Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored a dramatic late winner as Spain triumphed in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final, defeating England 2-1 to reaffirm their status as a dominant force on the international stage and shattering England’s hopes of winning their first title in nearly six decades.
Despite losing their influential midfielder Rodri to injury at half-time, Spain quickly took the lead two minutes into the second half through Nico Williams, assisted by fellow star winger Lamine Yamal.
England, known for their comebacks in this tournament, equalized in the 73rd minute with substitute Cole Palmer scoring shortly after coming onto the field.
However, their resurgence was short-lived. In the 86th minute, Real Sociedad forward Oyarzabal converted a cross to secure Spain’s record fourth European Championship title, their third in the last five tournaments.
Spain previously won the championship in 1964, 2008, and 2012, with the latter two victories framing their 2010 World Cup triumph during the golden era of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and Andres Iniesta.
While it remains to be seen if this new generation, led by the brilliant Yamal—who played just a day after his 17th birthday—can replicate the achievements of that legendary team, their victory was well-deserved.
Spain has consistently been the best team over the past month in Germany and remained unfazed by the predominantly English crowd at the Olympiastadion.
England had hoped to secure their first men’s international title since their historic 1966 World Cup victory but fell just short in their first final on foreign soil. After the heartbreak of losing to Italy on penalties three years ago, they became the first team to lose back-to-back Euros finals.
Captain Harry Kane, now 30, is still searching for the first trophy of his career, despite his impressive goal-scoring record. This defeat follows a trophyless season with Bayern Munich.
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