Spain lived up to their top billing as they defeated England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday to claim a record fourth continental title and extend England's 58-year big trophy drought by at least another two years.
Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal slid into Marc Cucurella's low cross to fire the 86th-minute winner after their 47th-minute opener from Nico Williams was cancelled out by English sub Cole Palmer in the 73rd.
"I couldn't be more happy. Today has been a wonderful day, a team has deservedly been crowned European champion. Today I'm even more proud and I hope this momentum can bring even better days," coach Luis de La Fuente said.
Man of the Match Williams' goal was superbly set up by Lamine Yamal who the day after his 17th birthday became the youngest player in a Euro final.
The goal ignited Spain after a cagey first half, even though influential playmaker Rodri did not return from the break - before being named Player of the Tournament in the end.
Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata, Williams and Yamal missed a second which backfired when substitute Cole Palmer drilled England's equalizer into the bottom left corner in the 73rd.
But Oyarzabal then had the last laugh for Spain in Berlin's Olympic Stadium under the eyes of Spain King Felipe VI on a glorious day for the nation, a few hours after Carlos Alcaraz won back-to-back Wimbledon tennis titles.
Spanish records in glorious tournament
La Roja became the first team to win all seven matches at one Euros as they moved one ahead of Germany with a fourth Euro title, the previous ones coming in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
Luis de la Fuente's team scored a finals record 15 goals in their run to the title that included victories over title holders Italy, 2018 and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, hosts Germany and pre-tournament favourites France, the 2018 World Cup winners and 2022 runners-up.
England wait goes on
England had far less flair but showed plenty of resilience as they were the first team to reach the final after coming from behind in all three previous knock-out matches, including a stoppage time overhead kick equalizer from Bellingham against Slovakia and an 89th-minute winner from Ollie Watkins against the Netherlands.
But, with the Prince of Wales looking on, Gareth Southgate's side finally ran out of luck, despite another temporary comeback effort, as not even Watkins coming on for captain Harry Kane on the hour made a difference in the end.
The Three Lions fell just short as in 2021 when they lost the Wembley final on penalties against the Azzurri.
The 1966 World Cup title remains the men's only title, with the next chance coming at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and at Euro 2028 in the Home Nations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and Ireland.
Most Popular
Comments / 0