Ollie Watkins scores in 90th minute for England against Netherlands Euro 2024 semi-final
Ollie Watkins scores in 90th minute for England against Netherlands Euro 2024 semi-final

Euro 2024 Favorites: Spain and England Clash in Highly Anticipated Final

The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament has reached its climax, setting the stage for a thrilling final showdown between Spain and England. After weeks of intense competition and memorable moments, these two football powerhouses will battle for the coveted title. The final is scheduled for this Sunday, July 14th, at 3 p.m. ET, and fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating who will emerge as the Euro 2024 champion.

Spain secured their place in the final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over France in Tuesday’s semi-final. Despite conceding an early goal, the Spanish team demonstrated remarkable resilience and attacking prowess. The standout moment of the match came from 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who scored a stunning equalizer from outside the box. This historic goal not only leveled the score but also etched Yamal’s name in the record books as the youngest player to ever score in a Euros or World Cup match, surpassing the legendary Pelé’s record. Dani Olmo further solidified Spain’s lead with another goal, and their defense held strong against a persistent French attack, securing their passage to the final. Spain’s journey to the final has been nothing short of dominant, marking them as strong Euro 2024 Favorites. Notably, they have become the first team in Euros history to win six consecutive matches in a single tournament, showcasing their exceptional form and consistency.

England’s path to the final was equally dramatic, mirroring Spain’s semi-final in a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands. The Dutch team also took an early lead, putting pressure on England. However, England responded swiftly, with Harry Kane converting a penalty to equalize. The match remained tense until the final moments when Ollie Watkins, a late substitute, scored a crucial 90th-minute winner. Watkins’ goal was only the second 90th-minute winning goal in a Euro knockout match that occurred when the score was tied, highlighting the nail-biting nature of England’s victory and their determination to reach the final. This win further cements England as one of the top Euro 2024 favorites.

Ollie Watkins scores in 90′ to give England a 2-1 lead over the Netherlands

Ollie Watkins scores in 90th minute for England against Netherlands Euro 2024 semi-finalOllie Watkins scores in 90th minute for England against Netherlands Euro 2024 semi-final

As the final approaches, betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook indicate Spain as the slight favorite to win Euro 2024.

ODDS TO WIN UEFA EURO 2024:

Spain: -155 (Bet $10 to win $16.45 total)
England: +120 (Bet $10 to win $22 total)

To provide historical context, here is a list of previous UEFA Euro champions:

2020: Italy def. England
2016: Portugal def. France
2012: Spain def. Italy
2008: Spain def. Germany
2004: Greece def. Portugal
2000: France def. Italy
1996: Germany def. Czech Republic
1992: Denmark def. Germany
1988: Netherlands def. Soviet Union
1984: France def. Spain
1980: West Germany def. Belgium
1976: Czechoslovakia def. West Germany
1972: West Germany def. Soviet Union
1968: Italy def. Yugoslavia
1964: Spain def. Soviet Union
1960: Soviet Union def. Yugoslavia

The Euro 2024 final between Spain and England promises to be a captivating encounter. While Spain enters as the bookmakers’ favorite, England’s resilient performances throughout the tournament suggest they are more than capable of challenging for the title. Football fans around the globe are set to witness a historic final, and the question remains: which of these Euro 2024 favorites will lift the trophy? The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.

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