In the earliest era of European football, England and Scotland was held together as the first ever international match in 1872. British teams and Central European teams dominated European football during the first half of the 20th Century. Italy is the first European team to win FIFA World Cup in 1934. In the second half of the 20th Century, Western European teams have become the authorization in Europe. In history of World Cup, it is only two tournaments European team did not appear in final match and European team won totally 10 World Cup champions as a record. It has been known as a dominance side of the World. Nevertheless, many political changes have effected to its football status especially separation of Eastern European nation, the domination has absolutely been transferred to West zone.
European Championship was first held in 1960 as European Nation Cup. The first tournament was not entered by many top nations in Europe and its final tournament was designed for four teams to participate. It was renamed to be the current one in 1968 and the qualifying round in group format was created in the same year. The number of final tournament was increased to 8 teams in 1980 and 16 teams in 1996.
British Home Championship was an annual football competition contested between the United Kingdom's four national teams, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Ireland before its partition) from the 1883–84 season until the 1983-84 season.
Nordic Football Championship was first played during 1924–1928, only Denmark, Norway and Sweden competed, but Finland joined for the second tournament, and at the last tournament played in 2000–2001, Iceland and the Faroe Islands also competed.
Central European International Cup was an international football competition between 1927 and 1960.Participating nations were Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland and Yugoslavia. Played as a league on a home and away basis, it was contested six times and each single tournament usually took more than two years to complete.
Balkan Cup was an international football tournament played on and off between 1929 and 1980 between countries from the Balkan region. The first tournament was played between Romania, Greece, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. Then, Turkey and Albania participated for some tournaments.
*Remark : 1) Yugoslavia and Soviet Union cover the best performance of its former members in each tournament.
2) European Championship all-time table include qualifying round.
26.
Zone : Scandinavia, Stadium : Ullevance (25,572 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 45th
Nordic Football Championship : WN (1), RN (2)
All-Time European Championship Table : 20th
European Championship : R12(1), R16(1), R20(5), R24(4)
Olympic Games : 3rd (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (2), R16 (2), R24 (6)
FIFA World Cup : R12 (1-A), R16 (1), R20 (1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Jorgen Juve (33 Goals)
All-Time Top Scorer : Jorgen Juve (33 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Rune Bradseth
The Greatest Manager Ever : Egil Olsen
The Greatest Manager Ever : Egil Olsen
“Drillos” Norway national team is one of top three football nations in Scandinavia. Its first international match was held in 1908 the same year as affiliation to FIFA. Norway first entered to play in official international tournament in the 1936 Olympic game and won Bronze Medal, this is regarded as their best achievement ever. To confirm their golden era during the second half of the 1930s, Norway qualified for the 1938 FIFA World Cup final tournament. Norway was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Nevertheless, its football history was in the dark period after the post-war era and became the small football nation until met the second golden age in the 1990s when it turned professional in 1992. Norway was one of the strongest teams in Europe in the middle 1990s but disqualified for the 1994 FIFA World Cup second round despite won point as many as the winner of group. Norway participated for only appearance in European championship final tournament in 2000.
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1923
25.
Zone : Asia Minor
Stadium : Ataturk Olympic Stadium (76,092 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 34th
All-Time European Championship Table : 15th
UEFA Euro : SF (1), QF (2), R16 (2), R20 (2), R24 (4)
UEFA Euro : SF (1), QF (2), R16 (2), R20 (2), R24 (4)
FIFA Confederation Cup : 3rd (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R16 (4), R24 (5)
FIFA World Cup : 3rd(1), R12(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Hakan Sukur (51 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Lefter Küçükandonyadis
The Greatest Manager Ever : Fatih Terim
“The Crescent Stars” Turkey national team is a very identity and
the greatest team ever of the Middle East. Turkey played its first
international match and was admitted to FIFA in 1923. Although Turkey qualified
for the 1950 World Cup in Middle East Zone as the first participation, they had
to withdraw due to financial problems. They finally entered to play in the 1954
FIFA World Cup as the first appearance. Turkey was first a member of UEFA in
1962. It had been more than four decades Turkey did not enter in any major
tournament until the 1996 European Championship. The 2000s became
the golden era of Turkey national team when they could win third place in the
2002 FIFA World Cup as their best achievement in the history before reached its
best ever place in European Championship in the 2008 semi-finalist.
