Spain secured their fourth UEFA EURO title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the final held in Berlin on July 14, 2024. This win makes Spain the first nation to achieve four European Championships, surpassing their previous shared record with Germany.
Key Moments of the Match
- 47′ – Spain Takes the Lead: Just after halftime, Spain struck first when Nico Williams scored a precise, first-time finish following a clever pass from Lamine Yamal, putting Spain ahead 1-0.
- 73′ – England Equalizes: England responded with resilience when Cole Palmer, who had just come on as a substitute, scored a well-placed shot into the bottom corner, leveling the match at 1-1.
- 86′ – Late Winner for Spain: Mikel Oyarzabal became the hero for Spain, poking in a cross from Marc Cucurella to restore Spain’s lead with just four minutes remaining, sealing the victory at 2-1.
Match Summary
The match began cautiously, with both teams creating half-chances and testing each other’s defenses. The first half ended without a goal, but Spain showed their quality early in the second half. Following Williams’ opener, Spain maintained pressure but faced a determined English side that equalized thanks to Palmer’s efforts.
Despite England’s attempts to find a second equalizer, including a late header from Declan Rice, Spain’s defense held firm, ensuring their triumph.
Key Players
- Nico Williams: Awarded Player of the Match for his impactful performance, he not only scored the opening goal but was also instrumental in Spain’s attacking play throughout the match.
- Rodri: Named Player of the Tournament, his contributions in midfield were pivotal for Spain’s success throughout the tournament.
Coaches’ Reactions
- Luis de la Fuente (Spain): Expressed immense pride in his team, stating they truly are champions of Europe and thanking supporters across Spain for their backing.
- Gareth Southgate (England): Praised Spain as the best team in the tournament and expressed disappointment for missing out on another opportunity, highlighting the team’s determination and growth.
Historical Context
- Spain’s victory marks them as the first team to win all seven matches in an EURO tournament, with a tournament record of 15 goals scored, surpassing France’s 14 in 1984.
- Lamine Yamal made history as the youngest player to feature in an EURO final at just 17 years old, while Williams became the second-youngest scorer in an EURO final at 22.
Starting Line-ups
Spain:
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
- Defenders: Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella
- Midfielders: Rodri, Fabián Ruiz
- Forwards: Yamal, Olmo, Williams, Morata
England:
- Goalkeeper: Pickford
- Defenders: Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Shaw
- Midfielders: Mainoo, Rice
- Forwards: Saka, Foden, Bellingham, Kane
Conclusion
Spain’s victory not only cements their dominance in European football but also sets the stage for their ambitions in future competitions, with players like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal showcasing a promising future for the national team. Meanwhile, England’s journey continues, with hopes of securing silverware in upcoming tournaments
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