Euro 2024: Spain beat England with late Oyarzabal goal to lift 4th European championship trophy
Spain lost influential midfielder Rodri to injury at half-time, but shrugged that off to take the lead within two minutes of the restart through Nico Williams, who was set up by his fellow star winger, Lamine Yamal
Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored a dramatic late winner as Spain triumphed in Sunday's Euro 2024 final, beating England 2-1 to confirm their re-emergence as a force on the international stage and end their opponents' dreams of winning a first title in almost six decades.
Spain lost influential midfielder Rodri to injury at half-time, but shrugged that off to take the lead within two minutes of the restart through Nico Williams, who was set up by his fellow star winger, Lamine Yamal
England came from behind as they have done so often at this Euros, as substitute Cole Palmer drove in the equaliser on 73 minutes, moments after entering the fray.
But their resurgence in the game was cut short as Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad forward, turned in a cross in the 86th minute to hand Spain a record fourth European Championship crown, and a third in the last five editions.
They previously won in 1964, 2008 and 2012, the last two titles coming either side of their triumph at the 2010 World Cup during the golden era of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso and Andres Iniesta. Whether this generation, led by the brilliant Yamal who was playing here a day after his 17th birthday, manage to repeat the achievements of that magnificent side remains to be seen, but theirs was a fitting victory.
Dion, Berlin, Germany, July 14, 2024. | Photo by Getty Images
Spain beat England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, with substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a dramatic late winner to re-emerge as a powerhouse on the international stage and confirm their opponents' championship dreams. The first title ended a nearly 60-year history.
Spain lost influential midfielder Rodri to injury at halftime, but they forgot about that and took the lead within two minutes of the restart with a goal from Nico Williams set up by star wing-mate Lamine Yamar.
Sixteen-year-old Spaniard Lamine Yamar became the youngest scorer in European Championship history when he scored a dream goal against France in the semi-final.
As has often happened at these European Championships, England came back to win when substitute Cole Palmer came on to score an equaliser in the 73rd minute.
But Spain's fightback came to an abrupt end when Real Sociedad striker Oyarzabal crossed in the 86th minute to give Spain their fourth European title and third in the last five tournaments.
They previously won in 1964, 2008 and 2012, the last two titles coming either side of their triumph at the 2010 World Cup during the golden era of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso and Andres Iniesta.
Jordan Pickford of England attempts to make a save from Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain as he scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany.
Jordan Pickford of England attempts to make a save from Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain as he scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Whether this generation, led by the brilliant Yamal who was playing here a day after his 17th birthday, manage to repeat the achievements of that magnificent side remains to be seen, but theirs was a fitting victory.
Spain have been comfortably the best team over the last month in Germany and were not intimidated by the atmosphere at the Olympiastadion, where the majority of the crowd were given over to England's cause.
England were hoping to finally win a men's international title since their legendary victory in the 1966 World Cup but fell just short in their first final on foreign soil.
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