Zone : British Isles
Stadium : Millennium (74,500 Seats)
Stadium : Millennium (74,500 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 53th
British Home Championship : WN (12)
All-Time European Championship Table : -
European Championship : SF(1), QF (1), R12(1), R16(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R16 (1), R24 (8)
All-Time World Cup Performance : QF(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Ian Rush (28 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : John Charles
The Greatest Manager Ever : Mike Smith
"The Dragons" Wales played its first international match with Scotland in 1876 and won the first international trophy at the 1907 British Home Championship. It becamea member of FIFA in 1906 but withdrew from FIFA matches since 1928 and re-affiliated in 1946. It also affiliated to UEFA in 1954. Wales first played outside the British isles in 1933. Although Wales never qualified for UEFA Euro final tournament until 2016, it would have qualified for the model of 16 teams three times, achieving quarter-finalist in 1976. Wales achieved its longet winning streak at 6 game between 1980 nd 1981. Between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, Wales declined to the bottom group among European teams. In 2015, Wales Achieved its best ever FIFA Ranking at 8th place as a result from performance in the 2016 UEFA Euro qualification, was developed incrementally at 109 ranks from 117th in 2011. Wales qualified for EURO final tournament for the first time for 2016 and surprisingly achieved the semi-finalist.
23.
Zone : British Isles
Stadium : Windsor Park (24,374 Seats)
Stadium : Windsor Park (24,374 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 39th
British Home Championship : WN (8)
All-Time European Championship Table : 23rd
European Championship : R12(2), R16(3), R20(2), R24(3)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R16 (6), R24 (7)
All-Time World Cup Performance : QF(1),R12(1),R20(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : David Healy (36 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : George Best
The Greatest Manager Ever : Peter Doherty
Northern Ireland national team is one of the parts in British football history, was founded as Ireland national team for the first international match in 1882. In 1884, Ireland competed in the inaugural British Home Championship. They affiliated to FIFA in 1911. In 1920 Ireland was partitioned into Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. Between 1928 and 1946 the IFA were not affiliated to FIFA and it was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Northern Ireland achieved their best highlight of its history when they reached the 1958 FIFA World Cup quarter-final. They met another recognizable era in the 1980s, qualified for their last two World Cups. However, Northern Ireland has never qualified for European Championship final tournament, the narrowest occasions were created in the 1976 and the 1984 tournament.
22.
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1921
Zone : British Isles, Stadium : Aviva (51,700 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 38th
All-Time European Championship Table : 21th
European Championship : R6(1), R12(1), R16(5), R20(4)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R16 (6), R24 (4)
FIFA World Cup : QF(1), R16(2)
All-Time Top Scorer : Robbie Keane (67 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Liam Brady
The Greatest Manager Ever : Jack Charlton
Republic of Ireland national team made its debut at the 1924 Olympics after affiliated to FIFA in 1923, reaching the quarter-finals. Between 1924 and 1936, the team competed as the Irish Free State and from then until 1950, it was referred to by the FAI as Éire or Ireland. In 1953, it is officially called as Republic of Ireland and was first admitted to UEFA in 1958. They first participated in European Championship final tournament in 1964. Contrarily to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland spent four decades in the second half of the 20th Century with no appearance in FIFA World Cup until 1990 before went on participation for next two tournaments. The late 1980s to the early 1990s is the golden era of Irish football when they reached European Championship final tournament in 1988 following up by acquiring of its best ever place in history of World Cup with quarter-finalist in 1990 before made impressive performance in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
21.
Zone:British Isles,Stadium:Hampden Park(52,103Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 30th
British Home Championship : WN (41)
All-Time European Championship Table : 17th
European Championship : R6(1), R12(2), R16(1), R20(6)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (3), R16 (8), R24 (3)
FIFA World Cup : R12(2), R16(3), R20(2), R28(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Kenny Dalglish,Denis Law (30 Goals), The Greatest Player Ever : Denis Law
The Greatest Manager Ever : Jock Stein
Scotland national team is the greatest British team during the 1920s and the second half 1970s, is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872. Scotland played the first edition of British home championship in 1883 and turned professional status in 1893, They first joined FIFA in 1910 and played their first match outside the British Isles in 1929. Scotland, like the other Home Nations, did not enter the three FIFA World Cups held during the 1930s. This was because the four associations had been excluded from FIFA due to a disagreement regarding the status of amateur players. Scotland was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and also play their first ever World Cup in the same year. Scotland qualified for FIFA World Cup for five consecutive tournaments between 1974 and 1990. Their best place ever is 9th in the 1974 tournament. They participated in European championship final tournament twice during the 1990s and won fifth place as its best place ever in 1992.
20.
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1926
Zone : Balkan Peninsula
Stadium : Olympic (71,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 49th
All-Time European Championship Table : 13th
UEF Euro : WN(1), QF(2), R16(3), R20(4), R24(2)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (1), R16 (4), R24 (7)
FIFA World Cup : R16(1), R24(1), R28(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Nikos Anastopoulos (29 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Vassilis Hatzipanagis
The Greatest Manager Ever : Otto Rehagel
“Hellenic Football” Greece national team is famous for surprising the World when they could win European Championship in 2004. Its first international match was first held in 1929 two years after affiliation to FIFA. Greece first participated in World Cup qualification round of the 1934 tournament. They won runner-up in the 1935 Balkan Cup. Greece was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Its history was known as the garden tree team, had never qualified for major tournament until got achievement to qualify in the 1980 European Championship. Greece qualified for FIFA World Cup for the first time in the 1994 tournament. In 2004, they won the victory European Championship title as the second appearance. This really changed history of Greece football to be a lot higher respectful team. Greece acquired the only game win in the 2010 World Cup.
