Euro 2008: The Final Four

Well now we're down to four. While Germany and Spain were always in the discussion I think some serious money could have been made by picking Turkey and Russia in the semifinals. And the entertainment doesn't stop there - the complete no-show of France, the spectacular dominance of Holland in the opening round and then their quarterfinal dismantling by Russia, both host countries failing to advance (not a huge surprise really), defending champions Greece going out immediately, David Villa's marksmanship and the pair of brilliant comeback victories by Turkey. Quite a tournament so far it must be said.

So the final four then. Germany have the most pedigree, with three Euros and three World Cups. The rest...not so much. Spain have won it once, though that was fully 44 years ago and their history of failure at major tournaments is the stuff of legend. Russia could be considered a former winner, although that came as part of the Soviet Union. And Turkey? No major titles. Ever. But obviously, considering the last tournament this should be no obstacle.Here's a look at how each of the teams has done over the years.

Germany
(Have qualified for every tournament since 1972, winning three titles, finishing second twice and reaching the semifinals once. In a word, awesome.)

1960 - Did not enter
1964 - Did not enter
1968 - Did not qualify
1972 - Winners
1976 - Runners-Up
1980 - Winners
1984 - First Round
1988 - Semifinals
1992 - Runners-Up
1996 - Winners
2000 - First Round
2004 - First Round

Russia
(Played in 1960-88 as part of the Soviet Union and 1992 as part of the CIS. The early years were very good, one title, two times losing finalist and once going out in the semifinals on a coin toss after the match ended tied in the pre-penalty kicks days.)

1960 - Winners
1964 - Runners-Up
1968 - Semifinals
1972 - Runners-Up
1976 - Quarterfinals
1980 - Did Not Qualify
1984 - Did Not Qualfy
1988 - Runners-Up
1992 - First Round
1996 - First Round
2000 - Did Not Qualify
2004 - First Round

Turkey
(Finally reached the final tournament in 1996. Quite a few terrible qualifying campaigns including an infamous 8-0 loss at England. Looking mighty good at the moment however.)

1960 - Did Not Qualify
1964 - Did Not Qualify
1968 - Did Not Qualify
1972 - Did Not Qualify
1976 - Did Not Qualify
1980 - Did Not Qualify
1984 - Did Not Qualify
1988 - Did Not Qualify
1992 - Did Not Qualify
1996 - First Round
2000 - Quarterfinals
2004 - Did Not Qualify

Spain
(It all started so well, winning the title in 1964. Since then they have underachieved arguably more than any other nation with only one runners-up spot and a lot of quarterfinal exits. Could this be the year they finally drink from a trophy again?)

1960 - Did Not Qualify
1964 - Winners
1968 - Quarterfinals
1972 - Did Not Qualify
1976 - Quarterfinals
1980 - First Round
1984 - Runners-Up
1988 - First Round
1992 - Did Not Qualify
1996 - Quarterfinals
2000 - Quarterfinals
2004 - First Round