Spain have cemented their place in history by becoming the most successful team in UEFA European Championship history.
Their 2-1 victory over England in the EURO 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday, July 14th, saw them lift the trophy for the fourth record time, surpassing all other nations in the competition’s storied legacy.
Coming into the game, which was broadcast live on NBS Sport, Spain were by far been the best team at the tournament.
La Roja had scored the most goals (13) and won all their matches, playing beautiful football whilst defeating Croatia, defending champions Italy and Albania in the group stages, debutants Georgia in the round of 16, hosts Germany in the quarters and France in the semis.
England, on the other hand, who had lost the EURO 2020 final to Italy, were seeking their first major trophy on foreign soil, and aiming to clinch their first title since 1966.
However, their underwhelming performances throughout the tournament saw the pre-tournament favourites lucky to be in the finals.
Despite having many star players like the La Liga Player of the Season Jude Bellingham, Premier League Player of the Season Phil Foden and Bundesliga Top Scorer Harry Kane, they’d struggled against Denmark, Slovakia, Switzerland, and even Serbia and Slovenia on their way to the final.
The highly-awaited EURO 2024 final began with a tactical surprise from England manager Gareth Southgate, who opted for a defensive four, with Luke Shaw making a comeback.
This strategic shift initially seemed effective as both Shaw and his fellow full-back neutralised the threat posed by Spain’s dynamic duo, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
The first half saw limited opportunities for both sides, with the first real shot on target coming in stoppage time.
Phil Foden’s quick reaction to a flicked free-kick saw him volley towards the near post, only for Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon to make a comfortable save.
The teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0, but Spain faced a setback as their key midfielder Rodri had to be substituted due to an injury.
Undeterred, Spain came out with renewed vigor and broke the deadlock just 70 seconds into the second half.
Yamal, finding a rare bit of space, set up Williams, who slid the ball past Jordan Pickford into the bottom corner.
England, familiar with trailing in this tournament, struggled to find their footing as Spain dominated the proceedings.
Spain nearly doubled their lead with Dani Olmo and captain Alvaro Morata both missing promising chances. Yamal also came close, but Pickford’s pivotal save kept England in the game.
The resilience paid off when substitute Cole Palmer, just three minutes after coming on, equalised in the 73rd minute with a precise low strike from the edge of the area, following a Jude Bellingham lay-off.
With the match finely balanced, both teams sought the winning goal. Pickford made another crucial save to deny Yamal, but Spain’s persistence paid off in the 86th minute.
A perfectly timed cross from Marc Cucurella found Mikel Oyarzabal, who made no mistake in sliding the ball home from close range.
England’s last-ditch efforts to find another equaliser were thwarted by Spain’s resolute defense, which expertly handled headed attempts from John Stones, Marc Guehi, and Declan Rice.
As the final whistle blew, Spain celebrated their historic fourth European crown, leaving England to grapple with the disappointment of a second consecutive Euros final defeat.
Spain’s triumph is a testament to their tactical acumen, resilience, and the masterful adjustments by coach Luis de la Fuente.
Their record in major finals now stands at five victories out of six, a remarkable achievement that underscores their dominance in European football.
For England, the journey to another final and the tactical innovations from Southgate showcased their growth, yet the elusive major tournament victory remains a dream.
At the end of the day, Spain were deservedly the winners of the tournament, and now boast of four European Championship titles, having previously emerged victorious in 1964, 2008, 2012 and now in 2024.
Spain’s players also achieved individual accolades, as midfielder Rodri was named as the best player of the EURO 2024, and team-mate Lamine Yamal won the best young player of the tournament award.
