Euro 2012: Top Five Goals, Mario Balotelli and David Silva in the Highlights

This edition of the European Championship saw 76 goals scored by 16 teams. It ranged from tap-ins, headers and free kicks to screamers and acrobatic volleys. Here's IBTimes UK's pick of the top five goals of Euro 2012:

5. Danny's Dance: Danny Welbeck - England v Sweden

With the two sides tied at 2-2 in the 78th minute of their group stage match, impact substitute Theo Walcott darted in between two Swede defenders on the right and sent in a low cross, which was falling behind the onrushing Welbeck. With his back to the goal, the 21 year old turned quickly and flicked the ball with his right heel towards the far post, past a helpless Andreas Isaksson. That goal, which showed the Manchester United striker's exquisite timing and cunning execution, secured a much-needed win for England.

4. Sublime Silva: David Silva - Spain v Republic of Ireland

Receiving the ball inside the box, 10 yards from goal, Silva was facing a seemingly impervious barricade of three Irish defenders. So the Manchester City playmaker improvised, dancing right and then left, moving the defenders along with him, before placing the ball past Stephen Ward and through the legs of Sean St Ledger and Richard Dunne, into the bottom corner, beyond the outstretched Shay Given. As cool as they come. It was La Roja's second goal in a 4-0 win that put them in pole position to top their group.

3. Paneka Pirlo: Andrea Pirlo - Italy v England

Pirlo's chipped penalty in the shootout against England in the quarter final has been one of the best moments of Euro 2012. With Italy trailing 2-1, the Juventus midfielder delivered a cool chip right down the middle over a diving Joe Hart. That audacious effort killed the confidence of the English keeper and penalty takers, as it was followed immediately by Ashley Young hitting the crossbar and Ashley Cole missing his kick. Pirlo's dinked spot-kick, a trick made famous by Antonin Panenka in the 1976 edition of the tournament, guided the Azzurri to the semi finals at the expense of Roy Hodgson's men. Sergio Ramos also performed a "panenka" a couple of days later, to help champions Spain beat Portugal in their shootout in the semi final.

2. Mad Hatter Mario: Mario Balotelli - Italy v Germany

There's a reason why managers and teammates put up with Balotelli's antics on and off the field - the 21 year old's unparalleled talent and skill. After a coming on as a substitute and scoring a stunner against Republic of Ireland in the group stages, the controversial Italian followed it up with a brace against Germany in the semi final. His second was an absolute scorcher that bulleted past Manuel Neuer, after Riccardo Montolivo released him in a quick Azzurri counter. The City striker's goal put Italy in a commanding position against the much-fancied Germans and while the Italian players and fans erupted with joy, Balotelli ripped off his shirt and stood expressionless in one of those characteristically odd celebrations. Why always him?

1. Ibra-cadabra: Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Sweden v France

The Swedes were already eliminated when they played France in their final group game. Les Blues were looking for a win to top the group but Sweden's superstar skipper had other plans. In the second half with the score at 0-0, Sunderland winger Sebastian Larsson sent a smart cross from the right and the AC Milan hitman ran in and threw himself sideways in the air to volley the ball past a stunned Hugo Lloris. It was a superb roundhouse kick that even Jean-Claude Van Damme would have been proud of. Clearly, the goal of the tournament. Sweden went on to win the game 2-0.