The UEFA Euro Cup 2024 final was an electrifying encounter between Spain vs England, held on Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Berlin. The match concluded with Spain triumphing 2-1, securing their record-breaking fourth European Championship title. This remarkable victory for La Roja was sealed by a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal, leaving football fans worldwide in awe.
Match Summary | Spain vs England
Key Moments of the Spain vs England Final
47′: Williams Converts First-Time Finish The second half began with a bang as Spain took the lead just two minutes after the restart. A brilliant combination between Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal set up Nico Williams for a precise first-time finish, giving Spain the crucial first goal.
73′: Palmer Side-Foots England Equaliser England, known for their resilience throughout the tournament, responded in the 73rd minute. Bukayo Saka provided the width, Jude Bellingham the assist, and substitute Cole Palmer executed a clinical finish to bring England level.
86′: Oyarzabal Pokes in Cucurella Cross As the match approached its climax, Spain found the decisive moment. Marc Cucurella’s cross found Mikel Oyarzabal, who managed to poke the ball past Jordan Pickford, giving Spain the lead with just four minutes remaining.
90′: Dani Olmo Heads Off the Line In a dramatic finish, England nearly equalized again, but Dani Olmo’s heroic clearance off the line denied Marc Guéhi, ensuring Spain’s victory and their historic fourth Euro Cup title.
Team Statistics
- Goals Scored:
- Spain: 2
- England: 1
- Possession:
- Spain: Averaged 57.3%
- England: Not specified, but Spain had better control of the ball.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Spain: 90%
- England: Not specified.
- Tournament Performance:
- Spain scored 13 goals in the tournament (the highest by any team).
- Spain conceded only three goals throughout the Euro 2024.
Tournament Highlights
- Spain’s Unbeaten Streak:
- Spain’s victory capped an incredible tournament performance. The team remained undefeated in seven games, scoring 15 goals while conceding only four.
- Breakout star Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old forward, became the youngest player ever to score at a Euros with his screamer against France in the semifinals.
- England’s Near Miss:
- Despite a valiant effort, England fell short of winning its first European Championship since 1966.
- Gareth Southgate’s team finished as runners-up in the Covid-delayed 2020 tournament in 2021, losing to Italy on penalty kicks.
Match Analysis: Spain’s Quality Shines Through
The final between Spain and England lived up to its billing as a clash of titans. Both teams exhibited tactical brilliance, with coaches Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente anticipating “fine margins” to decide the outcome. The first half was characterized by cautious play, with both sides creating half-chances but failing to find the breakthrough.
The second half, however, was a different story. Spain’s early goal shifted the momentum in their favor, with Nico Williams and Dani Olmo creating several scoring opportunities. England’s equalizer showcased their tenacity, but it was Spain’s late surge, epitomized by Oyarzabal’s winner, that ultimately decided the match.
Key Performers | Spain vs England
Nico Williams (Spain)
Nico Williams was named the Vivo Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. He was a constant threat in attack, defended diligently, and linked up effectively with Dani Olmo. His crucial first goal set the tone for Spain’s victory.
Jordan Pickford (England)
Despite the defeat, Jordan Pickford’s goalkeeping kept England in the game. His crucial saves, especially from Yamal, showcased his agility and reflexes.
Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)
Oyarzabal’s late winner was the defining moment of the match. His ability to remain composed under pressure and find the back of the net secured Spain’s victory and added another memorable goal to his name.
Spain’s Record-Breaking Achievements
Spain’s victory in the Euro Cup 2024 final marked several historic milestones:
- First Team to Win Four Euro Titles: Spain became the first team to win the UEFA Euro Championship four times, surpassing Germany’s record.
- Perfect Tournament Record: Spain won all seven of their matches in the tournament, a feat never before achieved in Euro history.
- Highest Scoring Team: La Roja scored 15 goals in the tournament, setting a new record for the most goals in a single Euro Championship.
Spain vs England: Historical Context
Spain’s Euro History
Spain has a rich history in the Euro Championship, having previously won the title in 1964, 2008, and 2012. Their success in 2024 further cements their legacy as one of the greatest teams in European football history.
- 1964: Spain won their first Euro title as hosts, defeating the Soviet Union 2-1 in the final.
- 2008: Under Luis Aragonés, Spain clinched the title with a 1-0 victory over Germany.
- 2012: Vicente del Bosque led Spain to retain their title, thrashing Italy 4-0 in the final.
England’s Euro Journey
England’s path to the 2024 final was marked by resilience and determination. Under Gareth Southgate, England reached their second consecutive Euro final, showcasing their growth as a footballing powerhouse. However, their wait for a major international trophy since the 1966 World Cup continues.
- 1996: England reached the semi-finals as hosts but were eliminated by Germany on penalties.
- 2020: England reached the final but were defeated by Italy in a penalty shootout.
- 2024: Despite a spirited performance, England fell short in the final against Spain.
Tactical Breakdown: Spain vs England
Spain’s Strategy
Luis de la Fuente’s tactical approach was a blend of traditional Spanish possession football with incisive attacking play. Key elements included:
- Dynamic Midfield: The combination of Dani Olmo, Fabián Ruiz, and Rodri provided creativity and control.
- Wide Threats: Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal stretched the England defense, creating space for central attacks.
- Defensive Solidity: Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand were rock-solid at the back, supported by the full-backs Dani Carvajal and Marc Cucurella.
England’s Strategy
Gareth Southgate’s England focused on a balanced approach, emphasizing both defensive organization and quick transitions. Key aspects included:
- Solid Defense: John Stones and Marc Guéhi formed a strong central defensive partnership, with Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw providing width.
- Midfield Creativity: Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice were pivotal in controlling the midfield and initiating attacks.
- Attacking Versatility: The front line of Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka offered a mix of pace, creativity, and clinical finishing.
Memorable Moments and Key Statistics
Memorable Moments
- Yamal’s Youthful Brilliance: Lamine Yamal, at just 17 years and one day, became the youngest player to feature in a Euro final, showcasing immense potential.
- England’s Resilience: Despite conceding the first goal in all four knockout stage games, England’s ability to fight back was commendable.
Key Statistics
- Youngest Player: Lamine Yamal’s appearance at 17 years and one day set a new record for the youngest player in a Euro or World Cup final.
- High-Scoring Tournament: Spain’s 15 goals set a new record for the most goals scored by a team in a single Euro Championship.
- Historical Coaches: Gareth Southgate became only the third coach to reach two Euro finals, joining Helmut Schön and Berti Vogts.
Spain vs England: Starting Line-Ups
Spain
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
- Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand (Nacho 83), Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella
- Midfielders: Rodri (Zubimendi 46), Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo
- Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Merino 89), Nico Williams, Álvaro Morata (Oyarzabal 68)
England
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Luke Shaw
- Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo (Palmer 70), Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden (Toney 89), Jude Bellingham
- Forward: Harry Kane (Watkins 61)
Conclusion | Spain vs England
The Spain vs England final in the Euro Cup 2024 was a thrilling encounter that highlighted the best of European football. Spain’s 2-1 victory, secured by Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal, not only earned them their fourth Euro title but also reinforced their status as one of the dominant forces in international football. For England, the match was another chapter in their quest for international glory, showcasing their growth and resilience.
The final will be remembered for its tactical brilliance, individual performances, and historic milestones. As Spain celebrated their unprecedented achievement, football fans worldwide were treated to a match that epitomized the excitement and drama of the beautiful game. The Spain vs England clash in Berlin will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of football history as a testament to the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence on the grandest stage.