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1904
19.
Zone : Central Europe
Stadium : Ernst Happel (53,008 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 19th
Central European International Cup : WN (1), RN (2)
All-Time European Championship Table : 27th
European Championship : QF(1-A),R12(4),R20(3),R24(3)
Olympic Games : 2nd (2)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (5), R16 (2), R24 (7)
World Cup : 3rd(1),4th(1-A),QF(2),R16(1),R20(1),R24(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Toni Polster (44 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Matthias Sindelar
The Greatest Manager Ever : Hugo Meisl
The Greatest Manager Ever : Hugo Meisl
Austria national team is one of the greatest European teams during the pre-war era. Its international match was first held in 1902 and first affiliated to FIFA in 1905. They played the first international tournament in the 1912 Olympic Games. Austria was introduced professionalism in 1924. Austria won fourth place in the 1934 FIFA World Cup as the first appearance. It is their first champion in international tournament when Austria won the 1932 Central European International Cup. They also won the 1936 Olympic Games silver medal and all of these confirm their golden age during the 1930s. During the war-time, Austria was disappeared to be combined as a part of Germany team. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and they achieved finishing third place as their best place ever in World Cup in that year. Austria met the failure era between 1962 and 1974, did not qualify for every major tournament until return to the top level status reaching quarter-final in the 1978 and 1982 FIFA World Cup. Austria has never qualified for European Championship and they played in the 2008 tournament as host. The 2000s is also one of their failure eras.
Zone : Balkan Peninsula
Stadium : Vasil Levski National (43,632 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 33th
Balkan Cup : WN (4), RN (1)
All-Time European Championship Table : 22th
UEFA Euro : QF(1), R12(3), R16(3), R20 (1), R24(4)
Olympic Games : 1st (1), 2nd (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(2), R16(3), R24(9)
FIFA World Cup : 4th (1),R12 (2), R16 (3), R32 (1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Dimitar Berbatov (48 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Hristo Stoichkov
The Greatest Manager Ever : Dimitar Penev
The Greatest Manager Ever : Dimitar Penev
17.
Zone : Central Europe
Stadium : Puskas Ferenc(56,000 Seats)
Stadium : Puskas Ferenc(56,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 16th
Central European International Cup : WN (1), RN (1)
All-Time European Championship Table : 24th
UEFA Euro : 3rd(1), 4th(1), QF(1), R12(2), R16(2), R20(1), R24(4), Olympic Games : 1st (3), 2nd(1), 3rd(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (7), R16 (1), R24 (4)
World Cup : RN(1A,1B),QF(1A,2B),R12(1),R16(2),R20(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Ferenc Puskas (84 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Ferenc Puskas
The Greatest Manager Ever : Gusztav Sebes
The Greatest Player Ever : Ferenc Puskas
The Greatest Manager Ever : Gusztav Sebes
“The Magical Magyars” Hungary national team is one of the greatest primes ever during the first half 1950s and is best known for being one of the most formidable and influential sides in football history. It is the greatest team ever in history of Olympic Games, hold the record most Gold medal with three. Hungary is the oldest team in Eastern Europe as its first official international match was held in 1902. The affiliation to FIFA was created in 1907. Hungary was introduced professionalism in 1924. They played the first international tournament in Central European international Cup in 1927 and never played in Olympic Games before World Cup era. They first entered to play the first World Cup in the 1934 tournament and could win runner-up in the 1938 FIFA World Cup. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. is best known for being one of the most formidable and influential sides in football history, The side of that era has the all-time highest Football Elo Ranking in the world, with 2166, and one of the longest undefeated runs in football history, remaining unbeaten in 31 games, spanning over more than 4 years. The post-golden age decades saw a gradually weakening Hungary. They has become a normal team in Europe during the 1990s and the 2000s.
16.
Zone : Central Europe,Stadium : Silesian (55,221 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 15th
All-Time European Championship Table : 25th
UEFA Euro : QF(1), R12(3),R16(3),R20(3),R24(4)
Olympic Games : 1st (1), 2nd (2), 4th (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (3), R16 (5), R24 (5)
World Cup : 3rd(2),QF(1),R12(1-A),R16(1),R24(1),R28(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Wlodzimierz Lubanski (48 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Zbigniew Boniek
The Greatest Manager Ever : Kazimierz Gorski
15.
