Spain clinched a record-breaking fourth European Championship, defeating England 2-1 in a thrilling Euro 2024 final on Sunday in Berlin.
Nico Williams, one of Spain’s standout players of the tournament, put La Roja ahead early in the second half, finishing a perfectly weighted pass from 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal into the bottom corner.
England equalized midway through the second half with a stunning left-footed strike from Cole Palmer from outside the box, levelling the score at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
With less than five minutes remaining in regulation time, Spain secured the win when Mikel Oyarzabal tapped in an inch-perfect pass from Marc Cucurella, sealing a memorable tournament for La Roja.
This victory marks Spain’s fourth Euro title, adding to their previous wins in 1964, 2008, and 2012. For England, it was another heartbreaker, following their penalty shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. The match started cautiously, with both teams probing and feeling each other out. Spain dominated possession in the opening 30 minutes but failed to create clear scoring opportunities.
Despite their control, it was England who had the first shot on target just before halftime, with Phil Foden’s close-range effort being saved by Unai Simón.
Spain faced a setback at halftime when key player Rodri was forced off due to injury, and replaced by Martín Zubimendi. However, the loss didn’t faze Spain, as Williams scored just two minutes after the break, becoming the second youngest player to score in a Euro final at 22 years and two days old. Dani Olmo nearly extended Spain’s lead, but his shot flew wide.
England struggled after Williams’ goal, with Álvaro Morata and Williams coming close to adding another. In a bold move, England’s manager Gareth Southgate substituted captain Harry Kane for Ollie Watkins, which revitalized the team. Jude Bellingham’s effort narrowly missed the target, sparking hope among England fans.
Spain almost doubled their lead through Yamal, but Jordan Pickford’s save denied the young talent. England finally levelled the score with Palmer’s superb strike, set up by Bellingham.
Spain pressed forward and almost regained the lead through Yamal again, but Pickford stood strong. As extra time loomed, Spain’s persistence paid off with Cucurella’s cross-finding Oyarzabal for the winning goal.
England pushed for a late equalizer, with Declan Rice and Marc Guehi coming close, but Spain’s defence held firm. After four minutes of added time, the final whistle blew, sparking jubilant celebrations from Spain’s players and fans.
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