Euro 2012: Top five goals

Published on 01/07/2012 00:00

Here’s our list of the best goals of the tournament

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (SWE v Fra)

Ibrahimovich demonstrated just what a talent he is with the best goal of the group stage. Sebastian Larsson sent in an innocuous-looking looping cross from the right, with Ibrahimovic only just inside the box when he met it with an outrageous acrobatic volley into the bottom corner.

SAMI KHEDIRA (GER v Gre)

Germany shrugged off a shock Greek equaliser in stunning fashion in their quarter-final in Gdansk. Khedira, pictured, was heavily involved in a move that flowed from left to right before Jerome Boateng whipped in a cross that Khedira crashed into the net with a sensational volley.

MARIO BALOTELLI (Ger v ITALY)

The goal that ripped the heart out of Germany’s Euro 2012 bid. Italy broke from a corner kick and Balotelli timed his run to perfection to beat a poor offside trap and race on to Riccardo Montolivo’s ball over the top. The Manchester City star still had plenty to do before smashing an unstoppable 20-yard shot past Manuel Neuer.

JAKUB BLASZCZYKOWSKI (POL v Rus)

Poland failed to get out of their group but provided their fans with a moment they will never forget. Breaking from the edge of their own box, the ball was worked down the right to Blaszczykowski, who cut inside and curled a left-foot drive inside the post.

MARIO GOMEZ (Neth v GER)

For sheer skills and composure, Gomez’s opener against Holland takes some beating, staying onside to retrieve Bastian Schweinsteiger’s pass before a gorgeous pirouette and drag back and calmly sidefooting into the corner of the net.