Berlin, July 14, 2024, The Europe Today: Spain’s men clinched their fourth European Championship title after Mikel Oyarzabal’s late strike secured a narrow 2-1 victory over England in Berlin on Sunday night.
After a cautious opening 45 minutes, Spain took the lead immediately after the restart when standout teenager Lamine Yamal set up winger Nico Williams, who expertly guided the ball past England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Spain Secures Fourth European Championship Title
This marked the fourth successive knockout match in Euro 2024 where England found themselves trailing. However, substitute Cole Palmer equalized in the 73rd minute, much to the delight of the packed Olympic Stadium.
The decisive moment came just four minutes before the end of the match when Mikel Oyarzabal stretched to meet Marc Cucurella’s low cross, sealing the win for Spain. “I did my job and what I had to and was lucky enough to score the goal for the win,” said Oyarzabal. “When you are among the 26 names to be picked, that is special enough, but then to get to help the team like I did, that is the most important part.”
Stylish Spain Claims Third Euro Win in Five Attempts
Spain’s victory seemed almost destined, given that Spanish teams, both internationally and domestically, have won all of the last 22 major finals they participated in. Spain’s free-flowing, attacking football has been a highlight of Euro 2024, in contrast to England’s more defensive and pragmatic style.
Despite losing their defensive stalwart Rodri, named player of the tournament, to injury at halftime, Spain came out strongly in the second half. Yamal, released on the right, cut into the box and delivered a pinpoint cross for Williams, who calmly finished past Pickford.
It was substitute Oyarzabal who emerged as the unlikely hero, securing Spain’s first major title since 2012 and their third European Championship in the last five, surpassing Germany’s tally of three titles.
“I couldn’t be happier,” said Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente. “Today has been a wonderful day; a team has deservedly been crowned European champion. I’m even more proud and hope this momentum can bring even better days.”
England’s Long Wait for a Trophy Reaches 60 Years
England struggled throughout the tournament, relying on individual moments of brilliance from players like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka. Captain Harry Kane, typically the team’s talisman, failed to inspire, though he ended up as one of six players sharing the tournament’s Golden Boot with three goals.
“It’s an opportunity missed,” admitted Kane. “These finals aren’t easy to get to. You have to take it when it comes, and we haven’t done it again. It’s extremely painful and it’ll hurt for a long time.”
England’s attacking threat improved once Kane was substituted for Ollie Watkins just after the hour mark. Substitute Cole Palmer made an almost immediate impact with his long-range deflected shot into the bottom corner, briefly reviving hopes for extra time and possibly a penalty shootout.
Ultimately, England faced the familiar disappointment of falling short of the grand prize. “We’ve been coming from behind all tournament,” Kane said. “We didn’t take the next step and win it. We got caught with a cross and that’s the final.”
No Title but Rehabilitation for Tournament Hosts Germany
Despite some logistical challenges, the month-long festival of football was celebrated widely in Germany. The tournament featured breakout stars like Yamal and Bellingham and saw passionate fans from various countries. Although Germany was eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual winners Spain, the overall mood remained festive.
The tournament was not without controversy, with Albanian player Mirlind Daku and Turkey’s Merih Demiral facing bans for political gestures. Nonetheless, the competition left a positive mark, helping console German supporters after three disappointing major tournaments.
