BERLIN (AP) — Spain has etched its name into European soccer history once again, claiming a record fourth European Championship title. In a captivating final that showcased their tournament dominance, Spain triumphed over England with a 2-1 victory, solidifying their place as kings of European football. For England, the wait for major men’s silverware continues, adding another chapter to their frustratingly long tale of near misses.
The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal, an unexpected hero, slotted home the winning goal. Oyarzabal, initially a substitute striker brought on for captain Alvaro Morata, capitalized on a precise left-wing cross from Marc Cucurella. His timely finish broke the 1-1 deadlock, sending Spanish fans into raptures and crushing English hopes as the match seemed destined for extra time at Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion.
Image: Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal celebrate the decisive goal during the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
England, the nation credited with the birth of soccer, remains without a major men’s international title since their historic 1966 World Cup win. The English players could only watch as Alvaro Morata lifted the coveted silver European Championship trophy amidst a spectacular display of confetti and fireworks within the stadium, a venue steeped in history from the 1936 Olympics.
This Euro 2024 victory adds to Spain’s impressive European Championship legacy, joining their triumphs in 1964, 2008, and 2012.
“Here we are, champions of Europe,” exclaimed Nico Williams, whose dynamic opening goal for Spain in the 47th minute was later equalized by England substitute Cole Palmer in the 73rd minute. “We are overjoyed and aspire to maintain this momentum as we set our sights on the 2026 World Cup.”
Image: Spanish striker Mikel Oyarzabal scores the crucial second goal against England in the Euro 2024 final.
Spain’s Young Stars Shine at European Championship Euro 2024
Lamine Yamal, the prodigious talent who celebrated his 17th birthday just a day prior, became the youngest player ever to grace a European Championship. He played a pivotal role in Williams’ goal, showcasing his skill with an incisive run before delivering a precise pass across the penalty area. Yamal and Williams have emerged as the faces of an exciting and diverse Spanish team, reflecting the evolving demographics of Spain.
Yamal’s heritage is rooted in Equatorial Guinea and Morocco through his parents, while the 22-year-old Williams’ parents hail from Ghana, undertaking a perilous journey to Europe in pursuit of a better life. Their arduous journey to Spain involved a crowded truck ride and a barefoot trek across the Sahara desert.
Image: Spain’s match-winner Mikel Oyarzabal jubilantly celebrates after securing the Euro 2024 title.
“I believe this marks a historic shift, and we are deeply grateful,” said Williams, the official player of the match, recognized for his electrifying runs and his second goal of the European Championship Euro 2024 tournament.
“My parents endured immense hardship to reach this point. They are the ones who have sacrificed the most and instilled in me this profound sense of respect and loyalty,” he added. “I am incredibly happy because we are making history.”
In contrast to his brother Inaki, who represents Ghana internationally, Nico Williams chose to represent Spain and is now celebrated as a national hero.
Image: Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal battles for possession with Alvaro Morata and England’s Jude Bellingham in the Euro 2024 final.
Spain’s Resurgence in European Football
Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph signifies their return to the pinnacle of international football, adding to their recent successes, including the Women’s World Cup victory – also against England – and the men’s UEFA Nations League title in 2023.
Since 2001, Spanish men’s teams have achieved an astounding record of 23 consecutive major final victories in both club and international competitions.
“As I stated before the tournament, no one can compete with us,” Williams confidently asserted.
Spain’s journey through this European Championship Euro 2024 was nothing short of perfect, winning all seven of their matches – a feat never before accomplished. They also set a new tournament record with an impressive 15 goals scored.
Image: Spain’s Nico Williams celebrates scoring the first goal against England in the Euro 2024 final match.
Jubilant Celebrations and Heartbreak for England at European Championship Euro 2024
The final whistle ignited scenes of pure elation as defender Dani Carvajal was swarmed by jubilant teammates after collapsing to the ground in joy. Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, was lifted into the air by his celebrating squad. Cucurella and Yamal led the charge, jumping over the advertising boards to reach the ecstatic Spanish supporters in the stadium’s east end.
