There have been five own goals scored already at Euro 2020, which is already a record for European Championships, making OG the tournament’s top scorer, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrick Schick, who have three apiece.
The very first goal of the tournament was, in fact, scored at the wrong end, paving the way for things to come.
The previous best, or worst, tally was at France 2016, where three own goals were scored in total.
In fact, there have only been 14 OGs ever scored in Euros, meaning about 36 per cent have been scored in this edition alone.
Portugal even took things to the extreme this morning by scoring two goals in their own net, another record for the Euros.
And we’re still part way through the group phase!
As the frontrunner for the golden boot at Euro 2020, we thought it appropriate to rank the five own goals by how cringeworthy and hilarious they are.
5. Rúben Dias — Portugal
Quite unsatisfying. Most people didn’t even realise it was an own goal on first viewing, and were confused as to why Kai Havertz didn’t look overly happy. Do better next time, Rúben.
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4. Raphaël Guerreiro — Portugal
Also not one of the all-time greats, but at least this one was immediately obvious, as was his shame, for all to see. And bonus points for making it a quickfire one-two or own goals.
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3. Wojciech Szczęsny — Poland
This one leaves a bitter taste because the Polish keeper’s intervention meant poor Robert Mak didn’t get credited with the goal of his life. Always somewhat funny when a rebound falcon ends up in the goal though.
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2. Melih Demiral — Turkey
The tournament’s opening goal and an instant classic of the genre. Demiral saw the ball was heading straight at him but could do nothing about it aside from trying to make his body as limp as possible and hope that somehow the ball passed through his flesh and bones. It didn’t work, it ended up in the back of the net.
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1. Mats Hummels — Germany
You’d be proud of that finish if you were a striker. Glorious goal from Hummels. Smashed it into the top corner. Well done, lad.
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