Spain emerged victorious in the Euro 2024 final against England, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a late goal to secure the win.
Alvaro Morata of Spain proudly hoisted the UEFA Euro 2024 Henri Delaunay Trophy after his team emerged victorious in the final match against England at Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. It was a historic moment for Spain as they secured their fourth European Championship title.
The match saw substitute Mikel Oyarzabal make a significant impact, scoring the winning goal in the 86th minute from a pass by Marc Cucurella. This victory marked Spain’s seventh consecutive win in finals, establishing them as the standout team of the tournament.
Spain’s triumph was a blow to England, who fought valiantly but ultimately fell short. Despite a lackluster first half, Spain stepped up their game in the second half, with Nico Williams opening the scoring in the 47th minute from a beautiful assist by Yamine Lamal.
England, led by Gareth Southgate, never gave up and managed to equalize through Cole Palmer’s superb strike from 22 yards just moments after coming on as a substitute. However, Oyarzabal’s goal proved to be the decider, leaving England to face another heartbreak in European finals.
The loss raises questions about England’s future under Southgate. While they have made progress under his leadership since 2016, they cannot deny that they were outplayed by a more progressive Spanish side. England’s reliance on a stodgy approach and their inability to maintain possession of the ball may continue to hinder their chances of success in the future.
Southgate acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, admitting that Spain had more control of the game and deserved to win. The inquest into England’s failure will undoubtedly begin as they continue their 58-year wait for a major trophy.
Nico Williams was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Despite Spain losing midfielder Rodri at halftime, Williams’ goal shortly after the restart showcased his brilliance. Alongside Lamal, Williams consistently posed a threat to England’s defense throughout the second half.
In terms of player ratings, Jordan Pickford stood out for England with a rating of 8, while Williams and Lamal received ratings of 8 for Spain. The match highlights included Williams’ goal in the 47th minute, Palmer’s equalizer in the 73rd minute, and Oyarzabal’s winning goal in the 86th minute.
Overall, Spain’s superior quality and performance in key areas secured their victory over England. As England reflects on their defeat, they must consider adopting a more expansive style of play and improving their ball possession if they hope to avoid future disappointments like the one in Berlin’s Olympiastadion.