MARCO VAN BASTEN (1988)

 THE Dutchman’s career, tragically cut short through injury, was in its prime in 1988 and a joy to behold.

 Unless, of course, you were an Englishman. After both nations lost their opening games, the Group B clash between Holland and the Three Lions was crucial.

 Van Basten scored a hat-trick and ran rings around a young Tony Adams, as the Dutch were inspired and England sent home.

 The three-time European footballer of the year went on to hit the winning goal against West Germany in the semi but the best was still to come.

 Van Basten’s dipping volley from an impossible angle against the Soviet Union has gone down as one of the best finals goals in history.

 He finished the tournament as top scorer and if his future didn’t turn out to be bright, the summer of 1988 was definitely orange.

VAN TASTIC ... Dutch ace Marco van Basten scored a sublime volley in Euro final

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