News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/15th July 2024
In a nail-biting finish to the Euro 2024 final, substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored a dramatic late goal, leading Spain to a 2-1 victory over England. This triumph not only confirmed Spain’s re-emergence as a dominant force in international football but also dashed England’s hopes of securing their first major title in nearly six decades.
Spain’s journey to the title was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance. Despite losing key midfielder Rodri to injury at halftime, Spain quickly adapted and took the lead just two minutes into the second half. Nico Williams, set up by the sensational Lamine Yamal, netted the first goal, showcasing Spain’s depth and versatility.
England, known for their tenacity throughout the tournament, managed to equalize in the 73rd minute. Substitute Cole Palmer, who had just entered the game, delivered a stunning goal to level the score, reigniting England’s hopes.
However, the match’s decisive moment came in the 86th minute. Oyarzabal, a forward for Real Sociedad, turned a cross into the net, securing Spain’s record fourth European Championship crown. This victory marked Spain’s third title in the last five editions of the tournament, solidifying their status as a football powerhouse.
Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, praised his team’s performance, describing the victory as well-deserved. “It has been a marvelous day in which a team has been deservedly crowned champions of Europe,” de la Fuente told TVE. This win adds to Spain’s illustrious history, with previous Euro victories in 1964, 2008, and 2012, alongside their 2010 World Cup triumph.
Led by the brilliant Yamal, who celebrated his 17th birthday just a day before the final, this new generation of Spanish players has shown immense promise. Whether they can replicate the golden era of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and Andres Iniesta remains to be seen, but their performance in this tournament has been nothing short of spectacular.
The final was held at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, where a majority of the crowd supported England. Despite the intimidating atmosphere, Spain dominated the game from the outset. England spent much of the first half chasing the ball, struggling to keep up with Spain’s controlled play.
The game saw its first shot on target in stoppage time at the end of the first half when Phil Foden’s attempt was easily saved by Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon. However, the real drama began just before halftime, when Rodri was injured, leading to his substitution by Martin Zubimendi.
Despite the potential disruption, Spain wasted no time asserting their dominance in the second half. Williams’ goal, assisted by Yamal, came as a result of Spain’s relentless pressure and skillful play. England, known for their comeback abilities, responded with Palmer’s equalizer, but Spain’s resolve was unshakable.
Oyarzabal’s winning goal, assisted by Marc Cucurella, was a testament to Spain’s depth and tactical prowess. Spain held on to their lead, thanks in part to a crucial clearance by Dani Olmo in the dying moments of the game, which denied England’s Marc Guehi a last-minute equalizer.
England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, acknowledged Spain’s superiority, stating, “Congratulations to Spain, they were the best team in the tournament and the best team tonight.” Despite the heartbreak, England’s journey to the final and their tenacious performances throughout the tournament earned them respect and admiration.
For Spain, this victory not only adds another title to their impressive record but also signals a bright future for their young, talented squad. As they celebrate their hard-earned win, Spain’s fans and players can look forward to more success on the international stage.
