Spain Defeats England 2-1 to Claim Fourth Euro Title

Cataleya

July 15, 2024 · 2 min read

Spain Defeats England 2-1 to Claim Fourth Euro Title
FootBall | July 15, 2024
Aymeric Laporte of Spain celebrates with the UEFA Euro 2024 Henri Delaunay Trophy after their victory against England in the final at Berlin's Olympiastadion on Sunday. (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty)

Spain emerged victorious in the European Championship, defeating England 2-1 in Berlin on Sunday. This triumph marks Spain’s fourth European Championship title, breaking their tie with Germany for the most in history. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a cross from Marc Cucurella securing the win. England had opportunities to equalize shortly after with headers from Declan Rice and Marc Guehi but both attempts were blocked.

Spain dominated the first half but struggled to score. However, they quickly broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second half. Spanish forward Lamine Yamal made a swift move down the right flank, delivering a precise pass to Nico Williams on the left side of the penalty box. Williams’ one-timed shot found the back of the net, giving Spain a 1-0 lead. England responded in the 73rd minute. Bukayo Saka advanced down the right side and found Jude Bellingham in the middle of the penalty box.

Bellingham passed the ball back to a charging Cole Palmer, who fired a long-range shot to equalize. Despite England’s efforts, Spain secured the victory with Oyarzabal’s late goal. “I’m euphoric. I’m really happy. We deserved it,” Williams said post-match. “Our parents, the fans, everyone who has been supporting us every day. And here we are, European champions. I’m so happy and wish we can keep going and go for the World Cup.”

Spain’s triumph capped an impressive tournament, remaining undefeated in seven games with 15 goals scored and only four conceded. The tournament also highlighted the emergence of 17-year-old forward Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player to score in a Euros with his goal against France in the semifinals.

England, seeking their first European Championship and first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup, fell short once again. They finished as runners-up in the Covid-delayed 2020 tournament, losing to Italy on penalties.