Zone : Scandinavia, Stadium : Parken (38,065 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 25th
Nordic Football Championship : WN (3), RN (7)
All-Time European Championship Table : 10th
European Championship : WN(1),SF(1),4th(1),QF(2),
R12(1), R16(2),R24(2)
R12(1), R16(2),R24(2)
Olympic Games: 2nd(3),3rd(1),Confederation Cup : WN(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(2), R16(5), R24(3)
FIFA World Cup : QF(1), R12(2), R24(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Poul Tist Nielsen,
John Dahl Tomasson (52 Goals)
John Dahl Tomasson (52 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Michael Laudrup
The Greatest Manager Ever : Richard Moller Nielsen
The Greatest Manager Ever : Richard Moller Nielsen
Denmark national team is one of the greatest European teams in the earliest era of football. Denmark played it first official international match in 1908 and was affiliated to FIFA in 1904. As amateur status, Denmark played its first international tournament in the 1908 Olympic Games and won silver medal before went on golden era to win silver medal again in the next Olympic Games. They won the first international tournament in the first ever Nordic Championship held between 1924 and 1928. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 before first entered in the FIFA World Cup qualification for the 1958 tournament. It is the first appearance of Denmark in the 1964 European Championship. Denmark was introduced professionalism in 1978. They spent a long period until qualified for their first ever World Cup of the 1986 tournament. The 1990s is the most successful era of Denmark. They were allowed to join the 1992 European Championship after Yugoslavia withdrew and surprised the World by winning the title. Denmark reached their best place ever in World Cup with fifth place in the 1998 tournament.
14.
Zone : Western Europe
Stadium : St-Jakob-Partk (38,500 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 21st
All-Time European Championship Table : 19th
European Championship : R12 (3), R16 (4)
Olympic Games : 2nd (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(2), R16(4), R24(5)
FIFA World Cup : QF(3-A,1-B), R12(1), R16(4), R20(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Alexander Frei (42 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Severino Minelli
The Greatest Manager Ever : Karl Rappan
“Schweizer Nati” The Switzerland national team is known as one of the smallest football nations in the Europe. They first played international match in 1905 after joining with FIFA in 1904. Switzerland entered to play their first international tournament in the 1924 Olympic Games and won silver medal immediately. This achievement is perhaps the best in their history as the Olympic Games was the best football tournament in the World at that time. Switzerland got successful period during the 1930s in FIFA World Cup after they participated for the first time in 1934. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and being host of World Cup in the same year and reached quarter-final round which is regarded as their best result ever in history of the tournament. They met the dark era during the 1970s and the 1980s, did not qualify for FIFA World Cup for six tournaments in row until 1994. They first qualified for European Championship final tournament in 1996.
13.
Zone : Balkan Peninsula
Stadium : Stadionul National (55,200 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 24th
Balkan Cup : WN (4), RN (1)
All-Time European Championship Table : 18th
UEFA Euro : QF(4), R12(3), R16(2), R20(3), R24(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (3), R16 (8), R24 (2)
FIFA World Cup : QF (1-A,1-B), R12 (2-A,3-B)
All-Time Top Scorer : G. Hagi, A. Mutu (35 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Gheorghe Hagi
The Greatest Manager Ever : Angel Iordanescu
Romania national team is the considerably successful team from Eastern Europe even it is the only one in this zone to have never achieved concretely. Romania played the first international match in 1922 before admitted to FIFA in the next year. Romania had the successful era during the 1930s, won the first ever Balkan Cup in 1931, participated in all three World Cup tournaments and was one of the founding members in the first ever FIFA World Cup. It was also one of the first members of UEFA in 1954. The dark era was happened during the 1950s and the 1960s, did not qualify for major tournament until 1970 and flopped disqualifying again through the 1970s until the first appearance in the 1984 European Championship. Romania’s golden age is the 1990s after they qualified for consecutive three World Cups and reached fifth place in the 1994 tournament as their best place ever. Romania reached their best result ever in history of European Championship in the 2000 quarter-finalist.
12.
