Magical Michel Platini

1984 semi-final: France v Portugal

Result: France 3 Portugal 2 after extra time

Image text: French captain and midfielder Michel Platini scores the winning goal in extra time.

Many football fans call it the best ever match in the history of Euro championships. Rui Jordao's first goal helped Portugal draw level and the second, the crucial one, seized the lead in extra time. The home side was under the pump in front of the 54000 strong Stade Vélodrome crowd. But minutes away from the penalty shoot-out, hero of the tournament, Les Bleus skipper Michel Platini hit the nets and France made a sensational entry into the finals. France overcame Spain in the final and won their first major title on the international stage. Platini finished with 9 goals in the tournament which included two hat-tricks against Belgium and Yugoslavia.