Euro 2024 Final Spain 2-1 England: Exciting game as Spain emerge champions
Mikel Oyarzabal goal wins thrilling Euro 2024 final. Read more.
In the Euro 2024 final on Sunday in Berlin, Spain defeated England with a goal in the 86th minute from Mikel Oyarzabal, giving them a record-tying fourth European soccer championship. Spain finished one of the most dominant international tournament performances in history by winning all seven of the games it played at Euro 2024 and earning the title of champions.
“I am ecstatic beyond words. Luis de la Fuente, manager of Spain, stated, “To see the fans, to see the players.” “For me, they are the best in the world and today I confirm that definition.”
Spain was the only team to win the competition three times, having done so in 1964, 2008, and 2012. They were tied with Germany for the record.
Spain dominated possession in what was an intriguing first half at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Although England has mostly relaxed into the game, Spain maintained pressure throughout the first forty-five minutes, forcing six corners to England’s one. Due to injury, Spain’s outstanding midfield player Rodri was taken out of the game at halftime and MartiŁn Zubimendi took his place… The 28-year-old Rodri is regarded as possibly the greatest defensive midfielder in the world after winning four straight English Premier League championships with Manchester City.
Euro 2024 final opener of the game
The game’s opening goal came from Spain’s Nico Williams, who blasted past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford less than two minutes into the second half. With 17-year-old Lamine Yamal sliding the pass through to Williams, the score completed a sweeping move. In the ten minutes following Nico Williams’ goal, Spain did not let up, winning the ball high up the pitch to create repeated scoring opportunities. Dani Olmo and Williams each had a shot, and John Stones had to clear close to the goal line.
With England behind 1-0 in the championship match, manager Gareth Southgate was looking for a spark, so he substituted captain Harry Kane for semifinal hero Ollie Watkins in the 61st minute. With Spain leading 1-0 in the final 20 minutes, England’s 19-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was substituted out in the 70th minute and replaced with the more offensive-minded Cole Palmer.
Terrific equalizer for England by Palmer
Cole Palmer tied the game for England with a low, left-footed drive from outside the penalty area in the 73rd minute, just minutes after entering as a substitute. Palmer was set up in the build-up by Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, so it wasn’t a surprise when England scored.
Following his transfer from Manchester City, the 22-year-old has a great debut season with Chelsea, tallying 22 Premier League goals.
Goal for Spain to seal the game
In the 82nd minute, England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a spectacular save on teenage wonder Lamine Yamal of Spain. In the waning minutes of regular time, England is defending ferociously while Spain keeps winning the ball high up the pitch. In the final seconds of regulation time, Spain’s substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored the game-winning goal in the 86th minute with help from Marc Cucurella.
Comment from England’s striker Harry Kane
Since losing to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, England has finished second twice in a row. The nation’s only significant victory in an international competition was the World Cup in 1966, and it has never won a European title. Following the match, England captain Harry Kane remarked, “Losing in a final is as tough as it gets.”
