Spain Clinches Record-Breaking Fourth Europ 2024 with 2-1 Win Over England

On Sunday, Spain overcame England 2-1 in Berlin to win the European Championship. The result was its fourth tournament win, breaking a tie with Germany for the most in history.

Mikel Oyarzabal scored the game-winner in the 86th minute, tapping Marc Cucurella’s ball into the area. Minutes later, Declan Rice and Marc Guehi had near headers that were blocked, but England could not equalize.

Spain dominated the first half but failed to break through. That transitioned nearly immediately into the second.

Only two minutes after halftime, Spanish attacker Lamine Yamal received the ball on the right flank. He stormed the middle of the field and sent a superb pass to Nico Williams, who was blazing along the left side of the penalty box. Williams one-timed his shot into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

England leveled the score in the 73rd minute. Bukayo Saka moved down the right side and found Jude Bellingham in the center of the penalty box. Bellingham gave the ball back just outside the box to a streaking Cole Palmer, who hammered a long-range goal into the net to equalize.

But in the end, it was insufficient.

“I am euphoric. I’m quite happy. “We deserved it,” Williams stated following the game. “Our parents, fans, and everyone who has been there for us daily. And here we are European champions. I’m overjoyed and hope we can keep progressing and qualify for the World Cup.”

Sunday’s result caps up a great tournament for Spain. It was undefeated in seven games, scoring 15 goals while conceding only four. It was also a debut for breakthrough star Yamal, a 17-year-old forward who scored against France in the semifinals to become the youngest player in Euros history.

“He’s a fantastic player,” England captain Harry Kane stated last week. “At 17 years old, to do this in a competition like this speaks volumes about him. You can see that he plays freely and enjoys himself. He will be one of the most difficult players in the match. I want to congratulate him on his achievements so far.

England failed to win its first European Championship and major prize since the 1966 World Cup. In 2021, Gareth Southgate’s team placed second in the Covid-delayed 2020 tournament, losing to Italy on penalties.

Source: BBC