Euro 2024 Final: Oyarzabal’s Goal Seals Spain’s Thrilling Victory Over England
Spain secured its record fourth European soccer championship with a dramatic 86th-minute goal from Mikel Oyarzabal, defeating England in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday in Berlin. Spain’s victory capped off an impressive run, as they won all seven games in the tournament, marking one of the most dominant performances in international soccer history.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente expressed his elation, saying, “I couldn’t be happier. To see the fans, to see the players. For me, they are the best in the world, and today I confirm that definition.”
The match saw Nico Williams score the first goal for Spain less than two minutes into the second half, following a goalless opening 45 minutes. Spain maintained control for most of the game, but England’s Cole Palmer equalized in the 73rd minute. Spain had previously won the tournament in 1964, 2008, and 2012, sharing the record of three titles with Germany.
This loss marks England’s second consecutive runner-up finish, following their defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. England has yet to win a European championship, with their last major international tournament victory being the 1966 World Cup. England captain Harry Kane expressed the team’s disappointment, stating, “Losing in a final is as tough as it gets.”
The decisive moment came when Mikel Oyarzabal, who had come on as a substitute, scored off an assist from Marc Cucurella in the 86th minute. England’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, made a crucial save on Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in the 82nd minute, but Spain continued to press high up the pitch, putting England under intense pressure in the final minutes.
Cole Palmer’s equalizer for England was a standout moment, coming just minutes after he entered the game as a substitute. His low left-footed shot from outside the penalty area in the 73rd minute was set up by Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham. Palmer, who had a breakout debut season with Chelsea, scoring 22 Premier League goals after transferring from Manchester City, provided a glimmer of hope for England.
In the end, Spain’s persistence and tactical prowess proved too much for England, securing a historic fourth European title and reaffirming their status as one of the world’s best teams.