Spain Clinches Euro 2024 Title With Late Victory Over England

Mikel Oyarzabal's late goal secured Spain's 2-1 victory over England on Sunday, making Spain the first team to win the European Championship four times. Oyarzabal's decisive strike came just four minutes before the end, sealing a historic win in Berlin. Cole Palmer had earlier equalised after Nico Williams' opener, but Real Sociedad's Oyarzabal broke English hearts in their second consecutive Euros final.

England almost levelled in the final minute, but Unai Simon and Dani Olmo were defensive heroes for Spain. This defeat made England the first team to lose back-to-back Euros finals. Gareth Southgate's side conceded the fastest goal in the second half of a Euros final immediately after the interval, continuing a worrying trend.

A tentative first half saw few clear chances as Spain dominated possession against England's solid defence. Phil Foden missed the best opportunity before halftime, volleying straight at Simon. The injured Rodri was replaced by Martin Zubimendi at halftime, but Spain still managed to break through England's defence soon after.

Barcelona winger Yamal, aged just 17 years and one day, became the youngest player to feature in a major tournament final, surpassing Brazil's Pele at the 1958 World Cup. Yamal has been involved in more goals for Spain than any other player since his debut in September 2023. His assist for Williams added another memorable moment to his young career.

Yamal ghosted inside from the right flank and set up Williams for a left-footed strike into the bottom-right corner. Williams found space again minutes later but shot wide from a similar angle. Stones cleared off the line from Alvaro Morata, while Pickford denied Yamal superbly.

Substitutes Make an Impact

Spain failed to capitalise on their chances and were punished eight minutes later when Bukayo Saka set up Jude Bellingham, who teed up Palmer for a left-footed finish into the bottom-left corner. Pickford made another save from Yamal eight minutes from time, but couldn't stop Marc Cucurella's low cross that Oyarzabal converted for the winning goal.

The Three Lions suffered heartbreak once again after losing on penalties to Italy in the delayed Euro 2020 final. Despite battling hard, they failed to make amends in their first international showpiece away from home soil. England have now conceded first in four consecutive matches for the first time since May/June 1985.

Spain Holds On for Victory

There was time for one more twist as Simon and Olmo thwarted Rice and Stones respectively to secure Spain's victory. Oyarzabal’s goal may haunt Southgate, who could soon leave his role as England manager after becoming the first head coach to lose two European Championship finals.

Spain’s triumph was marked by contributions from their young talents and experienced players alike. The victory highlighted their depth and resilience as they held on for glory despite England’s late surge.

The match ended with Spain celebrating their fourth European Championship title, while England faced yet another disappointment on football’s biggest stage.