Group B match between Portugal and Denmark.
Pepe of Portugal, left, celebrates scores the team's first goal against Denmark.
Nicklas Bendtner of Denmark beats Pepe of Portugal to head in Denmark's second goal.
Silvestre Varela of Portugal celebrates scoring their third goal against Denmark with Joao Moutinho of Portugal.
Portugal fans rally before the Group B match against Denmark in Lviv, Ukraine.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal gestures during the match against Denmark.
Pepe celebrates after Helder Postiga of Portugal scored the second goal against Denmark.
Dennis Rommedahl of Denmark fights for possession with Fabio Coentrao of Portugal.
Denmark's Simon Kjær battles for a header against Helder Postiga of Portugal on Wednesday.
Jakub Blaszczykowski of Poland celebrates after scoring Poland's equalizer in the 1-1 draw with Russia in Warsaw, Poland, on Tuesday, June 12.
Poland captain Blaszczykowski scored in the 57th minute as the co-hosts denied Russia the satisfaction of becoming the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals, Tueday.
Polish fans cheer during the group A match between Poland and Russia, Tuesday.
Roman Shirokov of Russia and Dariusz Dudka of Poland vie for control of the ball during their match, Tuesday.
Aleksandr Kerzhakov of Russia and Marcin Wasilewski of Poland jump to avoid colliding with Poland's goalkeeper, Grzegorz Sandomiersk.
A Poland fan looks thoughtful ahead of the team's match against Russia, Tuesday.
Petr Jiracek of the Czech Republic scores the opening goal against Greece in Wroclaw, Poland, on Tuesday, June 12.
Greece's Dimitris Salpigidis reacts during Tuesday's match. His team went on to lose 2-1 to the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic's Vaclav Pilar, right, scores the second goal of the match against Greece.
Fans cheer for Greece during its Group A match against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Pilar of the Czech Republic celebrates scoring the team's second goal against Greece.
A fan cheers during the Greece-Czech Republic match Tuesday at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw.
Jiracek scores the Czech Republic's opening goal against Greece and Jose Holebas on Tuesday.
Andriy Shevchenko of Ukraine reacts to scoring the team's second goal during the Group D match against Sweden in Kiev, Ukraine, on Monday, June 11.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates scoring Sweden's first goal against Ukraine.
Ukraine's Andriy Voronin vies with Swedish defender Andreas Granqvist.
A Swedish fan soaks up the atmosphere ahead of Monday's match against Ukraine.
Yevhen Selin of Ukraine and Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden battle for the ball.
Ukraine's Anatoliy Tymoshchuk tackles Kim Kallstrom of Sweden.
Goalkeeper Joe Hart of England blocks Samir Nasri of France during the Group D match in Donetsk, Ukraine, Monday, June11.
Players compete for control of the ball during the England-France match on Monday.
Scott Parker of England fights for possession with Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema of France.
Joleon Lescott of England scores during the first half of the match against France.
Steven Gerrard of England celebrates after Joleon Lescott's goal against France.
Samir Nasri of France celebrates his goal against England.
Mathieu Debuchy of France flies through the air as he battles England's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
A France fan shows her colors during the game against England.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of England and Adil Rami of France fight for possession.
England fans wearing Queen Elizabeth II masks watch the match against France on Monday.
Kevin Doyle of Ireland and Vedran Corluka of Croatia battle for the ball in Poznan, Poland, on Sunday, June 10.
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring the team's third goal against Ireland on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Shay Given of Ireland fails to stop Croatia's Mario Mandzukic from scoring.
Ireland's Jonathan Walters competes with Croatia's Vedran Corluka.
Croatia fans ignite flares during Sunday's match against Ireland.
Mario Mandzukic celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Croatia during the match against Ireland.
Ireland's Sean St Ledger ties up the game against Croatia.
Ireland fans enjoy the atmosphere before Sunday's match against Croatia.
Gordon Schildenfeld of Croatia clashes with Kevin Doyle of Ireland.
Sergio Ramos of Spain and Mario Balotelli of Italy compete for the ball duing their match in Gdansk, Poland, Sunday, June 10.
Italy's Mario Balotelli takes control of the ball in Sunday's match against Spain.
