Berlin, July 14 (EFE).- Mikel Oyarzabal scored a late goal as Spain beat England 2-1 to win the final of Euro 2024 in Berlin on Sunday night.
Team of Spain celebrates with the trophy after winning the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/CLEMENS BILAN
Oyarzabal scored in the 86th minute with a first-time finish at the near post after a wonderful delivery from Marc Cucurella.
Lamine Yamal of Spain poses with his Best Young Player award after the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/FRIEDEMANN VOGEL
While England threatened to take the win during a brief spell after their equalizer, Spain reimposed themselves with extra time looming to break English hearts.
Head coach Gareth Southgate (C) of England and Kyle Walker of England react after losing during the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE
The first half saw only one shot on target as the two teams canceled each other out, with Spain dominating possession but not creating any meaningful chances.
Daniel Olmo (L) of Spain makes a goal line clearance during the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/GEORGI LICOVSKI
But the Iberians emerged from half time with more energy, with star youngsters combining in the 47th minute as Nico Williams smashed in a first time shot after Lamine Yamal’s incisive run and pass.
Mikel Oyarzabal (R) of Spain scores the second goal of his team during the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
La Roja had chances to add a second and were firmly camped in England’s half, until Ollie Watkins came off the bench for Harry Kane to provide more pace and stretch the Spanish defense.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon of Spain (R) in action during the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF
The move by Gareth Southgate worked. Cole Palmer, another substitute, leveled the score in the 73rd minute when he struck a low curler from the edge of the box that took a slight deflection on its way past Unai Simon.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon of Spain is beaten as England score the 1-1 during the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/FRIEDEMANN VOGEL
But Spain were soon back on the front foot. Yamal had a massive chance to bag Spain’s second goal with under 10 minutes left but his shot was straight at Pickford.
Phil Foden of England (R) in action against Dani Olmo of Spain during the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF
Once in the lead, Spain retreated to protect their advantage, aware that England had made three late comebacks on their route to the final. They had a golden chance to equalize in the 89th minute but Dani Olmo cleared Marc Guehi’s header off the line.
Cole Palmer of England celebrates scoring the 1-1 equalising goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/FRIEDEMANN VOGEL
Spain, who won every game in Germany, were by far the best team during the tournament and were superior to England at the Olympic Stadium, deservedly winning their first trophy since they won Euro 2012.
Jude Bellingham of England (L) and Daniel Olmo of Spain in action during the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
For England, who were making their second Euros final appearance in a row, their 58-year wait for a major trophy goes on after they were beaten by a team with too much quality. EFE
Nico Williams (L) of Spain scores the opening goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 final soccer match between Spain and England, in Berlin, Germany, 14 July 2024. (Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/GEORGI LICOVSKI
