Spain has once again demonstrated its dominance in European soccer by winning a historic fourth European Championship title, defeating England 2-1 in a thrilling final held at Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion. This victory extends Spain’s record as the most successful team in the tournament’s history with titles now in 1964, 2008, 2012, and 2024.

The match was decided in the 86th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal, a substitute striker, scored a crucial goal. Oyarzabal, replacing captain Alvaro Morata, connected with a left-wing cross from Marc Cucurella, pushing the ball past the English defense. This goal shattered England’s hopes of pushing the game into extra time and ended their quest for their first major men’s title since the 1966 World Cup.

Spain’s victory march began early in the second half when Nico Williams, assisted by the young prodigy Lamine Yamal, opened the scoring in the 47th minute. England’s Cole Palmer temporarily leveled the score with a goal in the 73rd minute, but it was not enough to contain the spirited Spanish side.

Spain’s campaign at Euro 2024 was marked by remarkable consistency and strategic brilliance. Under the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente, the team won all seven matches—a new record for the tournament—and set a record for the most goals scored in a single European Championship with 15.

The Spanish squad, a blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Yamal and Williams, displayed a vibrant and multicultural dynamism that has become a hallmark of their play. Yamal, who turned 17 during the tournament, and Williams, with his impactful runs and critical goals, have emerged as the faces of this diverse and dynamic team.

For England, the loss was another in a series of disappointments on the European stage. Despite reaching back-to-back Euro finals, the team has struggled to overcome the final hurdle. Captain Harry Kane expressed the profound disappointment felt by the team, emphasizing the “long-lasting pain” of another missed opportunity.

England coach Gareth Southgate, reflecting on the journey and the outcome, highlighted the potential of the current squad while acknowledging the immediate heartbreak of the loss. With his contract set to expire in December, Southgate’s future remains uncertain as the team looks towards the World Cup and the next European Championship.

The victory unleashed jubilant celebrations among Spanish fans, both at the stadium and back home, where fans had also celebrated Carlos Alcaraz’s consecutive Wimbledon win earlier in the day. Meanwhile, English fans and players, including Prince William who attended the game, had to contend with the familiar agony of coming close yet falling short.

As Spain celebrates its return to the pinnacle of European soccer, the team sets its sights on the upcoming World Cup, hoping to carry forward their continental success onto the global stage.

  Berlin Olympiastadion, England, England soccer, European Championship, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams, soccer finals, Spain, Spain Euro 2024