“This is the greatest birthday present imaginable,” Yamal beamed. “It’s a dream come true.”
Upon receiving his medal, the young star turned to the crowd, pumped his fist, playfully stuck out his tongue, and flashed a wide, infectious grin. Yamal and his teammates proudly donned Spain jerseys emblazoned with “Kings of Europe” and the number “4” on the back, commemorating their historic fourth European Championship Euro 2024 title.
Image: Spanish players celebrate their Euro 2024 victory by throwing coach Luis de la Fuente into the air.
Simultaneously, in Madrid, fans who had gathered to watch the game on a giant screen erupted in wild celebrations, chanting “champions, champions” in Spanish. It was a day of double sporting glory for Spain, as Carlos Alcaraz had earlier secured his second consecutive Wimbledon men’s singles title just hours before the Euro 2024 final.
For England, however, this defeat marked another agonizing setback. The men’s team has now suffered losses in back-to-back European Championship finals – following their penalty shootout defeat to Italy on home soil in the Euro 2020 final. This latest loss extends their major title drought to six decades, with the next World Cup looming.
England’s women’s team has experienced greater success, winning the European Championship in 2021 and reaching the World Cup final in 2023, offering a stark contrast to the men’s team’s fortunes.
Image: Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Nico Williams share the joy of winning Euro 2024 against England.
“This time, it simply wasn’t meant to be,” Prince William, who attended the final alongside dignitaries including Spain’s King Felipe, shared on social media. “We remain immensely proud of you all.”
Remarkably, England had shown resilience throughout Euro 2024, coming from behind in four consecutive games since the group stage. However, their comeback spirit fell short in the final.
Despite producing moments of brilliance throughout the tournament, including Jude Bellingham’s stunning 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia in the round of 16, England couldn’t conjure another decisive moment in the final. Spain’s Dani Olmo crucially cleared the ball off the line from an England corner in the 89th minute, denying a potential equalizer.
Image: A dejected England manager Gareth Southgate walks past the Euro 2024 trophy after Spain’s victory.
“It has been a challenging journey, and we performed exceptionally well to reach this stage, but ultimately, we will be judged on this final game,” England captain Harry Kane reflected.
“It’s incredibly painful,” he admitted. “This disappointment will linger for a very long time.”
England coach Gareth Southgate, who has managed the team for eight years and guided them to the World Cup semifinals in 2018, stated that it was not the appropriate moment to decide his future. His current contract concludes in December.
“The majority of this squad will be around not only for the World Cup but also for the next Euros,” Southgate noted. “There is much to anticipate in the future, but at this moment, that offers little consolation.”
Image: England’s captain Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka react with disappointment at the end of the Euro 2024 final.
Image: Excited Spanish fans cheer in anticipation before the Euro 2024 final match in Berlin.
Image: Jubilant Spanish players celebrate their triumph in the Euro 2024 final.
Image: A dejected England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford shows his reaction after losing the Euro 2024 final.
Image: England’s Jude Bellingham walks past the Euro 2024 trophy after Spain’s victory in the final.
Image: Pyrotechnics illuminate the stadium as Spanish players celebrate winning Euro 2024.
Image: Young star Lamine Yamal poses proudly with the Euro 2024 trophy.
Image: Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente congratulates Lamine Yamal after their Euro 2024 victory.
Image: Spain’s captain Alvaro Morata kisses the European Championship Euro 2024 trophy.
Image: Spanish supporters in Madrid erupt in celebration after Spain wins Euro 2024.
Image: Spanish King Felipe VI and Princess Sofia join the Euro 2024 celebrations with the team.
Image: Britain’s Prince William greets a disappointed Harry Kane after the Euro 2024 final.
Image: Harry Kane is shown on a big screen at a fan zone during the Euro 2024 final match.
Image: Disappointed England fans react at a fan zone during the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
Ciaran Fahey and James Ellingworth in Berlin, Daniella Matar in Milan and Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain, contributed to this report.
AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024
