Two weeks of scintillating football made the 1984 European Championship the best yet, and a large percentage of the talent on display belonged to the flamboyant hosts. Luis Fernandez weighed in with the tackles in midfield, joining creative trio Michel Platini, Alain Giresse and Jean Tigana to form “Le Carré Magique” — the magic square.

Elegant, intelligent, cheeky and a lover of the big occasion, the Juventus star also boasted an incredible scoring record. Platini contributed the only goal in France’s opening day 1-0 win over Denmark and he followed up with hat-tricks against Belgium and Yugoslavia as Les Bleus ran out 5-0 and 3-2 winners to top Group 1.

Spain progressed to the final by overcoming Denmark on penalties, but the tournament belonged to France and Platini. In another semi-final, Jordao forced extra time for Portugal and sensationally gave them a 2-1 lead after 98 minutes. Les Bleus, however, levelled through Jean-Francois Domergue before Tigana teed up Platini to strike a memorable winner a minute from time.

In the final, Platini scored his ninth goal converting the 57th-minute free-kick. Bruno Bellone scored late on to complete a 2-0 win and claim a first major trophy.