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EURO 2024 ICYMI: Spain Beats England, Clinches Record Fourth Euro Title
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In Case You Missed It: Spain triumphed in the Euro 2024 final, defeating England 2-1 in a drama-packed match on Sunday in Berlin. The victory secured La Roja a record-breaking fourth European Championship.
Nico Williams, one of Spain's breakout stars, opened the scoring just minutes into the second half, finishing a perfect pass from 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. England's Cole Palmer equalized with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box, leveling the score midway through the second half.
With under five minutes left in regulation, Mikel Oyarzabal tapped in a precise pass from Marc Cucurella, sealing the win and capping a brilliant tournament for Spain. This marks Spain’s fourth Euro title, adding to their victories in 1964, 2008, and 2012. For England, it was another heartbreak, following their penalty shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
The game started cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out. Spain dominated possession in the first half but struggled to create clear chances. England had the first shot on target just before halftime, but Phil Foden's effort was saved by Unai Simón.
Spain suffered a blow when Manchester City midfielder Rodri was forced off due to injury at halftime, replaced by Martín Zubimendi. However, Spain quickly found their rhythm in the second half, with Williams scoring at the age of 22 years and two days, making him the second youngest player to score in a Euro final.
Dani Olmo nearly doubled Spain's lead moments later, but his shot went wide. England, on the defensive, saw captain Álvaro Morata's attempt cleared by John Stones, and Williams narrowly missed a second goal.
In a bold move, England manager Gareth Southgate substituted captain Harry Kane for Ollie Watkins, who had scored a last-minute winner in the semifinal. This change injected energy into England's attack, with Jude Bellingham firing a shot just wide, lifting the spirits of England fans.
Spain almost scored again through Yamal, but Jordan Pickford made a crucial save. England eventually equalized through substitute Cole Palmer, who curled a beautiful shot into the bottom corner after a neat setup from Bellingham.
As the match neared extra time, Spain regained control. Yamal had another close attempt saved by Pickford. Finally, in the dying minutes, Cucurella's cross found Oyarzabal, who slotted home the winner, igniting wild celebrations among the Spanish players and fans.
England pushed for another dramatic comeback, but Spain's defense held firm. Declan Rice's header was parried by Simón, and Dani Olmo cleared Guehi's follow-up off the line. After four minutes of added time, the final whistle blew, and Spain celebrated their historic victory.
Rodri was named Euro 2024 player of the tournament, while Yamal earned the young player of the tournament award. The 17-year-old appeared in all seven of Spain's matches, contributing a tournament-high four assists and scoring a record-breaking goal in the semifinal against France.
England's search for a major men's international trophy continues, with their last triumph being the 1966 World Cup. King Charles III offered words of support, urging the team to hold their heads high despite the loss and congratulating Spain on their achievement.