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1904
Zone : Scandinavia, Stadium : Ullevi (43,000Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 13th
Nordic Football Championship : WN (9), RN (4)
All-Time European Championship Table : 12th
UEFA Euro : SF(1), QF(2), R12(1), R1(4), R20(2), R24(2)
Olympic Games : 1st (1), 3rd (2), 4th (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (5), R16 (7), R24 (3)
FIFA World Cup : RN(1), 3rd(1-A,1-B), 4th(1-A),
QF(2), R12(1), R16(4), R24 (1)
QF(2), R12(1), R16(4), R24 (1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Zlatan Ibrahimovic (59 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Nils Liedholm
The Greatest Manager Ever : George Raynor
The Greatest Manager Ever : George Raynor
The Swedish national team is the greatest Scandinavian team of all-time. They played first international match in 1908 after admitted to FIFA for four years. Sweden played its first international tournament in the 1908 Olympic Games and won fourth place. They participated in their first World Cup ever in the 1934 tournament. Sweden won its first Nordic championship in 1936 and finally holds the record most tournament winners at nine. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Sweden reached semi-final round in the last pre-war World Cup and the first post-war World Cup and also won their only Olympic Games gold medal in 1948. Sweden won runner-up as their best place ever in the 1958 FIFA World Cup as host. Sweden was introduced professionalism in 1967. It was the failure era of Sweden in the 1960s and the 1980s. The first half of the 1990s is their another prominent era after it entered to play in their first ever European Championship final tournament in 1992 as host and reached semi-final round as their best place ever before finished third place in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1914
“The Navigators” Portugal national team is one of the most technical teams in the Europe. They played the first international match in 1921 and joined with FIFA in 1923. Portugal played its first international tournament in the 1928 Olympic Games. They first entered to play in the FIFA World Cup qualification of the 1934 tournament. Portugal had to wait until their golden era coming visit to make the first appearance in FIFA World Cup of the 1966 tournament and immediately won third place as their best result ever. The 1970s and the 1980s was the dark era of Portugal until return to make first participation in European Championship of the 1984 tournament and could reach semi-final round, also qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. The 2000s is their second greatest era, qualified for all three European Championships and World Cups, finished runner-up as their best ever place in the 2004 European Championship as host and finished fourth place in the 2006 tournament.
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1895
11.
Zone : Iberian Peninsula
Stadium : Estadio Da Luz (65,647 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 17th
All-Time European Championship Table : 6th
UEFA Euro : WN(1) ,RN(1), SF(3), QF(1-A,2-B), R16(4), R20(3)
Olympic Games : 4th (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (3), R16 (7), R24 (6)
FIFA World Cup : 3rd(1), 4th(1), R12(1), R20(2), R24(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Cristiano Ronaldo (61 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Cristiano Ronaldo
The Greatest Manager Ever : Luis Felipe Scolari
“The Navigators” Portugal national team is one of the most technical teams in the Europe. They played the first international match in 1921 and joined with FIFA in 1923. Portugal played its first international tournament in the 1928 Olympic Games. They first entered to play in the FIFA World Cup qualification of the 1934 tournament. Portugal had to wait until their golden era coming visit to make the first appearance in FIFA World Cup of the 1966 tournament and immediately won third place as their best result ever. The 1970s and the 1980s was the dark era of Portugal until return to make first participation in European Championship of the 1984 tournament and could reach semi-final round, also qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. The 2000s is their second greatest era, qualified for all three European Championships and World Cups, finished runner-up as their best ever place in the 2004 European Championship as host and finished fourth place in the 2006 tournament.
10.
Zone : Western Europe
Stadium : King Badouin (50,122 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 14th
All-Time European Championship Table : 14th
European Championship : 2nd(1), 3rd(1), R6(1),QF(2), R12(1), R16(2), R24 (2)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (5), R16 (8)
FIFA World Cup: 4th(1), QF(1), R12(1-A,5-B),
R16(2-A,1-B),R20(1), Olympic Games : 1st(1), 4th(1)
R16(2-A,1-B),R20(1), Olympic Games : 1st(1), 4th(1)
All-Time Top Scorer :B.Voorhoof, P.VanHimst (30 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Jan Ceulemans
The Greatest Manager Ever : Guy Thys
The Greatest Player Ever : Jan Ceulemans
The Greatest Manager Ever : Guy Thys
“Red Devils of the Europe” Belgium national team is the oldest national team in West Europe. Its official first international match was held in 1904 and was admitted to FIFA in the same year. Belgium played its first official international tournament in the 1920 Olympic Games and won Gold medal in which is regarded the World Champion at that time. Belgium is one of the founding members in the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930 and played every World Cup during the 1930s. It was one of the first members of UEFA in 1954. They met the dark period between the middle 1950s and through the 1960s, disqualified for every major tournament. Belgium’s golden age came visit in the 1980s when they achieved runner-up in the 1980 European Championship and fourth place in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, both results are their best place ever in history of the tournament. Belgium qualified for World Cup for six consecutive tournaments between 1982 and 2002.
9.