Italy's Gianluigi Buffon gestures duriing the match against Spain.
Italy's Mario Balotelli looks up after a fall during the Spain-Italy match.
Antonio Di Natale celebrates after scoring Italy's first goal against Spain. Spain was held to a 1-1 draw.
Italy's Antonio Di Natale kicks the ball past goalkeeper Iker Casillas of Spain.
Spanish fans get into the mood ahead of Sunday's match against Italy.
An Italy fan cheers before Sunday's match against Spain.
Daniele De Rossi of Italy tackles Cesc Fabregas of Spain.
Thiago Motta of Italy takes a fall while playing against Spain on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Sami Khedira of Germany fight for the ball in a match on Saturday, June 9.
Mario Gomez celebrates Germany's first goal during the match against Portugal.
Lukas Podolski of Germany and Raul Meireles of Portugal battle for the ball.
Lukas Podolski of Germany in action during the Germany-Portugal match.
Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany holds off a challenge from Joao Moutinho of Portugal.
Michael Krohn-Dehli of Denmark scores the team's first goal past Maarten Stekelenburg of the Netherlands during a Group B match Saturday.
A Danish fan mugs before the match between the Netherlands and Denmark.
Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands heads the ball during the match against Denmark.
Ibrahim Afellay of the Netherlands goes airborne as Daniel Agger of Denmark defends.
Robin van Persie of the Netherlands misses a chance at goal against Denmark.
Dutch fans look dejected at the final whistle during the Netherlands-Denmark match.
Goalkeeper Stephan Andersen of Denmark celebrates with teammate Lars Jacobsen during the match against the Netherlands.
Arjen Robben lies dejected on the pitch after the Netherlands' loss to Denmark on Saturday.
Alan Dzagoev of Russia scores against Czech Republic on Friday, June 8.
Alan Dzagoev of Russia celebrates scoring the team's third goal against Czech Republic.
Roman Shirokov of Russia scores the team's second goal past Petr Cech of Czech Republic.
Night settles over the Russia-Czech Republic match.
Konstantin Zyryanov of Russia and Jan Rezek of Czech Republic collide.
Wojciech Szczesny of Poland fouls Dimitris Salpigidis of Greece for a penalty.
Dimitris Salpigidis and Georgios Samaras of Greece celebrate their first goal against Poland.
Lukasz Piszczek of Poland and Georgios Samaras of Greece battle for the ball during the opening match.
Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring the opening goal during the match against Greece.
Polish fans cheer before the match between Poland and Greece.
Players warm up before the match between Poland and Greece.
A young woman blows a kiss as she takes part in a parade before the opening match.
Police officers stand in front of a poster showing a giant ball.
Polish fans hold up banners before the Euro 2012 match between Poland and Greece.
Fans of Poland's national soccer team wave from a train window.
Greek and Polish fans cheer for their teams before the match.
Mascots Slavko, left, and Slavek, right, pose before the match between Poland and Greece.
Czech Republic fans cheer a few hours before the opening match.
Fans attend the Dutch team's training session.
German and Portugese fans show off their nations' flags.
The Manchester City midfielder opens the scoring for the reigning champions with a 14th minute header.
Latching onto a sublime through ball from Xavi, Jordi Alba doubles Spain's lead four minutes before halftime.
Fernando Torres came on as a substitute for Cesc Fabregas to score his country's third goal of the night and his third of the tournament to claim the Euro 2012 Golden Boot.
Fans watching the final on a giant screen outside the Bernabeu Stadium celebrate another goal for Spain.
Italian fans can barely watch as their team are overrun by a rampant Spanish side.
Super Mario couldn't reproduce the magic which helped Italy beat Germany in the semifinal.
"We came up against a terrific side. They're world champions. Obviously, when you go down to 10 men, the game's over," said Italy coach Cesare Prandelli.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (center) attends the Euro 2012 final at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.
Spanish and Italian supporters mingle in Kiev's fan zone before Sunday's big game.
Ukraine were the other team to welcome Europe's finest, but the co-hosts fell behind in their opening match with Sweden. Step forward Andriy Shevchenko, the legendary striker who scored a second-half brace to delight the nation and secure a 2-1 win.
