In a thrilling Euro 2024 final, substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored a dramatic late winner to secure Spain’s victory over England, 2-1, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday.
The win marks Spain’s re-emergence as a powerhouse in international football and ends England’s aspirations of winning their first major title in nearly sixty years.
Despite losing key midfielder Rodri to injury at halftime, Spain quickly took the lead two minutes into the second half. Nico Williams, set up by the exceptional Lamine Yamal, fired Spain ahead, showcasing the team’s resilience and depth.
Also Read: Spain vs France: 16-year-old Yamal sends Spain to Euro 2024 final with record-breaking goal
England, known for their comebacks throughout this tournament, equalised in the 73rd minute when substitute Cole Palmer scored shortly after coming on. However, their hopes were dashed in the 86th minute when Real Sociedad forward Oyarzabal turned in a cross to clinch Spain’s fourth European Championship title and their third in the last five editions.
Spain previously won the tournament in 1964, 2008, and 2012, with the latter two titles coming during their golden era, which also included a 2010 World Cup victory.
This victory, led by the brilliant 17-year-old Yamal, raises hopes that this new generation of Spanish players might replicate the achievements of legends like Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and Andres Iniesta.
Spain have been the standout team throughout the tournament in Germany, displaying confidence and skill even in the face of a predominantly pro-England crowd.
England, on the other hand, saw their dreams shattered once again. Having not won a major men’s international title since their iconic 1966 World Cup victory, England’s hopes of ending this drought on foreign soil were crushed. This defeat also made them the first team to lose back-to-back Euros finals, following their penalty shootout loss to Italy in 2021.
Captain Harry Kane, now 30, remains without a major trophy in his illustrious goal-scoring career, adding to the disappointment of a trophy-less season with Bayern Munich.
Spain Overcomes Rodri’s Injury
Spain’s control of the game was evident from the start, with England spending most of the first half in pursuit. However, it wasn’t until stoppage time in the first half that either side managed a shot on target, with Phil Foden’s effort being easily saved by Unai Simon. Just before that, Rodri sustained an injury while blocking a shot from Kane, leading to his replacement by Martin Zubimendi at halftime.
Despite the potential setback of losing their influential midfielder, Spain quickly found their rhythm. Yamal, collecting a pass from Dani Carvajal, darted inside and set up Williams, who scored with a precise, low shot past Jordan Pickford into the far corner.
England, undeterred, sought to replicate their comeback heroics from previous knockout stages. Manager Gareth Southgate substituted Kane for Ollie Watkins on the hour mark, a move that had worked in the semi-final against the Netherlands. Spain, however, continued to dominate possession, with their fans chanting ‘ole’ with every successful pass.
Southgate introduced Cole Palmer, who immediately made an impact by scoring the equaliser after a layoff from Jude Bellingham, following a cross from Bukayo Saka. Palmer’s low first-time shot found the net, reigniting England’s hopes.
Oyarzabal’s Decisive Goal
With the match heading towards extra time, Oyarzabal emerged as Spain’s hero. He played the ball to Marc Cucurella on the left, then raced into the box to turn Cucurella’s low cross into the net, staying just onside to score the decisive goal. Spain held on for the remaining minutes, with Dani Olmo making a crucial clearance off the line to deny England’s Marc Guehi in the dying moments.
Spain’s victory not only secures another trophy but also reaffirms their dominance in European football, setting a high bar for future tournaments. For England, the wait for a major title continues, despite their valiant efforts and progress under Southgate’s leadership.
