Spain captured their fourth Euro title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over England on Sunday in Berlin.
Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored a dramatic late winner, cementing Spain’s re-emergence as a dominant force in international football and dashing England’s hopes of ending their nearly six-decade title drought.
Despite losing key midfielder Rodri to injury at halftime, Spain quickly took the lead early in the second half through Nico Williams, who was set up by his fellow winger, Lamine Yamal. England responded as they had throughout the tournament, with substitute Cole Palmer equalizing in the 73rd minute, just moments after entering the match.
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However, England’s comeback was short-lived as Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad forward, converted a cross in the 86th minute, securing Spain’s record fourth European Championship. This victory marks Spain’s third Euro title in the last five editions, following wins in 1964, 2008, and 2012.
Spain’s young star, Lamine Yamal, who played the day after his 17th birthday, led the charge, showcasing the team’s potential to replicate the success of their golden era featuring legends like Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and Andres Iniesta.
Throughout the tournament, Spain demonstrated their dominance, unphased by the predominantly pro-England crowd at the Olympiastadion.
England, aiming for their first men’s international title since the 1966 World Cup, fell short in their first-ever final on foreign soil. Following their heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Italy three years ago, they became the first team to lose back-to-back Euro finals.
Captain Harry Kane, at 30, continues to search for his first career trophy after a season without silverware at Bayern Munich.
Spain overcomes Rodri injury to secure Euro 2024 glory
From the start, Spain controlled the game, leaving England chasing the ball for much of the first half. It wasn’t until stoppage time that either team managed a shot on target, with Phil Foden’s effort being easily saved by Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon. Shortly before, Rodri was injured while blocking a Kane shot, forcing him to be substituted by Martin Zubimendi at halftime.
Despite Rodri’s absence, Spain opened the scoring quickly in the second half. Yamal, after receiving a pass from Dani Carvajal, set up Williams, who scored with a precise, low shot past England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. England, accustomed to making comebacks in the tournament, had to rally once more.
England manager Gareth Southgate replaced Harry Kane with Ollie Watkins on the hour mark, hoping to replicate the successful strategy from the semi-final against the Netherlands. Spain continued to dominate, with their fans cheering every pass. Southgate introduced Cole Palmer, who equalized three minutes after coming on, following a setup by Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
Spain’s winning goal came in the 86th minute, when Oyarzabal turned in Marc Cucurella’s low cross. Spain held on to their lead, with Dani Olmo making a crucial clearance off the line to deny England’s Marc Guehi in the final moments.