Zone : Western Europe
Stadium : Amsterdam Arena (52,960 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 8th
All-Time European Championship Table : 6th
European Championship : WN(1),3rd(1),SF(3),R6(1)
QF(2),R12(1),R16(3)
QF(2),R12(1),R16(3)
Olympic Games : 3rd (3), 4th (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(8), R16(2), R24(5)
FIFA World Cup : RN(3), 3rd(1), 4th(1),
QF(1), R12(1A,1B), R16(2)
QF(1), R12(1A,1B), R16(2)
All-Time Top Scorer : Robin Van Persie (50 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Johan Cruyff
The Greatest Manager Ever : Rinus Michels
“The Knight Oranje” Netherlands national team is a notable offensive force in the Europe, tied with Germany as the most runner-up in FIFA World Cup with 3. Holland was admitted to FIFA in 1904 and played its first international match in 1905. Holland played its first ever international tournament in the 1908 Olympic Games and won third place for three consecutive tournaments between 1908 and 1920. They first participated in World Cup of the 1934 tournament. Holland was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and was also introduced professionalism in 1924 Its football didn’t reach European standard during the 1950s and the 1960s and didn’t qualify for any major tournament in that period until entered to play the 1974 FIFA World Cup in which they perform the famous “Total Football” style of play ever. Holland finished runner-up of FIFA World Cup in row by 1978. They won third place in their first ever European Championship appearance in the 1976 tournament. In 1988, Netherlands acquired the only major title in their history after won the 1988 European Championship. Since then, Holland has finished at least quarter-final round in every European Championship and won vice-champion in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
8.
Zone : Central Europe
Stadium : Tehelne Pole (30,085 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 18th
Central Europe International Cup: 1st(1),2nd(1)
All-Time European Championship Table : 8th
UEFA Euro:1st(1),2nd(1),3rd(1A,1B),QF(1),R12(4),R16(3)
Olympic Games: 1st(1),2nd(1), Confederation Cup: 3rd(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (4), R16 (4), R24 (5)
World Cup : 2nd(1A,1B),QF(1A,1B),R12(1),R16(3),R20(2)
All-Time Top Scorer : Jan Koller (55 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Josef Masopust
The Greatest Manager Ever : Rudolf Vytlačil
“The Bohemian-Moravian” Czechoslovakia the greatest Eastern European team of all-time, Is one of the only six teams to ever reach final match in both European Championship and FIFA World Cup. They affiliated to FIFA in 1907 but it was more than a decade to play in the officially first international match in 1920. It was their first international tournament as the participation in the 1920 Olympic Games. Czechoslovakia played their first ever World Cup in 1934 and could finish runner-up immediately. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Czechoslovakia won the last Central European international cup in 1960 and won third place in the first ever European Championship in the same year. The 1962 FIFA World Cup runner-up and the 1976 European Championship Champion are regarded as their greatest achievements ever. They played the last competition in the 1992 European Championship qualifying round before the partition of nation. Czech Republic played its first tournament in the 1996 European Championship and could win vice-champion. Czech republic and Slovakia played in their only World Cup in the 2006 and the 2010 tournament, respectively.
7.
Zone: Eastern Europe,Stadium: Luzhniki(89,318Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 11th
All-Time European Championship Table : 11th
European Championship : WN(1-A), RN(3), 4th(1),
QF(2), R12(2), R6(2), R20(1)
QF(2), R12(2), R6(2), R20(1)
Olympic Games : 1st (2), 3rd (3)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (10), R16 (5)
FIFA World Cup : 4th(1), QF(5), R12(1), R20(2), R24(2)
All-Time Top Scorer : Andriy Shevchenko (48 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Lev Yashin
The Greatest Manager Ever : Valery Lobanovski
“Red Army” The Soviet Union National Football Team was one of the strongest sides of the Europe during the 1960s. The All-Russian Football Union was affiliated to FIFA in 1912 before changed to Soviet Union later and Its first international match was held in 1924. Soviet Union was first admitted to FIFA in 1946 and was one of the first members of UEFA in 1954. Soviet Union entered to play in World Cup for the first time in the 1958 tournament as the same period as their beginning of golden era. Between 1958 and 1972, Soviet finished quarter-finalist for three times in World Cup and reached fourth place as their best place ever in the World Cup of the 1966 tournament and they also won the first ever European Championship in their home in 1960 and finished runner-up twice in that period. After the failure in the middle to second half 1970s, they returned to show top-class performance again in the 1980s. Soviet Union played the last tournament in the 1992 European Championship before the big separation of nation. Since then, Russia was first appeared in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Ukraine first participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and reached quarter-final round as the best place in World Cup among former-Soviet nations.
6.
