Spain Defeats England 2-1 To Win Euro 2024
Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored four minutes from time to give Spain a 2-1 Euro 2024 final victory against England on Sunday, claiming a record fourth European crown after a brilliant campaign, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.
England started with Harry Kane in attack, with Buyako Saka and Jude Bellingham on the flanks. For Spain, Alvaro Morata led the line while Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams supported on the wings.
After an extremely cautious first half where Spain had more possession and England got the only shot on target, the scores remained 0-0 by halftime.
In the second half, it only took two minutes after the restart for the Spaniards to break the deadlock.
Teenager Yamal found space down the right and crossed for fellow winger Williams to slot home as England fell behind for the fourth successive match.
Spain then looked to extend the lead after a series of attacks as England’s defence fell apart. England boss Gareth Southgate reacted by sending on Ollie Watkins for an ineffective Harry Kane after an hour. Ten minutes later, Cole Palmer came on for midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
It paid off almost immediately after Saka’s brilliant run from the right flank found Bellingham in the box, who laid the ball back into Palmer’s path and the substitute curled home a precise low 20-metre shot in the 73rd minute.
The goal sent the English fans in the stadium into a frenzy as a glimmer of hope was restored. However, Spain weathered the storm and Oyarzabal who came on in the 68th minute, struck.
Substitute Oyarzabal combined with Marc Cucurella on a swift counter-attack for the winning goal as Spain left it late, putting a dagger in the hearts of England.
There was still time for more drama at the other end as Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved a Declan Rice header from a corner and Dani Olmo blocked Marc Guehi’s follow up on the goal line.
However, it was too little too late as Spain were crowned champions after winning all seven games they played in the tournament as the referee blew the final whistle.
Spain win it right at the last #EURO2024 | #ESPENG pic.twitter.com/5FIuNCrncq
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 14, 2024
“I have done my job,” said match winner Oyarzabal, who came on for captain Alvaro Morata after 67 minutes.
“Just the fact of being … in the 26, you value it a lot. It happened to me but could have happened to anyone.”
CAMPEONES #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/bJxBAGqbq3
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 14, 2024
