Spain dashed England’s hopes of ending a 58-year trophy drought, securing a 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday, thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal.
Nico Williams and Cole Palmer traded goals in the second half before Oyarzabal’s strike in the 86th minute secured Spain’s record fourth European championship.
This marks Spain’s first continental title since 2012, while England’s wait for another major men’s trophy continues.
Spain dominated the tournament, maintaining an unblemished record with wins over Croatia, Italy, Germany, and France before the final. La Roja also set a new European championship record by scoring 15 goals, the most by any team in a single tournament.
“I did my job, what I had to do at every moment,” Oyarzabal told reporters, according to Agence France-Presse. “I was lucky enough to score the winner. You value it a lot. And if you’re lucky enough to score the goal … it’s the best.”
England made history as the first team to lose back-to-back Euro finals, following their defeat to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium three years ago.
“Losing in a final is as tough as it gets,” England captain Harry Kane said. “We did really well to get back in the game at 1-1, and then we couldn’t use our momentum to push on. … It’s as painful as it can be in a football match.”
Spain started the game strong, controlling possession and creating the best chances in the first 20 minutes. As the first half progressed, both sides had opportunities to score but remained cautious in their attacks.
Spain overcame the loss of midfield talisman Rodri, who was substituted at halftime due to an apparent leg injury. La Roja took the lead shortly after the break when Lamine Yamal connected with Nico Williams to open the scoring in the 47th minute.
Yamal got behind Luke Shaw and passed to a surging Williams, who beat Jordan Pickford with a shot into the far corner.
England also saw their key player, Kane, substituted and replaced by semifinal hero Ollie Watkins. Spain pressed for a second goal, but Palmer brought England level with a composed strike three minutes after coming on as a substitute.
The match seemed destined for extra time until Oyarzabal, who replaced captain Alvaro Morata, redirected Marc Cucurella’s low cross and scored from close range in the 86th minute.
England had one last chance to equalize, but Dani Olmo’s goal-line clearance stopped Declan Rice’s 90th-minute header from a corner kick.
After the game, Rodri was named Player of the Tournament, and Yamal was recognized as the best young player on his 17th birthday.
England manager Gareth Southgate, whose contract ends this year, was non-committal about his future. “I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that,” he said, according to The Guardian. “I’m going to talk to the right people and, yeah, it’s just not for now.”