Tensions were high ahead of Poland's clash with Russia. The hosts fell behind when Alan Dzagoev headed in his third goal of the tournament, but Poland's captain Jakub Blaszczykowski fired in a stunning second-half equalizer to level the match. Despite the draw, Poland failed to make it out of the group stages.
Russia were also condemned to an early exit after 2004 champions Greece stunned Dick Advocaat's team by winning 1-0 and reaching the last eight.
Ukraine needed to beat England to qualify from Group D, but went behind as Wayne Rooney scored on his return from suspension. Artem Milevskiy thought he had leveled when his shot appeared to cross the goal line, but John Terry cleared and England advanced alongside France.
Cristiano Ronaldo's personal mission to beat the Czech Republic succeeded in the closing stages as he superbly headed Portugal into the semifinals of Euro 2012.
Xabi Alonso scored both of Spain's goals in the quarterfinal against France, leading the champions into a showdown with neighbors Portugal on the occasion of his 100th cap.
Andrea Pirlo was the coolest man in Kyiv as he chipped in this effort in a shootout against England. Italy advanced as Ashley Cole missed and Alessandro Diamanti fired in the decisive spot kick.
Having got the order of the takers wrong, Bruno Alves compounded his own misery by smashing his penalty against the bar as Portugal lost in the semis to Spain.
Cesc Fabregas' scuffed penalty went in off the post as Spain beat Portugal in their semifinal shootout to earn a place in the final against Italy in Kiev on Sunday.
Controversial striker Mario Balotelli was Italy's hero in the semifinals, scoring twice as the Azzurri stunned Joachim Low's Germany with a 2-1 win.
Nadal is the modern-day King of Clay, having won a record seventh French Open title this year to extend his run to 52-1. His only defeat at Roland Garros came as a huge shock, as he was beaten by Sweden's Robin Soderling (pictured) in the fourth round in 2009, opening the door for Roger Federer to win his first Paris major.
So how does Nadal's upset compare to other stunners? Unfancied North Korea stunned football fans in 1966 by knocking Italy out of the World Cup in the group stage. Pak Doo Ik scored the only goal of their game to send the Italians home from the English tournament.
Argentina, captained by the legendary Diego Maradona, entered the 1990 World Cup as champions but the South Americans suffered a shock 1-0 defeat by Cameroon in the tournament's opening match. Francois Oman-Biyik headed the Africans' winner.
Denmark failed to even qualify for Euro '92 in Sweden and only received a place in the tournament when Yugoslavia were disqualified due to the conflict in the Balkans. The Danes made the most of their unexpected opportunity, progressing to the final where they beat Germany 2-0 thanks to goals from John Jensen (pictured) and Kim Vilfort.
Winners do not come much more unlikely than John Daly at the 1995 British Open. A recovering alcoholic, Daly was 66-1 to win at St. Andrews, the Scottish course known as "the home of golf." The American emerged victorious from a four-hole playoff with Italian Costantino Rocca to clinch his second major triumph.
Goran Ivanisevic had been a professional tennis player for 13 years, but, ahead of Wimbledon 2001, he had yet to win a grand slam title. He had slipped to 125 in the world rankings, but was handed a wildcard place for the grass-court grand slam. Ivanisevic played like a man possessed at the All England Club, defeating home favorite Tim Henman in the semis before beating Pat Rafter in an emotional final with his fourth match point.
Ahead of Euro 2004 in Portugal, few thought Greece would get out of their group, let alone have any chance of lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy. After a shock win over the hosts in the opening match, victories over France in the quarterfinals and the much-fancied Czech Republic in the last four set up a rematch with Portugal in the final. Angelos Charisteas' first-half header gave Greece a stunning 1-0 win and their first major tournament win.
By anyone's standards, 100-1 are very long odds. That was how unlikely a victory for Mon Mome was considered at the 2009 Grand National. But the horse, rode by Liam Treadwell, romped home to win the marquee British race by 12 lengths.
In 1980, the Soviet hockey team entered an Olympics filled with tensions between the host United States and the Communist power. Despite fielding a team of mostly college players, the U.S. defeated the Soviets 4-3, the four-time defending Olympic champions and the most dominant national team of that era.
|