Zone : Balkan Peninsula
Stadium : Crvena Zvezda Belgrade (55,383 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 12th
Balkan Cup : WN (1), RN (7)
All-Time European Championship Table : 9th
UEFA Euro : RN (1-A,1-B), 4th(1), QF(4), R12(4)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (5), R16 (7), R24 (2)
FIFA World Cup :3rd(1-A,1-B),4th(1),QF(5),R16(2),
R20(1), R24(4), Olympic :1st(1),2nd(3),3rd(1),4th(1)
R20(1), R24(4), Olympic :1st(1),2nd(3),3rd(1),4th(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Davor Suker (45 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Dragan Dzajic
The Greatest Manager Ever : Ivica Osim
The Greatest Manager Ever : Ivica Osim
“White Eagles” Yugoslavia national team is regarded as the most beautiful style of play in the Europe as its players have been a naturally technical gift. The national team was founded the Kingdom of Serbs in the first international match in 1920. The affiliation to FIFA was created in 1923, played its first international tournament in the 1924 Olympic games and it was one of the founding members in the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930. The greatest era of Yugoslavia was happened in the 1950s to the early 1960s when its superstars formed the team until reaching semi-final round as their best ever place in the FIFA World Cup of the 1962 tournament and additionally finished runner-up in the first ever European Championship in 1960. Even they disqualified for the 1966 and 1970 FIFA World Cup, it is surprising that the team could finish second place again in the 1968 European Championship. Yugoslavia met another prominent time in the late 1980s and played the last tournament in the 1990 FIFA World Cup before the partition of nation and was suspended in the 1992 European Championship and the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Afterwards, Croatia and Serbia-Montenegro made their first appearance for the international tournament in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Croatia could win third place.
5.
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1863
Zone : British Isles, Stadium : Wembley (90,000 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 6th
British Home Championship : WN (54)
All-Time European Championship Table : 7th
European Championship : 3rd(1), SF(1), R6(1), QF(5),
R12(4), R16(1), R20(1)
R12(4), R16(1), R20(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8 (9), R16 (5)
FIFA World Cup : WN(1), 4th(1), QF(1A, 6B),
R12(2) R16(1), R28(1)
R12(2) R16(1), R28(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Waye Rooney (53 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Bobby Charlton
The Greatest Manager Ever : Alf Ramsey
“Three Lions” England has long been considered as one of the most prestigious team of all-time, is the greatest British team of all-time. It was one of the greatest team in the World in the first half of the 20th Century. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland that played together in the world's first international football match in 1872. It was affiliated to FIFA in 1905. England played in international tournament just only for British home championship. England didn’t participate in pre-war World Cups due to disagreement with FIFA despite they were the top team in the World at that time. They played their first ever World Cup in 1950 and It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. England’s golden era was the 1960s, won their only World Cup champion in 1966 as host and first qualified for European Championship of the 1968 tournament and won third place. The 1970s became their dark era as they didn’t qualify for World Cup twice from total three. The 1990 FIFA World Cup fourth place and the 1996 European Championship semi-finalist are their greatest achievement after its golden age. They hold the record most winners in British home championship.
4.
Zone : Western Europe
Stadium : Stade De France (81,338 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 7th
All-Time European Championship Table : 2nd
UEFA Euro : WN(2), RN (1), SF(1),R6(1),QF(4),R12(2),
R16(1), R20(1), FIFA Confederation Cup : 1st (2)
Olympic Games : 1st(1), 2nd(1), 4th(1)
R16(1), R20(1), FIFA Confederation Cup : 1st (2)
Olympic Games : 1st(1), 2nd(1), 4th(1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(5), R16(6), R24(2)
FIFA World Cup : 1st(1), 2nd(1),3rd(2),4th(1),QF(2A,1B), R12(1A,2B), R16(1), R28(1), R32(1)
All-Time Top Scorer : Thierry Henry (51 Goals)The Greatest Player Ever : Michel Platini
The Greatest Manager Ever : Michel Hidalgo
France is the greatest team in the World during the late 1990s. They first international match was held in 1904 and was first member of FIFA in 1907.France played its first international tournament in the 1908 Olympic Games. It was one of the founding members of the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930 and being a participant in all three pre-war World Cups. France was introduced professionalism in 1932. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. The 1958 FIFA World Cup third place is the symbol of their first ever successful. France was one of the founding members in the first ever European Championship in 1960. France is honorably record as the participant in the first match ever in both FIFA World Cup and European Championship Final Tournament. The 1970s is their darkest era, didn’t qualify for any major tournament. The 1980s is regarded as their first golden age, France reached semi-final in the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cup and won their first European Championship in 1984 in the era of Platini. After disqualified for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the last minute, France returned as the strongest team in the Europe, won the record 30 unbeaten games. France won their only World Cup in 1998 as host and won its second European Championship in 2000. They also won the record consecutive 14 game wins between 2003 and 2004. They ever disqualified for World Cup for five times totally.
