Spain etched their name in European football history on July 14th, defeating England 2-1 in a dramatic Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This victory marked Spain’s fourth European Championship title, a record for any nation, and cemented their status as one of the continent’s most dominant forces.
A Cautious Start
The first half was a tactical chess match, with Spain controlling possession (65%) but failing to create clear-cut chances. England, meanwhile, adopted a more defensive approach, relying on quick counter-attacks. Foden came closest to breaking the deadlock with a shot on target, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon was equal to the task.
Spain Strikes First
Just two minutes into the second half, Spain took the lead. Lamine Yamal, the tournament’s breakout star, found space down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross for Nico Williams to slot home. This goal marked the fourth consecutive match in which England had conceded first.
England Responds
Spain continued to press, with Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata, and Williams all coming close to extending their lead. However, England manager Gareth Southgate responded by introducing Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer, injecting fresh energy into his side.
Palmer’s Equalizer
The replacements yielded results very quickly. Palmer curled a precise low shot into the bottom corner after Jude Bellingham laid the ball back to him in the 73rd minute, thereby leveling the score. The England supporters, who greatly outnumbered the Spanish fans, erupted in celebration, altering the game’s momentum.
Oyarzabal’s Decisive Strike
Despite England’s renewed vigor, Spain weathered the storm and regained the lead in the 86th minute. Marc Cucurella was left unmarked on the left flank and received a pass from Oyarzabal. He drilled a low cross into the box, where Oyarzabal stretched out a toe to poke the ball home.
Final Moments of Drama
The final minutes were filled with tension as England pushed for an equalizer. Declan Rice headed a corner towards goal, but Simon made a crucial save. Olmo then blocked Marc Guehi’s follow-up on the line, ensuring Spain’s victory.
A Historic Triumph for Spain
Spain victory marked their fourth European Championship title, surpassing Germany’s three. They also became only the third team in the last nine European Championships to win the trophy without going to a penalty shootout, following France (2000) and Greece (2004).
England’s Disappointment
England will wait for a major international trophy to be extended to at least 60 years due to the defeat. They were the first team to suffer successive Euro final losses, compounding the disappointment of their defeat to Italy in the 2020 final.
Losing a final is as difficult as it gets, acknowledged captain Harry Kane. We did an excellent job of getting back into the game, but we didn’t maintain the same intensity and pressure. We couldn’t keep the ball and were penalized for it.
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