Spain Clinches Euro 2024 with Dramatic Victory Over England
In a thrilling Euro 2024 final, Spain defeated England 2-1, reasserting their dominance on the international stage and dashing England’s hopes of a long-awaited title.
Despite losing key midfielder Rodri to injury at halftime, Spain quickly took the lead in the second half. Nico Williams scored just two minutes after the restart, assisted by the talented Lamine Yamal.
England, known for their comebacks in this tournament, equalized in the 73rd minute when substitute Cole Palmer fired in a goal shortly after entering the game.
However, Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal had the final say. The Real Sociedad forward netted the winning goal in the 86th minute, securing Spain’s fourth European Championship and their third in the last five tournaments. Their previous victories came in 1964, 2008, and 2012, during the era of legends like Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and Andres Iniesta.
Celebrations erupted as Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo reveled in the moment after Oyarzabal’s decisive goal in Berlin’s Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024.
Led by the brilliant Yamal, who turned 17 just a day before the final, Spain’s new generation aims to replicate the success of their predecessors. Throughout the tournament in Germany, Spain proved to be the best team, unfazed by the predominantly English crowd at the Olympiastadion.
England had hoped to end their title drought since the 1966 World Cup but fell short in their first final on foreign soil. This defeat marks their second consecutive loss in a Euros final, following their penalty shootout heartbreak against Italy three years ago. Captain Harry Kane, at 30, still seeks the first trophy of his illustrious career, coming off a trophyless season with Bayern Munich.
Spain Overcomes Rodri’s Injury
Spain dominated the first half, keeping England on the defensive. However, it wasn’t until stoppage time that either team had a shot on target, with Phil Foden’s attempt easily saved by Unai Simon. Just before this, Rodri sustained an injury while blocking a shot and had to be replaced by Martin Zubimendi at halftime.
Despite Rodri’s absence, Spain quickly adapted and opened the scoring with a goal from Williams, set up by Yamal. England, familiar with playing from behind, saw manager Gareth Southgate replace Harry Kane with Ollie Watkins, mirroring the strategy that secured their semifinal win over the Netherlands.
Spain had opportunities to extend their lead, but England’s resilience showed as Bukayo Saka’s cross was expertly laid off by Jude Bellingham for Palmer, who equalized with a precise shot.
The game seemed poised for extra time until Oyarzabal’s late heroics. He combined with Marc Cucurella before slotting home the winner, staying just onside.
Spain then defended their lead, with Dani Olmo making a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Marc Guehi in the dying moments.
Spain’s victory in Euro 2024 underscores their footballing prowess and sets the stage for an exciting future, while England continues their quest for international glory.