3. Spain
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1909Zone : Iberian Peninsula
Stadium : Santiago Bernabeu (80,354 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 5th
All-Time European Championship Table : 3rd
UEFA Euro: WN(3),RN(1),R6(1),QF(5),R12 (3)
FIFA Confederation Cup : 3rd (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(9), R16(5), R24(1)
FIFA World Cup: WN(1),4th(1A),QF(1A,3B),R12(6),R20(1), R24(1), Olympic Games : 1st (1), 2nd (2)
All-Time Top Scorer : David Villa (56 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever : Luis Suarez Miramontes
The Greatest Manager Ever : Vicente Del Bosque
“The Red Fury” Spain is proud as the only team in history to win three major international tournament in row, won twice Euro and a World Cup between 2008 - 2012. It is one of four nations to ever won both FIFA World Cup and European Championship. They holds the World record most games unbeaten with 35 between 2007 and 2009 and also the record most consecutive game wins with 15 between 2008 and 2009, tied with Germany as the most appearance in European Championship final with three. Spain was first admitted to FIFA in 1914 and played its first ever international match in the 1920 Olympic Games and immediately won Silver medal, is the only concrete achievement of them in the pre-war era. Spain was introduced professionalism in 1926. They played in their first ever World Cup in 1934. Spain was successful in the 1950 FIFA World Cup as finishing third place. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954. Spain won the 1964 European championship as their first ever appearance. Since 1978, Spain has qualified for World Cup every nine tournaments in row. They finished runner-up in the 1984 European Championship. The golden era came visit during the late 2000s after they won the 2008 European Championship and their only FIFA World Cup of the 2010 tournament. Spain every disqualified for World Cup for four times during the 1950s and the 1970s.
2. Italy
Football Association Year of Establishment : 1898
Zone : Southern Europe
Stadium : Stadio Olimpico (72,698 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 3rd
Central European International Cup : WN(2), RN (1)
All-Time European Championship Table : 4th
European Championship : WN (1), RN (2), SF (1), 4th (1), QF (3), R12 (3), R16 (1), R20 (1)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(9), R16(4), R24(1)
World Cup : 1st(2A,2B),2nd(2),3rd(1),4th(1),QF(1A,1B), R12(5),R16(1),R24(1),R28(1),Olympic:1st(1),3rd(2),4th(3)
All-Time Top Scorer : Luigi Riva (35 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Giuseppe Meazza
The Greatest Manager Ever : Vittorio Pozzo
‘Azzuri” Italy is the most FIFA World Cup winners among European teams, is officially the greatest team of the World in the 1930s, has been well-known as its naturally defensive style of play. They affiliated to FIFA in 1905 and played its first international match in 1910. The 1912 Olympic Games was its first international tournament. Italy was introduced professionalism in 1923 Italy won the first ever Central European intercontinental cup in 1930 and won the second title in 1935 following up by winning the 1936 Olympic Games Gold medal. Azzuri won its first FIFA World Cup in 1934 as their first appearance and became the first team to win two consecutive World Cups after won the 1938 tournament. Italy was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 and they disqualified for the 1958 World Cup as the only time in their history. The late 1960s is one of their remarkable eras when it won the 1968 European Championship as their first ever participation and reached the 1970 FIFA World Cup final. Italy won its first post-war World Cup in 1982. They was very close to win again in 1994 but lost in penalty before finish vice-champion in the 2000 European Championship. Italy won their fourth World Cup champion in 2006 greatly.
1. Germany
Zone : Central Europe
Stadium : Alianza Arena (69,901 Seats)
All-Time FIFA World Cup Table : 2nd
All-Time European Championship Table : 1st
UEFA Euro: WN(3), 2nd(3), SF(2), R6(1), R12(3), R16(1)
Olympic Games : 1st (1), 2nd (1), 3rd (3)
FIFA World Cup Qualification : R8(10), R16(2)
FIFA World Cup : WN (4), 2nd(4), 3rd(1-A,3-B), 4th(1), QF(4), R12(1-A), 4th(2),
All-Time Top Scorer : Miroslav Klose (71 Goals) The Greatest Player Ever : Franz Beckenbuer
The Greatest Manager Ever : Helmut Schon
“Iron Eagle” Germany is the greatest European team of all-time, holds the record most winners in European Championship, place the number one in the European Championship final tournament all-time table and is the only European team to have never disqualified for World Cup as it did not enter in 1930 and was banned in 1950. Germany is also the most appearance in FIFA World Cup final among European teams with 7. They played the first international match in 1908. They played their first ever World Cup in 1934. It was one of the founding members of UEFA in 1954 as West Germany and won their first ever World Cup champion in the same year. West Germany played their first ever European Championship in 1972 and finish runner-up before won the 1974 FIFA World Cup as host. Germany ties with Brazil holds the record most consecutive appearance in FIFA World Cup final with 3, was created between 1982 and 1990. East Germany ever qualified for World Cup just once time in 1974. After the re-unification of Germany, they acquired only champion in the 1996 European Championship, finished runner-up in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Germany’s lowest place ever in World Cup is tenth in the 1938 tournament. It holds the World record most consecutive international games win exclude friendly matches with 15 achieved in the 2010 to 2012. Germany is the only nation in history to win the World Cup trophy outside its continent between Europe-South Americas, achieved in 2014.
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Statistics by Zone
5 : British Isles
5 : Central Europe
5 : Balkan
4 : Western Europe
3 : Scandinavia
3 : Southern Latin Europe
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