Spain Are European Champions For A Record-breaking Fourth Time

Spain have won the 2024 edition of EUROs for a record-breaking fourth time following a 2-1 win against England in Berlin.

Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal a short ways from time procured Spain the needed 2-1 win against England in the final of UEFA EURO 2024 – a record-breaking fourth title for La Roja.

Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente shuffled their pieces from time to time, but it was 45 minutes of half-breaks and half-chances.

Spain were in front only two minutes in. Dani Carvajal’s round-the-corner pass ought not be disregarded, but it was Lamine Yamal who gave the unique run and pass to tee up Nico Williams for a determined, beautiful first-time finish.

Dani had the opportunity to turn and shoot in the penalty area – but was askew. Álvaro Morata and Williams telepathy was before long phenomenal. Yamal, halfway through the second half put across a decent pass – this time just Jordan Pickford’s fantastic fingertip save forestalled it becoming 2-0.

Only couple of minutes later, England were level. Bukayo Saka contributed the width, Jude Bellingham the flawless lay-off and Cole Palmer – three minutes after coming on – the unerring, base corner-chasing finish. Yamal tried a shot with eight minutes left, but Pickford was again capable.

However, the England keeper could do nothing to deny Oyarzabal with four minutes remaining, as the Real Sociedad forward poked in Marc Cucurella’s cross to send his team – and country – into a frenzy.

There was still nearly time for yet another England comeback, but Unai Simón saved Declan Rice’s header and Dani Olmo cleared Marc Guéhi’s off the line. Spain had done it for a record-breaking fourth time; for England, the wait goes on.

EURO 2024: Spain’s Excellent Run Continues As They Book Place In The Final

Some experts think the Vivo Player of the Match: Nico Williams of Spain was the most dangerous players on the field during the tournament.

England came up against a fantastic team and went toe-to-toe with them, but couldn’t stand the ‘heat’.

Rodri, Player of the Tournament:

“This is probably the best day of my career. We are European champions, as difficult as that is. We have become Europe’s most successful national team. We have made history.”

Nico Williams, Player of the Match:

“I feel euphoric, very happy. All our people deserve it: our families, fans … European champions and now we go for the World Cup. Nobody can beat us. I said we were a great team.”

Gareth Southgate, England manager:

“I think Spain were the best team in the tournament. We didn’t quite keep the ball well enough, but we were right in it until the last ten minutes. I’m devastated for everybody, really.”

Harry Kane, England captain:

“It’s hard to put into words how we’re all feeling. It’s an opportunity missed. You have to take it when it comes and we haven’t done it again. It’ll hurt for a long time.”

Stats:

• Spain are the first team to win EURO on four occasions, having previously shared the record with Germany.

• Spain are the first side to win all seven games at a EURO final tournament.

• La Roja’s 15 goals at EURO 2024 is a new tournament record, surpassing the 14 scored by France in 1984.

• Gareth Southgate is only the third coach to have reached two EURO finals after Germany’s Helmut Schön (1972 and 1976) and Berti Vogts (1992 and 1996).

• Aged just 17 years and one day, Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to feature in a EURO or FIFA World Cup final.

• Williams – 22 years, two days – became the second-youngest player ever to score in a EURO final.
This was the first time two teenagers had started a EURO final: Lamine Yamal (17 years, one day) and Kobbie Mainoo (19 years, 86 days).

• England conceded the first goal in all four of their EURO 2024 knockout stage games.