- Spain won Euro 2024 final after defeating England.
- England loses second consecutive Euros final.
- Spain secures victory with Oyarzabal goal in 86th minute.
Mikel Oyarzabal, coming off the bench, scored a decisive late goal, leading Spain to a 2-1 victory over England in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final, marking their return as a dominant force internationally.
England, yearning for their first championship in nearly 60 years, seemed poised for success, especially after Spain’s key midfielder Rodri exited due to an injury at the half.
Nonetheless, Spain quickly overcame this setback, seizing the lead shortly after halftime thanks to Nico Williams, assisted by his fellow standout winger, Lamine Yamal.
England, true to their form this Euros, rallied from behind with Cole Palmer, a substitute, netting the equalizer at the 73rd minute, shortly after joining the match.
However, Spain’s ascendancy was reestablished when Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad striker, converted a cross in the 86th minute, securing Spain’s fourth European Championship title, their third in the last five tournaments.
“It has been a marvellous day in which a team has been deservedly crowned champions of Europe,” celebrated Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente in an interview with broadcaster TVE.
Spain’s previous victories came in 1964, 2008, and 2012, with the latter two flanking their 2010 World Cup win during the illustrious era of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and Andres Iniesta.
It remains to be seen whether this squad, featuring the exceptional Yamal who played the day after his 17th birthday, can emulate the success of that legendary team, but their triumph was well-deserved.
Spain, the standout team of the past month in Germany, remained unfazed by the pro-England atmosphere at the Olympiastadion.
England aimed to secure their first men’s international title since the iconic 1966 World Cup but narrowly missed out in their inaugural final on foreign ground.
“To lose the final is incredibly tough,” admitted England’s manager, Gareth Southgate.
“Congratulations to Spain, they were the best team in the tournament and the best team tonight.”
England, still reeling from their penalty shootout loss to Italy three years prior, have now become the first team to suffer consecutive Euros final defeats.
Harry Kane, the captain, at 30, continues his quest for his first major trophy, despite a career abundant with goals.
Spain overcame Rodri injury
Spain was anticipated to dominate the match, and England largely found themselves in pursuit throughout the initial half.
Despite Spain’s control, the first shot on goal came just before the half-time break, with Phil Foden’s attempt from a Declan Rice set-piece being thwarted by goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Rodri, Spain’s key midfielder, sustained an injury just before Foden’s chance, colliding with Aymeric Laporte while intercepting a shot from Kane. Rodri’s injury led to his substitution, with Martin Zubimendi stepping in at halftime.
The absence of Rodri in midfield could have been a significant setback for Spain, but they quickly compensated by scoring early in the second half.
The Spanish wingers were the source of concern for England, and it was this duo that orchestrated the opening goal. Yamal received a pass from Dani Carvajal, cut inside, and set up Williams, who finished with a precise shot into the corner of the goal.
England, now trailing, had to mount a comeback, something they had successfully done in their previous knockout matches.
Gareth Southgate made a strategic change around the 60-minute mark, replacing Harry Kane with Ollie Watkins, echoing the successful substitution from the semi-final against the Netherlands.
As Spain continued to press and their supporters cheered each pass, Southgate introduced Cole Palmer for Kobbie Mainoo.
Palmer made an immediate impact, leveling the score within three minutes of his entry, thanks to a setup by Jude Bellingham from Bukayo Saka’s delivery.
Nonetheless, Spain secured the victory in the closing minutes with a goal from their substitute, Oyarzabal. After linking up with Marc Cucurella, Oyarzabal finished a cross while narrowly staying onside.
Spain managed to maintain their lead, with a crucial goal-line clearance by Dani Olmo preventing Marc Guehi from equalizing.
