The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations). Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current name in 1968.
Contents
Starting with the 1996 tournament, specific championships are often referred to in the form "Euro 2008" or whichever year is appropriate. Prior to entering the tournament all teams other than the host nations (which qualify automatically) compete in a qualifying process.
Germany have participated in twelve UEFA European Football Championships, five of which were as West Germany and seven of which were as (unified) Germany.
They are holders of three European titles, won at Belgium 1972, Italy 1980 and England 1996. The team finished out of top eight only in two occasions, the tournaments of 2000 and 2004. In all other editions Germany had participated in the finals but one they reached at least semi-finals, doing so nine times, an unparalleled record in Europe.