Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute goal secures Spain’s 2-1 victory in Euro 2024 final
Spain secured their fourth European Championship title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored from Marc Cucurella’s pass, sealing the win for Spain and denying England their long-awaited major trophy.
Nico Williams opened the scoring for Spain early in the second half with a clinical finish from a Yamine Lamal pass in the 47th minute. England responded through substitute Cole Palmer, who equalized with a stunning 22-yard strike in the 73rd minute. However, Oyarzabal’s late goal ensured that Spain left Berlin with another European Championship trophy.
The match saw a forgettable first half, but Spain upped their game in the second half. Despite Harry Kane’s efforts before being substituted by Ollie Watkins, England continued to fight. Cole Palmer’s equalizer gave England hope, but it was short-lived as Oyarzabal’s winner dashed their dreams.
Spain’s triumph marks their seventh consecutive win in the tournament, highlighting their dominance. In contrast, England’s 58-year wait for a major trophy continues, and questions will be asked about their performance under Gareth Southgate. Despite progress since Southgate took over in 2016, England fell short against a more progressive and skillful Spanish side.
England’s journey to the final was marked by narrow victories and a stroke of luck. They edged past Serbia, drew with Denmark and Slovenia in Group C, and needed a last-minute goal from Jude Bellingham to beat Slovakia in the last 16. They overcame Switzerland on penalties in the quarterfinals and benefited from a controversial VAR decision in their semifinal win over the Netherlands.
Southgate acknowledged the superior quality of Spain, stating, “We didn’t keep possession of the ball well enough. They had more control of the game, and that can wear you down a bit. As always in these games, it is fine margins, but I think they were the best team in the tournament and overall they deserved to win.”
Despite losing key midfielder Rodri at halftime, Spain’s resilience showed as Williams scored moments after the restart. Spain could have extended their lead before Palmer’s equalizer, but they ultimately proved too strong for England.
Man of The Match:
England’s performance ratings: Pickford 8; Guehi 6, Stones 6, Walker 6; Saka 6, Mainoo 6, Rice 6, Shaw 6; Bellingham 6, Foden 6; Kane 6. Substitutes: Toney 6, Watkins 6, Palmer 7.
Spain’s performance ratings: Simon 7; Carvajal 7, Le Normand 7, Laporte 7, Cucurella 7; Ruiz 7, Rodri 6; Olmo 7, Williams 8, Lamal 8; Morata 6. Substitutes: Nacho 6, Zubimendi 7, Oyarzabal 7, Merino 7.
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