Berlin, July 14 (EFE).- Mikel Oyarzabal scored a late goal as Spain beat England 2-1 to win the final of Euro 2024 in Berlin on Sunday night.
Oyarzabal scored in the 86th minute with a first-time finish at the near post after a wonderful delivery from Marc Cucurella.
While England threatened to take the win during a brief spell after their equalizer, Spain reimposed themselves with extra time looming to break English hearts.
The first half saw only one shot on target as the two teams canceled each other out, with Spain dominating possession but not creating any meaningful chances.
But the Iberians emerged from half time with more energy, with star youngsters combining in the 47th minute as Nico Williams smashed in a first time shot after Lamine Yamal’s incisive run and pass.
La Roja had chances to add a second and were firmly camped in England’s half, until Ollie Watkins came off the bench for Harry Kane to provide more pace and stretch the Spanish defense.
The move by Gareth Southgate worked. Cole Palmer, another substitute, leveled the score in the 73rd minute when he struck a low curler from the edge of the box that took a slight deflection on its way past Unai Simon.
But Spain were soon back on the front foot. Yamal had a massive chance to bag Spain’s second goal with under 10 minutes left but his shot was straight at Pickford.
Once in the lead, Spain retreated to protect their advantage, aware that England had made three late comebacks on their route to the final. They had a golden chance to equalize in the 89th minute but Dani Olmo cleared Marc Guehi’s header off the line.
Spain, who won every game in Germany, were by far the best team during the tournament and were superior to England at the Olympic Stadium, deservedly winning their first trophy since they won Euro 2012.
For England, who were making their second Euros final appearance in a row, their 58-year wait for a major trophy goes on after they were beaten by a team with too much quality. EFE