Spain wins Euro 2024: An unforgettable victory against England

Spain won Euro 2024, defeating England 2-1 in the Sunday night finals in Berlin, raising the trophy for the fourth time. This triumph marks a new glorious page in Spanish football history.

The goal of victory by Mikel Oyarzabal

A late goal by the reservist Mikel Oyarzabal made the difference between the two teams, although Spain dominated possession and was the better team throughout the final. With only four minutes left in Berlin’s Olympic stadium, Oyarzabal brought his team victory, leaving England without time to respond.

Mikel Oyarzabal goalpic.twitter.com / eXm01I6bmG– Plenty is (@ itisplency)July 14, 2024

First half: Caution and tension

The first half ended without goals, both teams starting cautiously. The tense atmosphere reflected the importance of the moment, none of the teams taking major risks.

Spain’s opening of the score

Spain opened the score the first minute after the break through Nico Williams’ wing. This rapid success imposed an aggressive pace, forcing England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to intervene immediately afterwards, as Spain continued to press for another goal.

Egalation of England: Hopes and disappointments

England equalled just under 20 minutes before the end, due to a kick from the edge of Cole Palmer’s chariot. Chelsea’s assailant came off the bench just two minutes before, while Coach Gareth Southgate refreshed England’s attack line. This equalisation brought back the hopes of English fans, but it was not enough to ensure victory.

COLE PALMER WHAT A GOAL SONpic.twitter.com / 4Jdx4zTumC– Conn (@ ConnCFC)July 14, 2024

Waiting for England for a trophy

For the men’s team of England, the 58-year wait for a continuous trophy. Under Southgate’s leadership, on Sunday he scored a second time in three years when England reached a major final, a premiere for the men’s team. His team lost the Euro 2020 final postponed against Italy at the penalties, in front of the home crowd at Wembley Stadium.

Spain’s surprising road to the title

Spain entered Euro 2024 as an outsider – the bookmakers considered England, France, Germany and Portugal more likely to win. However, convincing victories in the phases of the groups reduced their chances. Spain won the Euro in 2012 and 2008, tournaments on both sides of the 2010 World Cup victory, and in 1964.

Performance

While Spain easily passed the final, scoring 13 goals and winning all matches, England had difficulties at each stage.

After defeating Serbia in the opening match, England drew with Slovenia and Denmark in the group stages. A spectacular tie in overtime from Jude Bellingham in the eighth of the final saved England from a humiliating defeat in front of Slovakia, but it took penalties to defeat Switzerland in the quarter-finals, and then a goal in overtime against the Netherlands took the team to the final.

Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 highlights the resilience and talent of the team, while England must reflect on the difficult road ahead and continue to aspire to greatness in future tournaments. This final will remain in memory as a moment of high voltage and high-quality football, demonstrating once again the beauty and unpredictability of this sport.

Source:Financial TimesPhoto: Video capture – X