Spain emerged as victorious in the Euro 2024 finals with a score of 2-1 against England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal in the 86th minute resulted in England’s wait for a significant international victory extending to 60 years. Despite Cole Palmer’s tying shot that revived England’s hopes of taking the match into extra time, the loss of their top player, Rodri, due to injury at the interval, seemed to wear down the Spaniards.
However, the Spanish team demonstrated unwavering spirit and refused to succumb. Oyarzabal, marked as the game’s second Basque scorer, seized a well-earned late victory. The tone of the match was clear from the start, as Spain dominated the ball and fashioned themselves as the heroes of the game. The English collective coped by taking a sturdy defensive stance.
Spain’s smooth passing, agile movements, and Nico Williams’ exceptional skills highlighted the first half, although both teams failed to make a dent due to their out-of-form forwards. Despite Spain’s finesse, most of their charged attempts resulted in futile crosses that even a striker larger than Morata would have struggled to manoeuvre.
However, Spain remained unfazed by Harry Kane’s potential counterattack hostility. The English skipper’s influence proved significant, albeit not in the anticipated manner. He didn’t mark his presence on the scoring board, but managed to significantly disrupt Spain’s opening midfield. Kane’s dominant activity in the first half saw a hefty foul on Spain’s Fabian Ruiz. Such instances have been known to result in players being sent off, though maybe not in a Euro’s final involving an England captain.
Towards the half’s end, Bellingham intercepted a ball from Carvajal and passed across the 18-yard line for Kane to attempt the first shot. Rodri’s effort to block resulted in a collision with Laporte, leading to an injury and immediate treatment.
A frustrated England supporter in the mid-game loo line said, “Do you actually want to win? Or would you rather just sit around?” It appeared he was eager for some action. Yet, the game appeared to be progressing exactly as Gareth Southgate, the team’s manager, had planned. He had quick and vigorous substitutes ready to take on the fatiguing Spanish players in the second half.
Things appeared to look up further for the English side as Spain started the second half sans Rodri. As it turned out, the midfielder had strained his knee while blocking a shot from Kane earlier. His replacement was Martin Zubimendi, the 25-year-old from Real Sociedad.
The loss of Rodri turned remarkably painful for the Spanish side; he was the ensuring Player of the Tournament. Their immediate response was, however, commendable.
Carvajal brilliantly aided Yamal down the right-hand side, who then cut inside, delivered a pass to the far edge of the penalty area where Williams promptly arrived to sweep an exceptional goal past Pickford.
“Spain one, England nil,” the stadium announcer seemed to pronounce with tangible delight.
As Yamal grew in confidence, he executed a well-judged through pass to Morata, who tried to make it, but Guehi outpowered him. His attempt was going wide before even Stones had cleared it.
Enthusiastic cries for Ollie Watkins exploded from the England fans at about the 57-minute mark. Almost instantly, he started warming up only to replace a desolated Kane in the 60th minute. His time on the pitch had already run long, considering his luck.
Southgate’s following replacement proved more consequential. At the 70th minute, Cole Palmer took the field in place of Kobbie Mainoo.
During an English advance from the right, Saka crossed over to Bellingham, who laid the ball back to the edge of the box. Palmer made his first touch count with a stirring strike, hitting it just like a penalty shot. A slight deflection from Zubimendi confirmed Unai Simon would not be reaching the ball in time.
With England’s supporters cheering them on, Spain seemed likely to succumb. Instead, they continued to threaten. De la Fuente had swapped out Morata for Mikel Oyarzabal, and he proved to be equally as impactful as Palmer’s arrival.
The initial move that culminated in the deciding goal was executed by him when he passed the ball to Cucurella on the left flank and then dashed into the box. Cucurella lashed in a ground-level cross which Oyazabal reached before Pickford could respond, stabbing it into an unguarded net.
The Spanish substitutes quickly joined their colleagues in the corner to bask in the moment of triumph, with Rodri struggling to catch up despite his limp. The spectators were left unsure about the validity of the goal due to a potential offside, but it was confirmed as valid after a swift review.
The heart-stopping moment was yet to occur for Spain as England took a late corner. Rice initially headed Palmer’s pass directly at Simon, and then Guehi returned the bounce to Olmo, who managed to clear it off the line. The ball returned to Rice, who then shot it over the bar.
The Spaniards rejoiced over the missed opportunity as if they had netted a goal themselves. With only four additional minutes to be played, the game was virtually concluded for England.
The tournament does not invariably end with the superior team as the champion, but that turned out to be the case here in Germany. Spain reminded us once more of the true essence of this sport. As for England, their search for victory continues.